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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Ruth Breul - February 7 - 1:33 pm

  The 2006 Scion xB is a wonderful auto. I came from a much larger one and would not trade back. Every aspect of this car is better than I expected. I love the positioning of the instrument panel and think it would be a good trend for other auto makers. Its gas mileage is fabulous. It is very roomy with lots of headroom, great cargo space, and seats that go down in a flash without any struggle. The price is more than fair!

• 

  Wifes Car But I Drive It More !! - 2008 Scion XD
  By jim@clt - February 7 - 6:00 am

  Bought used fron son of a friend who was going overseas-never considered Scion,but glad we did-its a great car. We bought it just as gas was going +$4.00 so 34+MPG sold us.Small on outside, but deceptively spacious inside-X-L-NT ergonomics. Im 61"and Im comfortable driving or as passenger. Took several 500+ mile trips and no road weariness at all. 4 cyl engine has more than enough oomph for our driving style and tranny shifts smoothly. Long list of standard features(optional on most cars)was a big +.Compacts and subcompacts used to be synonymous with cheap and cramped, but in todays car market,cars in this segment are anything but. Toyota build quality and Scion pricing-cant go wrong.

• 

  Not bad - 2009 Scion TC
  By Breimann - February 7 - 12:03 am

  Dollar for dollar this is the most car for the money. Where else for 17k can you get a sun roof, ipod integration, alloy wheels and Toyota reliability? Let us not forget it has a Camry engine too! The fold flat rear seats are awesome too. Digital HVAC controls are nice too, most cars this cheap have lousy dials/knobs. If the "suggested improvements" things I listed are addressed it could possibly be a car with no compromise!

• 

  My first new car - 2014 Scion TC
  By jhurley2k6 - February 6 - 7:41 am

  This is my first new car and I love it so far. I was overpaying for a 2003 Toyota Celica which I did like but it was old and had a lot of miles, plus I still owed 9k for the car to JDB. I recently traded in the car and got 3k for it then they added the remaining 6k onto the sticker price. I couldnt be happier, Im not really paying more per month and I have a new car with a warranty! Its basically a Toyota so the thing should run forever and it looks awesome. Ive already turned some heads driving it around with the shiny blue paint job.

• 

  Toyotas Best Offering - 2006 Scion XB
  By dskinner - February 5 - 8:13 pm

  The vehicle is exceptional in all areas and is a blast to drive. Dont be fooled by the small power figures and boxy appearence, this car is awesome. I highly recommend it!

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By jason - February 2 - 2:50 pm

  The Scion tC is a great car for the price. Put it side by side with an 07 Civic and its amazing how similar they look. It drives great for the money. You cant expect the car to handle corners like a BMW, but it is good. Its a spunky car. First and second gear are very quick. The aftermarket parts by TRD are reasonably priced and are locked in at that price for three years from the day you buy the car. I cant complain much about it for a vehicle that only cost $17,000.

• 

  Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By jonky - February 2 - 2:00 am

  cool car at a great car price less then my turaus

• 

  Best Investment yet. - 2005 Scion TC
  By Todd - January 29 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had this car for a month now and I still cant believe the quality and features that went into this car. The engine has plenty of power and the suspension is terrific as long as your not trying to go canyon carving. All in all an ecxellent car at a great price!!

• 

  Wheres the Mileage? - 2006 Scion xA
  By DougK - January 28 - 7:06 pm

  I like most everything about the car, which I purchased for my daughter. I am at 1,000 miles on the break-in and my gas mileage has been astonishingly LOW! My first four tanks have averaged in the low 20 MPG range. I own three other vehicles with two to three times the engine size and all except my Suburban get better mileage. My dealer states that I have to get it broken in and nothings wrong. I have my doubts as to whether a few hundred miles more will do anything for this car. They may be getting this one back.

• 

  LIMITED EDITION SERIES 1.0 LAVA ORANGE - 2005 Scion XB
  By BSU - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Sold my 2003 Honda CR-V EX model to acquire a limited edition Scion. Have been extremely pleased with its performance, mileage, and styling. Being the lava orange color many individuals have asked if its a hybrid, and whom makes the vehicle. Keep in mind this model is based on a subcompact and the ride can be somewhat stiff with harsh road noise coming through-thus would recommend several test drives at dealerships prior to purchase. Strong believer vehicle will hold its value due to reliability and economics of ownership.