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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Scion XB
  By Cynthia Blankenship - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Scion. I have a bad back, and am glad I can get in and out easily. There is enough room for my scooter. I like the looks, and comments we get from people. It is just a great vehicle. Even our passengers like the back seat and ride.

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  Great redesign! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Meghan - May 4 - 12:03 am

  I traded my 2006 xB in for the 2008 and I couldnt be happier. It has so much more power and the ride is so much more smooth and quiet. In addition, I feel safer since it has side airbags and a higher doorline. I do a lot of freeway driving and can merge and pass with ease now. The vehicle feels much more responsive than the original xB. It is loaded with features for the price and feels and rides like a much pricier car. My only quibbles are the blindspots in the rear corner, the width of the armrest, and the mushiness of the drivers seat.

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  I Love My Scion xD! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Erin - May 3 - 9:10 pm

  I traded in a 2005 Ford Escape two and a half months ago for my new xD. The gas mileage is great, I drive about 10 miles every day (back and forth to work) and still never get below 32 mpg. On long trips I get close to 40 if not more. I love the styling, performance, stereo, everything. I researched many other cars, looking for better gas mileage than what I was getting. I settled on the xD due to overall value and standard list of features. I went from driving an auto to manual and it hasnt bothered me at all and I had no problem adjusting to the gauges. The only thing extra I got were floor mats. I love my new xD and couldnt be happier!

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  Best Kept Secret in Affordable Cars - 2006 Scion xA
  By joe - April 27 - 12:30 pm

  Toyota did a great job designing this car. For the price it is simply hard to beat. It is simple, versatile, economical and does not feel in any way cheap. Its $20,000 worth of car for $14,000.

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  The XD I didnt want & now Luv! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Arikk - April 27 - 11:16 am

  I wanted Ford escape hybrid. Husband wanted this trinket car. This car is easy to maintain. It has all kinds of dummy alarms to say "hey stupid u left the lights on or change your oil" etc. One of the best thing is this car is higher of the ground. You dont get stuck in the snow ( I did w/ civic always) with it and my 63" husband can fit in it. I have hip problems. I have no problem get in and out. We packed for our trip and my husband had all this luggage. I thought I got him now! Your not going to be able to put all that and the dog crate in that trinket of a car. Wrong, it was no problem. It has a lot of storage, pioneer radio, I-pod hook up. We went on a 7 hr trip and got 44/g at65. Xd hybrid next?

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Andrew - April 25 - 11:36 am

  It is not a sports car, so if thats what you need, turn around and read reviews of the 350z. Now, its a great car. 100,000 miles, and no repairs, only maintenance. I love it. The 5-speed manual is very quick and smooth engagement of the gears, easy release clutch. Sound system is AWESOME! Its got everything you need, its a great car, with Toyota quality, and its not on the recall list, because its made in Japan, where the Toyota reputation was made.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2010 Scion XB
  By ripdaddy - April 24 - 8:17 am

  After 800 miles on my pre-owned 2010 XB I have found it to be an economical and fun car to drive. A recent 500 mile road trip returned 34.5 mpg on an interstate over the rolling hills of N. Missouri. Cruise control was set for 66 mph. The second half of the trip was on US and state highways using very little cruise control. Even with passing through small towns and some hilly, winding roads I got 35.6 mpg average. An overdrive 6th gear would work great on this car. The torquey 2.4 Camry engine pulls easily from 2000 rpm up.

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  this car is awesome - 2004 Scion XB
  By curlyibell - April 23 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome! its fun to drive , its got lots of room, it get great gas milage,it drives so smooth. my most favorite thing about the xb is that you get to decide what you want in yours.

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  Great Big Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By roger - April 23 - 5:33 am

  My commute is about 100 miles a day. I love this little bugger. It handles well in all types of weather. The fuel economy is excellent. Matter of fact it just does what it is supposed to do day after day. Dont overlook the standard electronic stability control. While not sexy it just might save your life. My experience has led me to buy a second xB.

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  Awsome Little Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By econobox - April 18 - 5:00 pm

  You cant go wrong with this city car. Our primary family car for three years with two huge Britax Boulevard seats. Swallows cargo with the rear seats down. Good pick up. Handling is sprightly and easy. Bumpy ride. Its a city car, not a long distance one. Seats are comfy. AC is weak but gets the job done. We have a dark color which is party to blame. Just tint the windows. Fuel economy with the AC running constantly, California gas, and making short trips in stop and go varies between 29 and 31. Our 528i gets 19 mpg in the same situation. Freeway mileage is more like 33-35, but I dont drive slowly. Excellent visibility with tall seating. Tons of headroom; Im 6, 5 wife loves it too.