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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  This Car is Like Roy Jones Jr. The BEST - 2004 Scion XB
  By wonderworm - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Just as Roy Jones Jr. had to keep moving up weight classes to find good competition only to trounce it handily, The Scion xB does the same thing. There isnt any car Id rather own until you get to around 30 grand. The looks are just amazing and so is the passenger room. I just love this car. And the fact that it has an engine thats just itching to be modded is even better. I recently got 36MPG in my automatic on the freeway and I was nearing 380 miles on the tank. Those who cant see the genius behind this car are doomed to be blind forever. Who would ever expect stupidity to understand genius anyway?

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  My Lil H2 - 2005 Scion XB
  By SB in TX - May 8 - 9:13 pm

  Being a big guy 61 and 275lbs I never thought I would enjoy this car. I couldnt have been more wrong. I drive 75 miles to and from work everyday and this car makes that time enjoyable. I cant wait to start tricking it out. I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking to save on money and gas.

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  Cowmuting Cube - 2004 Scion XB
  By dulcimoo - May 8 - 12:56 pm

  Purchased the box for cowmuting. (It’s “painted” in a black and white “cow” pattern) Even with four full grown men the box does well with the auto. Passing up hill is no problem if you lock out the overdrive. It deals well with the traffic on I15 and I5. I have had only two minor problems (the inside fan was making a “ticking” noise – free warranty repair, rear air dam was tweaked after some road trash – self repaired.). The MP3 CD player does well. Luggage space is a little tight when we are all off to work with all our junk, but we manage. The rear window wiper is almost useless. It goes, stops, and rocks, what more cud you want!

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  Great looking coupe - 2011 Scion TC
  By Lou - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Had my tC for 5 days and, after driving my 05 Mini Cooper w/ sport suspension, Im beginning to settle in with the Scion. Handling and ride are very good, the steering, though somewhat light, tracks right on center. Corners well, brakes are superb. Havent pushed it too hard, but the reserve power is there if I need it. The manual trans shifts smooth and gear changes are easily executed. I appreciate the new style for its looks and practicality. Perfect vehicle for my wife and I who are both retired and love to do road trips as well as ski the North East mountains. Ive received compliments on the car for its attractive lines and roomy interior.

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  WOW!!! - 2005 Scion xA
  By MIB - May 7 - 7:26 am

  I was looking to get into a MINI Cooper, but found the prices a bit much. For about 8 grand less, I found this xA Special Release Edition. Fell in love at the first corner I turned. This car HANDLES!!

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  Good car until the last 18 months - 2006 Scion TC
  By katthulhu - May 6 - 5:19 pm

  I bought this car brand-spanking new- I built it on the website and then waited 4 months for my customized tc to be delivered to me straight off the boat. It never got more than about 20 mpg city at best. The trunk/hatchback handle/plate broke off just like everyone elses. The a/c went out at 45k miles. Other than that, this car was reliable & easy to maintain for the first 90k. Ive kept up with all the scheduled maintenance plus have done extras. After 90k, everything went to s***! The clutch and both cylinders went out, one of the motor mounts broke. It only has 97k currently, and I still need to put at least $3k of work into it to get it back to decent operating condition. Buyer beware!

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  The best car ! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dimon - May 6 - 5:40 am

  Before I had maxima 1998 - it was dragon with gas. With my xa I do not remember when I put gas into my car. I love size of the car, it is comfortable. It is easy to park in NY.

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  Go Granny Go - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mike - May 5 - 10:56 am

  What a cool ride. My wife saw it and fell in love. To me it looks like a mix of a Honda Element and a PT Cruiser. With everything this vehicle has to offer, I am sure that sales will explode, as more and more people find out what they are missing. And also, watch out for the price to start going up, as there is no other car on the market that can compete with the price and standard equipment.

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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.