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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Justin Samuel - March 16 - 4:50 pm

  This car is most amazing compared to the cars in its class. Nothing comes close. The exterior styling is original and you get nice looks in this car from other people. I have been asked my many people where I got the car from and how much I have spent on it; and they freak out when they find out that I have only spent 17,500 on this car. The interior is top notch, features provided are nothing but spectacular and never cease to amaze me (especialy the "to alert" gauges)...I would recommend this car to anyone who is into style and performance. And there is already a turbod version out on the streets in FL that is pushing 295 hp @10psi on STOCK internals...so the car has insane potential

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  Owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert D. Deane - March 15 - 3:50 pm

  This is an excellent second run around vehicle.Great vehicle to get through traffic with.

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  The Toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By Flappers - March 14 - 1:16 pm

  function, style and personality, all "boxed" up. Get the Manual, its alot more fun to drive, and at only 108hp, the stick makes you think you have more. Currently 36 MPG and its not broken in yet. Plenty of room for 4, but better yet, put the rear seats down and 2 big dogs each have their own snorkling window. Standard features are un-parallelled at this price point. Plenty of add ons available to customize. Quality is typical of toyota (solid)!.

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  Fun for the Gallon - 2005 Scion XB
  By Roxys Dream Weaver - March 14 - 12:26 pm

  Gas prices going higher? (I dont care) This little shoe box hates Gas Stations. Even as an automatic and with a caffeine rush attitude driving technique. Your gas tank will stay full, (It just wont go down to "E") Roominess? My gosh you feel like youre sitting in your living room airy high interior all around huge seats comfy. Sound? Well lets put it this way I added the Bazooka Subwoofer and its like surround sound system in your home. It drives like a cream puff awesome suspension and handling and breaking becaue it also comes with ABS standard. You can move your whole apartment in almost one trip with your back seats flat down. I have nothing but good things to say about my Scion xB...

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  Im a scion, too. - 2008 Scion XD
  By Pleased Consumer - March 13 - 1:30 am

  I had been driving a Honda Civic hatchback for the last 10 years, before buying this car. I chose the xD after doing research on current small cars. This car surprised me in a few ways : 1) the high value-to- cost ratio 2) the very different look of the car (pleasing, to me) 3) the excellent gas mileage ratings and 4) the obvious commitment by Toyota to "getting it right". I might have purchased an xA if it had been available this year, but not after driving the xD ! I think Toyota has gotten it right with this package. My wife was enthusiastic enough to purchase an xB the following month.

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  Complete Review - 2004 Scion xA
  By esavov - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great compact car. There are many features that I really Like: 1. Interior looks nice, not cheap and squeaky. 2. Ive noticed that my eyes dont get "bothered" while driving at night for a long distance. 3. The only thing I paid extra for was nice rims, power steering, and side/curtain airbags. Total of 15,400. 4. Vehicle comes with an excellent CD player (plays MP3 as well), power doors and windows, AC, etc. 5. Cargo area is actually great. When the seats are up the smaller area is still perfect for grocery shopping. 6. This car has plenty of power. I constantly find myself speeding without even trying.

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  SUV/Car/Wagon - 2009 Scion XB
  By Dani - March 10 - 7:13 pm

  Best of 3 worlds. Very nice ride, thought the shape would make it less aerodynamic, but its low center of gravity helps with that. Peppy and full efficient engine, awesome accessories, and individual design make this car a scene still. Have had it a month and avg 27 mpg. Drove from Texas to Georgia and back on 3.5 tanks of gas!! Enough room to sleep in which I did comfortably with my luggage in the back. Could ride my family with ample space in rear for adults.

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  my scion and me - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nicole - March 10 - 1:03 am

  I bought my scion exactly 6 months ago and I dont know how i lived without it before!! I love my scion. Its the style that I have been looking for and it has a smooth ride. I test drove other cars before settling on the scion- when i sat behind that seat and i looked up and saw the panaramic sunroof- i was sold on the spot!!!

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  Scion xA, Purchased Recently - 2006 Scion xA
  By George - March 7 - 11:50 pm

  This car is fine. I got used to the center pod dashboard quickly. The ONLY thing I could wish for, would be a 6th gear. At 80 mph, with a 5-speed manual, the engine is turning 4,000 RPM. Thats fine, it has a 7,000 RPM redline, but theres no need to spin it so fast. There is no need to downshift on the highway. I drive in commuter traffic, 75-80 mph. In mixed driving, I get around 35 mpg.

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  Amazing - 2004 Scion xA
  By n2k2928 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Great! It is the best car in the world