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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Fast/Sprinty car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Yurimaster - April 18 - 8:16 am

  This is my first new car as well. I had 2003 Nissan altima 2.5 L engine with 5 speed. Tho the altima is powerful and has good acceleration, my new scion seems to take off quicker and shifts faster. This is do to the lighter weight car and a 2.4 L engine. Most cars with 2.4 L like Camry weigh much more. Car accelerates very quick with out much effort on the accelerator. Smooth clutch and shifting feels firm. Gas miles is about right and all depends on the driver more then any factor and tire pressure. Hold good con curbs and has more sportier feels suspension as to a corolla or standard Camry. Now I really love my car and Toyota makes the most reliable car

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  I LOVE MY LITTLE SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By lightgoddess - April 18 - 12:36 am

  I love driving my 2005 White ScionXB. I love the way people look at my car and I can see them saying "What is that?" I love the uniqueness and originality of the Scion XB. I am unique and original and I am happy to have a car that represents me. The Scion XB is a great cross between a car and an SUV. Its small yet, you sit high so you feel like youre driving an SUV, youre not down on the ground. THE XB is so easy to get in and out of for you and your passengers. The XB has a great amount of head and leg room--it is NOT cramped at all. The SCION XB is a very affordable, fun and unique driving experience!!

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  worth money - 2005 Scion TC
  By tcs owner - April 17 - 10:00 am

  worth your money, looking forward to seeing those 200hp model. however its a little bit noisy inside when driving fast (but, its 16,000 dollars car) Tons of stuffs to install to the car. I installed the exhaust system, pretty nice sound. great design. overall, perfect for budget and very fun to drive.

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  xB squared - 2006 Scion XB
  By fjnand - April 14 - 8:36 am

  Just put in 1K after 3 weeks of owner ship. And no regrets at all this car is it for people who is concious about MPG and needs an all around vehicle. I bought this car as a commuter and running errands on weekends and so far it has been great. Interior materials and design are top notch. Great commanding view when stuck in traffic and back seat space is enormous. Could not have bough a more suitable car for my daily needs. Stereo is great and its fun to drive.

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  Love It - 2005 Scion xA
  By Karyn - April 8 - 9:30 am

  The scion xA is a fun, zippy little car that Ive enjoyed driving since day one. We moved from a minivan to the xA and when I saw it, I almost dismissed it as ridiculous because of its size, but this thing feels much larger than it is. Its not a very powerful car, but for my needs, it works for me. The gas mileage, driveability, and appearance make up for what it lacks in horsepower.

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  Cant Be Beat! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daren - March 31 - 9:26 am

  The second I saw the redesigned xB I knew it was only time before one was mine. Being right out of college it is a fantastic car everyday and has taken everything I have thrown at it. I just loaded a mountain bike in the back without taking off the wheels and it fit! Gas mileage has been fantastic, went from Cleveland to Chicago and back and got 32.5 mpg round trip! All city driving hasnt went below 24mpg. I am young and like to go fast so I dont pamper the gas pedal! I smile every time I look at this car and have been noticing a lot more on the roads as more people are catching on to how practical this car is!

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  Toyota got it wrong - 2005 Scion XB
  By Yellow Peril - March 30 - 11:36 pm

  I think Toyota may have focused on the wrong market. I see a few kids driving, but a lot more older adults. It is easy to get in and out of, loads of carrying capacity with the rear seats folded down. Room for four ADULT sized people, my two teenagers (six foot plus) sit in the rear seats with the front seats all the way back and still have 6 inches of knee room left. Even with all of us in and luggage for a weekend, still gets 30-35 mpg. Only drawback is you have to work the transmission to keep the rpm at 3500+ so you can keep the speed up on the hills. You can cruise at 85 mph with 4 adults quite comfortably. And yes, it will hit 100 mph and still feels rock solid.

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  Love My Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By dkdc68 - March 30 - 5:13 pm

  The only problem I have experienced, living in the city and parking on the street is that the body components seem extremely susceptible to dents and dings. Ive heard others comment on this as well..and body work can be expensive on the metallic paint colors. Otherwise this is my dream car, it is great in town, even better on the higway. I have been getting 34 mpg doing 73 mph in cruise control with the AC on. This car has a high head turning quotient and a good stereo. It feels a little delicate going over bumps, but its otherwise excellent.

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  So far, the XB is great!! - 2009 Scion XB
  By happy customer - March 29 - 3:03 am

  You sit a little higher in the XB than you do in normal sedans. Not as high as an SUV, (back in the day I drove a Jeep Cherokee) but high enough to provide better sight lines on the road. The interior feels very roomy, and the seats are the most comfortable of all the cars I tried before purchasing the XB. The automatic transmission works well for downshifting when roads are snowy / ice covered. Could not ask for more at this price.

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  Love This Car! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Mommy of 2 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I Traded in my huge SUV and bought my scion used. It had 47,000 on it and runs great. I have 2 small girls 8 and 6. No problem getting them in and out. Booster seat fits fine. also had my friends baby in the back with my girls. well enough room for all car seat i was shocked. Fun to drive. kids love moon roof in the back. Only thing i notice is A/C is not to cold, but i think it just need flushed. I live in Oregon and Have no problems in rain with this car handles so well. no complaints!