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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  An easy pick - 2008 Scion XD
  By D.C. - November 20 - 12:03 am

  Just purchased. Where else can you get a fully loaded automatic for under 16K? Plus the Toyota reliability factor and excellent gas mileage (27-32 mpg under the more strict 2008 EPA standards). The ride is very nice. Handling is tight and the xDs engine is more than adequate (128hp 4 cyl). In comparison, the Honda Fit (109hp) and Toyota Yaris (106 hp) dont come close. Theres plenty of passenger room in the interior and the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat for plenty of cargo space. The standard 160-watt Pioneer stereo system with 6 speakers sounds great.The Scion xD offers the little intangibles that you just cannot find in any car in its class.You cant go wrong with the Scion xD.

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  My Scion Xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By Barbara Burgess - November 19 - 9:56 am

  I purchased my Scion Xb last April. I thought it was the weirdest car I had ever seen and I had to get it! I am not a kid. I am in my mid 50s. I really love the car. I am constantly being stopped on the street by people asking me about it. I am a great salesperson for the car. There are a couple of things that could use some changes inside, but they are minor. The worst thing is that you can not get cruise control factory installed, and the one they put in is absolutely horrible! My husband likes to drive it so much that I think he will get one for his next car.

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  Excellent - 2006 Scion TC
  By barrytime - November 18 - 6:46 am

  The Scion tC is fast and affordable and offers more standard features than any car in its class with a better price tag. The car delivers excellent performance and a fun-to-drive experience without drawing too much attention from the authorities. Plus it has that legendary Toyota quality.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Scion TC
  By rvart06 - November 18 - 3:50 am

  I have owned this car for about a week and a half now and Im pretty satisfied with it. I was told by the selling agent at the dealership that the car goes through tires quickly, which is really its only negative aspect. I was told one set of tires will last about 1 mile/15,000 miles. The car handles decently, with satisfying acceleration. The braking is a tad on the weaker side, probably because the car is 3000 lbs. Also, when taking a sharp turn at higher speeds (around a corner for example) there is considerable body roll. But other than these minor things, the car is great!! Great features for the price, fun to drive, great body styling!

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  quality car - 2013 Scion XB
  By Javier Jimenez - November 17 - 2:18 pm

  I love my XB. Reliable, smooth, powerful, everything I expected from my 4th Toyota.

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  Scion Owner - 2005 Scion TC
  By laredo - November 13 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking at all coupes including Audi TT, 350Z, G35, etc. Needed combination of reasonable cargo, fun drive, fuel economy, style, and traction. The tc was lowest on style and traction, but won....., and I could have bought two for the price of the other cars. The car is loaded with goodies and fun to drive. The stick is fun, but the automatic would be boring and render the car to "just like any other compact". My fuel economy is 23 in town and 30 on the highway. Its basically hard to complain about the car, but there are some annoying flaws. The double press "all unlock" key feature is poorly designed. The roof posts badly obstruct critical vision, front and back(a surprise to me

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  Exterior Design Flaw - 2006 Scion XB
  By OneDriver - November 13 - 2:56 pm

  The front and back end designs are poor. The front end drags on anything too high, pulls the front end bumper and grill off very easily. Then, the plastic fasteners break, leaving the front end hanging. Pushed back in, even the wind can pull it off. Dangerous. Should be a recall.

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  Great Car - 2009 Scion XD
  By Happy in NC - November 12 - 4:33 pm

  This is one of the best cars weve ever owned - fun to drive, economical, lots of room for its size - overall a wonderful car and great buy. No haggling over price. The car handles and parks wonderfully. I recommend a buy. Superior to Fix which I also test drove.

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  2006 Scion XB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jorge - November 12 - 4:10 am

  The 2006 Scion xB is an outstanding vehicle for the money. It handles quite nicely and gets great gas mileage. I have been averaging 32 mpg. in the city and on the highway combined. I have no regrets in purchasing the vehicle and have heard countless positive comments from friends and others about the car. Many have told me that you get a lot of car of the money and since its made by Toyota, it will be a reliable car.

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  Old folks can drive the Box too! - 2006 Scion XB
  By TAX BOX - November 12 - 1:30 am

  We own 2004 Vovlo XC90 SUV as primary vehicle. Both vehicles have anti-lock brakes, roll-over control (VSC), and excellent, proven drivetrain/safety records (Toyota). Scion beats our Volvo SUV for; gas mileage (35 vs 21), comfort/room, standard features, visability, utility, and fun factor to drive. I can buy 3 of these for 1 Volvo SUV. Four older couples on a recent trip told me it reminds them of the VW bug when it first came out (a car ahead of its time). I bought this car for business travel. (Im in my 40s) My wife said she would rather drive the Scion than her $45,000 SUV. Its our family car of choice now. Thanks, Scion! Long live the Box!