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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 Xa - Little to Complain About - 2006 Scion xA
  By P. Wood - December 4 - 4:40 am

  I love this car and have only one thing I would improve on it , the power. It takes too long to warm up and change gears. It handles great and is extremely easy to park. Ive had other compacts with the same engine specs. that seemed to be a little more powerful. The interior fits a short person comfortably, and tall people dont feel closed in. The exterior and style are attractive and eye-catching. The accessories are impressive - only one thing is needed there, someway to fit in a console. All-in-all, I will buy another one if they are around when I need my next car.

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  2009 Scion TC - 2009 Scion TC
  By Carly - November 26 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Scion TC after driving almost every car on the market that was under $25,000 and being a previous Mazda salesperson and Mazda3 owner. I fell in love with the vehicle inside and out. I have had 2 problems with the car not starting and Toyota cannot figure out the problem. When I took the car in for service they always give me a loaner car and always call me with updates on its status. Its been a few months since the problem and I love the car otherwise.

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  Nice Car For Money - 2008 Scion TC
  By YungandFun - November 20 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my tC for 5 months and Im still in love with it. Every time i go out to my car i smile because of how GREAT it looks. I am a college student and it always turns heads especially with the sunroof open.

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  Love my Toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By jeffieboy - November 19 - 11:23 pm

  From day one, I enjoyed owning this car. I got the Special Edition RS 3.0 in Envy Green and it turns heads. With the front and rear sway bars and cold air intake package installed, its performance seems to have increased and it handles very nicely. Everyone that rides in the rear seat remarks on how roomy it is. With the rear seats down it swallowed a 5,500 watt generator in the box with room to spare. At 9,500 miles, nothing has broken yet, and I do not expect any failures. So far 31.8 mpg I am getting on average and 34 on a 1,600 mile trip at highway speeds with the a/c on.

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  Jons Review - 2004 Scion xA
  By SC Jon - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Scion xA. I have only experienced very minor problems (driver door adjustment). My only complaint is the air conditioner seems a little weak and is slow to cool down.

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  Great for old folks too - 2005 Scion XB
  By David - November 16 - 6:43 am

  Apparently the xB is being marketed to buyers younger than my wife and myself, but we fell in love with its utility, price, standard features and ABS, so even though we have a daughter old enough to drive one, we bought it for ourselves. Have had it for about 2 months and continue to love it. Interior room is the signature of this car, but its standard features (including ABS) are a real plus, especially for the $14,100 price we paid in NJ. Gripes? The interior lighting could be better and brighter, and the ride could be smoother, but these are minor complaints. Though our suburban nieghbors have yet to adjust to seeing the xB in our driveway, we look out now and then just to admire it.

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  My new Scion Tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Gibsongirl - November 13 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FUN to drive..poor mileage...Air Conditioning needs to be more powerful in 90+ heat. Feel the road bumps..great moonroof, radio is wonderful--BLIND spot over drivers shoulder..nice hatchback (needs a release button inside car),..I bought the neon lights inside..nice touch ! Everyone wants to know WHO MAKES IT??? LOL...I am happy..for awhile..

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  scooter review - 2009 Scion XB
  By davew - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After a lot of research, I traded my 2007 4 door Silvarado for my dream 2009 Stingray Metallic xb Auto. Looks like the best $17000 auto on the market. Wanted headroom, upright seating, all necessary features as standard, 25 mpg, and yeah, something different. I love it and the extra room in the garage. have aerodynimcs are overrated and its hip to be square decals. 5000 miles and no problems.

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  Grocery Getter - 2005 Scion xA
  By brooktroutchaser - November 2 - 5:33 am

  I purchased this used with less than fifteen thousand miles. My search process was long; I wanted a small car that would accommodate my six foot frame and perennial bad back. Most cars sit too low and I did not want an SUV. The XA is too cute for words, is comfortable for any trip of 300 miles or less, and will fit in any parking space. Plus, it is as reliable as anything on the road. It is important to keep the tires properly inflated: 29 psi. Any higher and the ride is too harsh.

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  Rear Wheel Bearings - 2006 Scion xA
  By JohnGR - October 31 - 1:23 pm

  Fun and easy to drive. But, VERY EXPENSIVE repair/replacement of a rear wheel bearing assembly (over $500...could not replace just the bearing).