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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Still lovin my scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By lolaprincess - July 28 - 11:03 am

  Found this car when I was getting my Thunderbirds A/C fixed. It really stood out and called to me! Im a total VW Bug Girl! They spoiled me with their compactness and excellent gas mileage. So to my surprise I found the XA to be all the things I loved about Bugs, with extra perks. A/C, 4 Doors, Great on gas, way nicer looking than my old 76:P Great Family Car too! My daughter loves it!! I also always have room for one more:D

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Scion TC
  By RT - July 24 - 9:33 am

  Great car for the money. This car is actually heavier (at nearly 4,000 lbs.) than my Saab 900. It handles and performs well for its weight/power distribution. Cargo space is wonderful but you wouldnt want this car if you are a 6 footer. First gear is very high and the clutch does not engage smoothly in low gears. (first and second). Mileage is good but not great in this day and age. I consistently get 30 mpg. The material which covers the dash board was warped on the passenger side from new. Scion refuses to honor this as a warranty issue. No biggie.

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  My New xD - 2008 Scion XD
  By paul7256 - July 21 - 6:06 am

  Im so happy I bought this car! I love it! It looks great and feels great and comes with so much fun stuff standard! I was thinking Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, but when I saw the xD and took it for a ride, I was sold. Consumer Reports recommends the other two Scion models, and Im sure after the xD is on the road for a while, they will also add it to their recommendation list.

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  What a great car! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Amy - July 20 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my xB one day after my 98 Chevy Venture died. As soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car for me. Everything I wanted came standard and it was a great deal for the price. I now love the "unique" body style. It is roomy without being overly huge, is very comfortable and solid. I get about 25 mpg around town.

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  2006 Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By John - July 20 - 8:06 pm

  The tC has adequate power but it wont overwhealm you. The seats are very comfortable bu a little wide. The interior looks beautiful with high quality materials that look like they belong on a car that costs a lot more. I have had at least 3 or 4 people come up to me and ask me about it and if I like the car. It rides pretty stiff on large wheels and a taught suspension so if a cushy ride is what you are looking for, this isnt it. In conclusion, the tC is a great car and you just cant find a better car out there for less money.

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  Love My Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By debinbtimonium - July 20 - 12:26 am

  I love that my Scion xA is so roomy inside. I especially love that its sits high, which makes it so easy to get in and out. It surprises everyone that gets into it for the first time.

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  Scion Review - 2007 Scion TC
  By Bob - July 19 - 2:43 am

  I was blissfully ignorant of the existance of this car up to a week ago. What a surprise! Ive never seen a car loaded with the extras this car has for the price, and the 2.4L engine gives it surprising zip. Im only surprised that there arent more on the road. My 19 year old cant stay away from it.

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  The car is great, but dealers are shady - 2004 Scion XB
  By New Scion - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is great, and while it still lags a little on the freeway, I dont feel a "huge" difference between the acceleration with this engine and my 245hp F-150. Of course the weight has a lot to do with that. While the car is great, be careful of dealers if negotiating a lease. They will tell you they "Will throw in" certain options, and charge for them while trying to disguise it as part of the lease. If you can, find the Scion only dealerships built into certain Toyota dealerships so that you dont run into shady financers.

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  Scion tC - WOW - 2006 Scion TC
  By Shawntae - July 15 - 3:00 pm

  I first went to test drive the tC, after I did, that was all I needed. I got a good deal well within my budget. If I want very good mileage it is imperative I was premium gasline, which is pricey these days. The handling, the features, and every design feature this car has is great, I love it, Im glad I got it.

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  I love it!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Losjax - July 15 - 10:53 am

  I was sold on this car two seconds into the test drive, it handles so well and the pickup is amazing. ItÂ’s exactly what I was in the market for, not a sedan, but not quite an SUV. ItÂ’s just a very fun car the drive, and decent gas mileage. IÂ’ve only had mine for a couple of weeks, but IÂ’m very satisfied. I cannot recommend this car enough.