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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Scion xB is the Champion of the Boxy Cars! - 2012 Scion XB
  By Gary P. Klinger - December 12 - 11:44 am

  In terms of overall quality, value, reliability and space, this car is unbeatable. I should know! Ive owned five (yes 5) of them. Ive owned a 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Of them all, I still own the 2004 and 2012. Surprisingly, the 2012 is the one I am least satisfied with. Just AFTER the warranty my electric door locks stopped working and Toyota took a "tough luck" position on it and handing a several hundred dollar quote to repair them. This after purchasing 6 Scions and 3 Toyotas over the past 11 years. I love these cars and their value, reliability, ride and overall quality. However, now that Scion has discontinued the xB and Toyota has discontinued Scion, Im thinking I may have to take a "tough luck" position with Toyota and look toward Subaru or Honda for my next car. Update. Recently I was involved in a car crash involving my 2004 xB. I was hit from behind by a huge Dodge hemi truck which was traveling at 50 mph. Traffic came to a complete stop in the truck did not see me stop. WhIle sadly my toaster is toast I have a newfound respect for the integrity of my cars. However: I am still quite annoyed that my 2012 has door locks that stopped working and Toyota could care less about me as a customer even after buying all these Toyotas and scions. I would expect my doorlock to quit so soon on a lesser quality cheaper product on the market. But not a Toyota product. And I would expect crappier Service and a similar attitude from the lesser brands on the market but not from Toyota. With Scion now dead if this is all better TOYOTA cares about their loyal customers it makes me feel like perhaps I owe them nothing and should look at their competitors for my next car!

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  Love this car - 2008 Scion XD
  By XDFUN - December 10 - 9:00 pm

  I have had this XD since the beginning of April. I love this car. I have the 5 speed trans and I am averaging between 37 and 39.1 mile per gallon!!! The sound sys is great, the 1.8 engine is the same as the corolla and the body style is original. I have driven a number of Toyotas rav4, corolla, camry and I still like to drive the XD over the others. I highly recommend this car.

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  I love my Xbox! - 2004 Scion XB
  By myxbox - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car. Storage and passenger seating is amazing. Great mpg too! 7,500 miles and no problems. Wish a middle arm rest and cruise control were options. Overall-great buy for the money and it definitley gets you noticed!

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  Finally a car worth every penny and more - 2005 Scion TC
  By Hrd2Beat27 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 95 BMW 325IS to this Scion and I have not looked back. The build quality and the value of this car cannot be beaten. Not only is it a blast to drive but the standard features make it in a class of its own. I would tell anyone in the market for a new car to really take a hard look at this car.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Scion TC
  By wildleaf - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many vehiclies in my short time driving. However this is the most fun to drive and has so many amazing features for the price. No hassle at the dealership, and great buying experience. I will be looking into adding the optional super-charger later.

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  unbeatable for the price - 2005 Scion TC
  By spectrm - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to this car since the first time I saw it. The level of standard features offered is unmatched in the price/class segment. It provides the perfect balance of performance/economical value. Was considering a Mazda 3, but to obtain the same level of features would have had to spend $2000 grand more.

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  MY TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By LHM - December 7 - 1:10 pm

  I love this car. It drives like a high performance luxury car. Very affordable. Fuel efficient with plenty of power.

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  I Was Surprised - 2007 Scion TC
  By Dad gives in - December 6 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car as a good, safe small car for my teenagers to drive. However, they may have trouble getting Dad out of it. My normal daily drive is a 1988 Porsche 924S that I love nearly as much as my wife, but this new Scion is a lot of fun to drive. With its sleek body style, the double sunroof, 17 inch wheels and general good looks, I dont mind parking the my old Porsche from time to time and driving the kids car. Of course, the kids are not too pleased.

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  Get A Lot of Bread out of this Bread Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Scion xB - December 6 - 1:36 am

  I could not ask for a better car. My Bread Box is the best. I get so many looks at it. Even though I am in the older baby boomer crowd, this car seems like it was made for us - believe it or not.

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  SWEET - 2005 Scion TC
  By Paige - December 2 - 6:13 am

  My husband and I looked at 12 different cars before deciding on 3 for my daughter to choose from. She picked the Scion with no reservations. And we bought it feeling good about her choice. This car has nearly every safety feature a parent could want. It is incredibly easy to drive, daughter just got in and took off. For a first time driver this is a great car. The value and quality for the price was wonderful! We purchased a car with practically every option available and still were well under 25K. Highly recomend car and dealer. Great car, great people.