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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  More bang for your buck.... - 2005 Scion TC
  By Murf the Surf - June 17 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a fun, fast(relatively speaking) and versatile vehicle with excellent fuel economy, then the search is over(if you can find one for sale). The 05 Scion tC is, for once, better than the hype. The quality, fit and finish is up to Lexus standards. The value is exceptional with standard features like one touch up/down power windows for both driver and passenger, a sound system with 6 speakers that puts you in the center of the concert and 4 wheel force balanced ABS brakes that puts safety at all corners. The only drawback is that they are hard to find right now.(are you listening Toyota?) I think its worth the wait....

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  I love my Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sam - June 17 - 6:43 am

  Not everyone will like the Scion xBs unorthodox design as much as I do, but it sure provokes a lot of "stares" from folks who see me. The Honda Element pales in comparison.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By bobbic6314 - June 17 - 1:26 am

  I have enjoyed this car greatly. It drives very well and its a great car for a child. I really like it because its easy to drive and the comfort of the car is awesome.

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  Just love it love it love it! - 2004 Scion xA
  By beaniefamily - June 16 - 2:46 am

  We bought this car more than one month ago and just absolutely love it! It has very responsive handling and is just a joy to drive! I just cant stop saying I love it!

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  Awesome Car at Awesome Price - 2009 Scion TC
  By scchilling74 - June 14 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned this car for almost a year and I must say I still love to drive it. I have owned allot of cars over the years and I usually get bored with them after a few months, but not my tC. This car has the necessary power, style and comfort to keep you coming back for more. I really like that Toyota did the first two scheduled maintenance services for free. The car is put together well and offers a spacious sleek design for a coupe. I went from driving a truck to my tC and I havent missed my truck, aside from the occassional need to haul something big. I got the optional Nav system which was a bit pricey but worth the money.

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  This was the best gift for myself ever - 2008 Scion XD
  By Lisa - June 11 - 6:56 am

  I have had my eyes on this car for the past 3 month, I bought it home with me to many oohhhhs and aaaaahhhh from my family member. When you lay eyes on the Scion from the outside it is TINY, but when you step in its like magic the inter room is amazing! It felt like I was driving a minivan! Everything is perfect on the car. The only, and I mean the only, complaint is that there is no armrest in the front. Since I bought the car I have been looking for excuses to run errands and go to work, just anything that will let me drive the car. It is an amazing car.

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  Still has the new car smell - 2011 Scion XB
  By Frank - June 11 - 2:13 am

  I just bought the car on Monday, and I am totally loving it! I wasnt 100% sold when I signed the papers, in part because it was bought with my fiances and my future in mind, but now I cant be happier. For such a small engine, it really has a lot of kick. I will say that it doesnt handle perfectly when driving next to a semi...you really get blown around. All around great vehicle though.

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  Fun car for Business Use - 2006 Scion XB
  By david mullins - June 9 - 1:43 pm

  The Scion xB is an exceptional little car with many perks. It is a real eycatcher, headturner, and has great great economy and reliability. I use it as a rolling billboard for our company.

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  Six months later. - 2008 Scion XD
  By Pleased Consumer - June 8 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased the xD in March 2008, and have six months experience driving it. Fuel economy has been a steady 34 mpg, calculated. I have had only one incident where the Vehicle Stabilization Control system automatically worked its magic. It was during a highway run, climbing a hill during a rainstorm when traction was especially bad. The system kicked in at a time when I was unaware that I was losing traction. I maintained control with its aid, slowed down,and carried on with my trip all smoothly, safely done. This VSC is a worthwhile feature. One slight but nagging shortfall in the design of this car is the FEEL of the brakes-- they operate well, but are vague in their feel.

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  2006 Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Kristy - June 7 - 11:50 am

  I fully enjoy my new Scion tC. It has great visibility and it handles the road really well. It is a nice car for the price.