Overview & Reviews

Scion is one of the youngest brands on the market -- which seems appropriate given that it's targeted at a very youthful demographic. Scion has quickly found a home in the hearts of buyers seeking its winning blend of value and style. The frosting on this cake is that Scion is part of the Toyota family, offering all the quality and reliability you'd expect from a marque with its parentage.

When Toyota realized early in the 21st century that it was losing market share in the younger demographic due to a stodgy image, the company took a chance and decided to spin off a new brand called Scion (its name means "descendant" or "heir to"). The first Scions, the xA and xB models, were introduced for the 2004 model year. These edgy little cruisers were first available only in the California market; after a staggered rollout, Scion vehicles became available nationwide.

Both the xA and xB were immediate hits, snapped up by young (or young at heart) buyers looking for high-quality, fun and affordable wheels. The boxy yet funky styling of the Scions provided a lot of passenger and cargo room for the cars' small footprints, making them ideal choices for campus and urban residents alike. They also coddled the youth market with flashy sound systems; Scion's stereos are among the best in the economy-car segment.

The following year, the Scion brood grew to include the tC. This compact but sporty coupe offered more performance relative to its older siblings, thanks largely to a more powerful engine. The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor. By 2012, Scion had introduced the tiny iQ city car and the sporty FR-S sport coupe.

In the interest of keeping things simple for buyers, Scions typically come in only one trim level. However, buyers have the option of customizing their rides with a host of dealership-provided accessories, such as a subwoofer, body kits and custom exhausts. Scion also offers no-haggle pricing wherein buyers pay the list (window sticker) price, thus streamlining the negotiation process.

So far, a simple and well-equipped model lineup, no-haggle pricing and a variety of dealer-added options have combined to make the Scion brand popular with American consumers. The economy car segment isn't typically the first place you'd look for stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles, but Scion has changed all that by offering cars rich with a seductive exuberance that belies their modest pricing.

User Reviews:

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  Scion xB - Hot Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By albertowpb - May 14 - 11:46 pm

  I love the Scion xB. Its kind of a downgrade from my previous car, but I cant get enough of it. I have spent in upgrades what I spent on the car and Im nowhere near done. I have never loved another car this much!

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  Cute, Roomy, Gas-Efficient & Technologically Friendly! - 2012 Scion IQ
  By nikegal - May 13 - 9:42 pm

  Im 5 11, this gives me plenty of head/leg room! I work out of my car, so that is a important. 37 mpg both city & highway driving. That in itself is a reason to jump on in! Turns on a dime so you can get out of even the tightest spots easily. My view in all directions is phenomenal, unlike my Mini that had blindspots. I get a lifetime plan which includes free oil changes regular maintenance, plus, I also get roadside assistance. It has a 3 year/36k warranty. There is a nice pull-out drawer under the passenger seat for your laptop. The power windows go completely down with 1 touch, & I also have radio controls on my steering wheel. My iPod sounds great and the bluetooth is clear & easy!

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  Scion xA Release Series 1.0 Rocks - 2004 Scion xA
  By Jamison - May 12 - 6:16 pm

  Weve only had this car for a few weeks, but have totally enjoyed it. Even though the sticker (and the dealer) said wed only get 31-36mpg weve found that using 89 octane instead of 87, and driving sensibly have gotten us an average of 38-43 mpg. The car is fun! It is packed with lots of nice standard features and the RS 1.0 version adds a nice "moon roof", cool wheels, and much more agile handling than the standar Scion xA. I with that it came with cruise control though. Weve added the cold air induction system and gotten a lot better acceleraton with no apparent negative effect on gas mileage. There arent many Scions around here so no one seems to know what it is. Its easy to find in a parking lot full of look alikes.

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  SCION xA 2004 - 2004 Scion xA
  By GWMERKLE. - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE SMALL CARS AND THIS IS THE BEST SMALL CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. IT HAS EVERYTHING ON IT AND I DIDNT THINK THAT I WOULD LIKE THIS, BUT I DO. IT IS A REMARKABLE CAR.

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  This is an AMAZING car! - 2004 Scion XB
  By LAScionXBGuy - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to take the time and say what an awesome car this is! Toyota really outdid themselves in putting together this great concept and it has really shown through its amazing sales in California and hopefully in the nation. The styling is great to begin with, and its very different, so expect a lot of heads to turn and turn and turn. The interior is very well equipped with features that you would normally only find on a higher end vehicle, such as ABS brakes and traction control, just to name a few. The amount of space in the vehicle is amazing, larger than anything I have every seen in the compact/subcompact almost SUV like car class.

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  This Car is Like Roy Jones Jr. The BEST - 2004 Scion XB
  By wonderworm - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Just as Roy Jones Jr. had to keep moving up weight classes to find good competition only to trounce it handily, The Scion xB does the same thing. There isnt any car Id rather own until you get to around 30 grand. The looks are just amazing and so is the passenger room. I just love this car. And the fact that it has an engine thats just itching to be modded is even better. I recently got 36MPG in my automatic on the freeway and I was nearing 380 miles on the tank. Those who cant see the genius behind this car are doomed to be blind forever. Who would ever expect stupidity to understand genius anyway?

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  Great looking coupe - 2011 Scion TC
  By Lou - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Had my tC for 5 days and, after driving my 05 Mini Cooper w/ sport suspension, Im beginning to settle in with the Scion. Handling and ride are very good, the steering, though somewhat light, tracks right on center. Corners well, brakes are superb. Havent pushed it too hard, but the reserve power is there if I need it. The manual trans shifts smooth and gear changes are easily executed. I appreciate the new style for its looks and practicality. Perfect vehicle for my wife and I who are both retired and love to do road trips as well as ski the North East mountains. Ive received compliments on the car for its attractive lines and roomy interior.

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  WOW!!! - 2005 Scion xA
  By MIB - May 7 - 7:26 am

  I was looking to get into a MINI Cooper, but found the prices a bit much. For about 8 grand less, I found this xA Special Release Edition. Fell in love at the first corner I turned. This car HANDLES!!

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  The best car ! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dimon - May 6 - 5:40 am

  Before I had maxima 1998 - it was dragon with gas. With my xa I do not remember when I put gas into my car. I love size of the car, it is comfortable. It is easy to park in NY.

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  Go Granny Go - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mike - May 5 - 10:56 am

  What a cool ride. My wife saw it and fell in love. To me it looks like a mix of a Honda Element and a PT Cruiser. With everything this vehicle has to offer, I am sure that sales will explode, as more and more people find out what they are missing. And also, watch out for the price to start going up, as there is no other car on the market that can compete with the price and standard equipment.