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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Getting another one ! - 2004 Scion xA
  By No2gates - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought a xA 2 weeks ago, was a little concered about others saying it was lacking power. I think the power is fine, no compaints here. The ride is a little stiff when travelling on a rough road, but other than that, its a great car. Im planning on purchasing another for my wife within a week.

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  Cooler on wheels - 2004 Scion XB
  By NK1 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove xB today and I think that its a really good car; however, there are many things to make me love and hate it. Overall, the car is very easy to drive, good gas mileage, and like nothing else on the road. If you have small budget and dont care what other people think, then this may be your choice.

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  Great car - 2006 Scion xA
  By bbp2459 - November 7 - 6:23 am

  This has been a great car. The fuel economy has averaged between 32 and 38 depending on the driving. Storage space is surprisingly good especially when I fold down the back seat. The display in the middle of the console opens up a lot of visual field but takes a bit of getting used to. The ride is rough for long trips but when you consider what you are paying for gas vs what others are paying, the ride is not so bad. I am really surprised that they stopped making this car.

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  2005 Scion xB - Nice Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By tim - November 6 - 8:43 am

  The 2005 Scion xB is a nice car for the price. It is roomy with lots of compartments and even has an ice chest in the back. What else could a kid want?

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  get one NOW - 2008 Scion XB
  By biff - November 6 - 2:10 am

  Bought this car to advertise my business, cant miss it! Everything else is a bonus, goes up Vail pass very fast, fuel average has yet to drop below 28.6 mpg- better than advertised. 1st car I have ever owned that does not need snow tires and we get 200+ inches a year here. (traction control that works) hauls kids, adults, groceries, skis, you name it. The instruments in the center are much easier to read than the regular kind.

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  Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By kelsbels - November 5 - 1:53 pm

  The Scion tC has a great ride, but they could have fancied up the inside more. Scion could have made sure the rubber pieces on the outside were snuggly and securely fit as in around the windows ..etc... Having said this, overall this is a good car for the money.

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  Good car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Tyler - November 4 - 11:53 am

  Overall, very good quality for the money. I average 26-29 mpg mixed highway and city driving; if you drive the car like a maniac, your fuel efficiency wont be as good. Interior looks nice, but can tell its where Toyota performed its cost-cutting. Sound system is awesome, iPod connectivity is cool (and yes, it does come standard with the port to connect it, contrary to what other people have said). Few rattles here and there, but relatively smooth ride. Could use more HP, but power is very good for 4 cylinder. Head room will definitely be a problem for taller drivers though, but lots of leg room available in back seat. Exterior looks awesome, especially with pedestal spoiler.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daniel - October 30 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle is an impressive step-up from the previous generation. The xB handles well and feels overall very solid. The suspension is seriously lacking: you will feel every speed bump or rough road. The fuel economy is unimpressive, but this car was not designed for that purpose. It is extremely roomy and rekindles my love for driving. Every time Im behind the wheel Im having a blast. The cluster gauges in the center are weird at first, but easily you can adjust to them. The sound is very impressive in the car. Overall really great vehicle backed by the quality Toyota engineers it with.

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  New buyer! I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Brandon29N - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Hello, I just purchased a black scion 2 days ago. I have to say that when I first saw it I was intrigued by the style, but thought it would be too small. Boy, was I wrong! I got inside and it was bigger on the inside than I imagined. I just sold my Chevy Blazer and purchased this. I can say this has MUCH MORE room than the 2 door blazer I had. In fact, I felt I was being eaten by the interior on that Blazer. The Scion is the best thing I ever purchased. Since I bought it I am being looked at and smiled at when I pass by people. Its quite the attention getter. This car drives soooo good as well. Very fun to drive. BUY ONE!

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  Think inside the BOX! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Will Colley - October 27 - 1:33 am

  Proud owner of a 2004 Orange Scion xB. NOTE: Scion only made 2100 orange xB, they are indeed rare... and if you are looking to get an orange one used is your only option. Naturally expect to pay a premium for rarity and extra feature only on orange xB, referred to as RS1s (relese series 1). I have a 5-speed (which tends to be harder to find in general among all Scions). Acceleration is average with the 5-speed. Below average with the auto (adds 1.5 sec to 0- 60 time). Stanadrd features are very adequate for most, option accessories tend to be pricey. Non-negotable price on EVERYTHING no exceptions lead most to order vehicles and wait rather picking one off lot. I would recommend this car to anyone except speed demons.