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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  All around affordable fun vehicle - 2006 Scion TC
  By justin_milller - July 16 - 10:26 pm

  This car has been the best vehicle I have owned and my fiance and I will probably not ever sell this car do to that. It is a very fun car to drive and is not hard on my wallet.

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  This car rocks - 2008 Scion TC
  By tigerfan - July 16 - 8:10 pm

  Really enjoy interstate off ramps and merging into traffic. The tC looks like a 2 dr but is a hatch back and the seats fold flat which gives me a bunch of room to haul stuff. Fuel enonomy is great around 25-27 city and well over 30 on the highway and I drive 75-80.

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  tC - Best Buy - 2007 Scion TC
  By Joe - July 15 - 5:26 pm

  I traded my premium gas guzzling, visually challenged for driving safety, 2006 Eclipse GT for a 2007 Scion tC and it is simply a great car. It has nearly all of the features of an "upscale Eclipse" minus the aero-kit, which worked itself loose twice in six months causing simply put: poor fit and looks. The Eclipse has more adrenalin but the tC is more consistent overall and has outstanding fuel economy using regular fuel. Its 17 inch wheels and wide rubber make it a gem for handling and turning.

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  If I couldnt have a MINI. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Poulsen - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Was pleasantly surprised with all the standard features for such a low price plus the excellent gas mileage. CD, power windows, power mirror, interior lights that shut-off after closing the door, etc. Advertised at 32/37 mpg and actually getting combined of 36.5 mpg. Enjoy the somewhat unique exterior styling, similar to a Matrix. Who wants a Honda or VW they all have the same bland styling. Again, for 13K cant beat it.

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  My Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By shell643 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my scion for a week now, but I love every bit of it ! The car is very roomy and runs great. The dealership where I purchased the car made everything a great experience !

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  scion tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By lilchic - July 12 - 10:00 am

  i have had my TC for about a week now and i am somewhat disappointed. The ride is rough and you can feel every bump on the road. i dont like the noise it makes when i accelerate.

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  What a fun car! - 2014 Scion XD
  By Alisa LaVine - July 11 - 1:15 am

  This is my second Scion and I love it more than my 05 XA. Its perfect for a single person or a couple with maybe one child. The acceleration is a surprise considering the size of the engine. While it isnt the smoothest ride, its perfectly acceptable for a subcompact. The touchscreen, Pioneer stereo is an added bonus as well as it being Bluetooth friendly. The gas mileage is good and the seats are comfortable.

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  Sciontology - 2006 Scion xA
  By falsesmall - July 9 - 3:16 pm

  The Scion xA is a funky little "Mini Cooper"-like buggy that is a blast to drive. It has Toyota / Lexus quality with standard power windows, doors, mirrors, ABS, 15 inch wheels, and a kick butt 6 speaker stereo that will even play your MP3s. It is near the top in gas mileage and, unlike the Mini, runs on regular. Despite its size, the front seats are roomy and very comfortable. The driving position / view of the road is similar to driving a minivan or an SUV. It handles well. The ride is a little choppy on uneven surfaces though. The engine provides ample power, but is a bit anemic when the car loaded. For $14,070 out the door (plus tax/tags), how can you beat it?

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  dont have one, get one!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By joe r. ceja - July 9 - 3:13 am

  if driving an auto, let your xB warm up before driving off. this will help the trans shift smoother.

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  Not as great as I 1st thought - 2005 Scion TC
  By jagon91 - July 6 - 6:20 am

  When i first purchased the car i was excited and it seemed like a pretty sporty car until i used it for a few months and realize it really isnt. it is sluggish and in the manual you are in 5th gear befor 45 or else it just feels strange driving around. i just want a car that i dont have to shift gears before i am halfway through an intersection. build quality is a joke. over time i have found at least 5 different rattles from all over the car. oh and my rear hatch handle straight up came off. repairs cost over 300 if not under warranty anymore and is a well known problem that scion refuses to deal with.