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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  So far so good - 2008 Scion TC
  By Guitarshifter - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  Toyota makes great cars, and this is no exception. I live in the desert with over 100* on most days in the summer and this vehicle has NO problem driving in hot weather. A very powerful 4-cylinder acts as if it has a 6-cylinder under the hood. Hills and mountains are no problem for this car, it can zip around corners. Changing the oil is a breeze! The oil filter is right next to the drain plug on the front passenger side, thank you Toyota for thinking of the "do it yourselfer".

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  ABOVE AVERAGE - 2005 Scion xA
  By THOMAS DELORETO - April 18 - 10:56 pm

  HAS AS MUCH LEG ROOM AS A MINI VAN AND RIDES AND DRIVES WELL. MILEAGE NOT AS RATED. GREAT RADIO AND CD.

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  Awsome Little Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By econobox - April 18 - 5:00 pm

  You cant go wrong with this city car. Our primary family car for three years with two huge Britax Boulevard seats. Swallows cargo with the rear seats down. Good pick up. Handling is sprightly and easy. Bumpy ride. Its a city car, not a long distance one. Seats are comfy. AC is weak but gets the job done. We have a dark color which is party to blame. Just tint the windows. Fuel economy with the AC running constantly, California gas, and making short trips in stop and go varies between 29 and 31. Our 528i gets 19 mpg in the same situation. Freeway mileage is more like 33-35, but I dont drive slowly. Excellent visibility with tall seating. Tons of headroom; Im 6, 5 wife loves it too.

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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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  Dont buy it for the gas mileage!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mrchet - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Pros. It turns a lot of heads. It has great interior room especially in the back seats. Hold 4 adults with easy, but not their luggage. Cons. Underpowered, poor mileage. 25mpg low with a high of 28mpg and thats combined. Rougher ride than it needs to be. Softer springs and stiffer sway bars would help. Short wheelbase makes it choppy going over freeway slabs. Steering wheel position is left of center and too low. It really needs a center arm rest. Transmits road noise into the cabin easily. Dynamat in all the doors helped. Bottom Line: I wouldnt buy one again!

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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!