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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Stephen S. - February 10 - 3:36 am

  I looked at a lot of cars the Scion tC has it all. It handels great, has excellent power and has a great look. Plus its fun to drive.

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  #1 In Its Class. - 2007 Scion TC
  By Chris - February 9 - 9:20 am

  Whith the rising cost of gas and the lack of needing two SUVs. The Scion tC was the perfect vehicle for my daily commuter needs even with all four of my children.

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  Scion Got It Right With the 2008 XB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mary - February 9 - 5:16 am

  I owned a 2005 XB and always hoped Scion would make some improvements. Im proud to say they got it right with the improved 2008 XB. I traded my 2005 XB in May, 2007 for the 2008 XB. The improved model boasts a larger, 2.4 engine with A+ pickup. Tighter, smoother suspension and a quiet, roomy cabin make this car a true delight to drive. Ive added alloy wheels, rear bumper guard, rear sway bar and Sirius satellite radio. I like the extended trunk room and revised dashboard. The price is right for all the extras, quality and satisfaction youll find with the 2008 XB. It also handled the road very well in the Western New York/Buffalo winter. I have no regrets buying the 2008 XB.

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  Awesome Azure tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Awesome Azure tc - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Best overall fun car to drive! Didnt like the revvy,low torque engine of Toyota Matrix XR, XRS, but it had great cargo space & was comfortable. Mazda 3s sedan and Hatch lost acceleration feeling after a certain RPM compared to tc, & Mazda has poor resale value w/ questionable engine quality. So, I purchased the tc. Love the "oomph", smooth acceleration sensation matching a V6 engine. Great ride & handling, nice looks!

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  Awsome car for the price. - 2005 Scion TC
  By dulanic - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have now had my tC for about a month and I love everything about it. I am beyond happy with my purchase. The car is nice to look at, quality is excellent, and it is comfortable. Recently took a 2000 miles roadtrip and I was happy with the comfort, and I am tall at 64" and have no issues. Performance is excellent with this car, it is quick, handles well, and has a nice ride. It could stand to be lowered, and that will be one of the first things I do. Feature wise, it is awsome, it has everything I could want, and I love the roof, I have it open all the time almost. As for accessories, I got none, their all too expensive, I mean come on $700 for a XM sat tuner?

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  Great car at a low price - 2005 Scion TC
  By Kevin - February 7 - 12:06 am

  Spent 5 months looking for a car. Wanted a sporty car under $25,000. Narrowed down to Mazda 3, RSX, and the tC. Not only was the tC the least expensive but it has great power, good looks, and a very nice stock stereo system. The glass roof if pretty awesome also. No haggle pricing also made it nice to deal with the dealer.

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  Survived an 800 pound moose! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Megan - February 1 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car in May of this year mainly because of the value and incredible gas mileage. I had been driving it for just under three months when I hit an 800 pound moose going out 55 mph on the highway. My brother and I walked away with no injuries whatsoever, something that everyone who actually saw the car couldnt believe. Its in the shop now and I cant wait to get it back because now I know that on top of being cool, economical and fun to drive, its a very safe vehicle.

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  Great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By tonylexus - January 30 - 10:50 pm

  This car has exceeded my expectations in every way. Performance, mileage, quality and fun-to-drive. Still believe, that all things considered, there is not a vehicle in this class that can beat the tCs value. Took some getting used to living in a coupe again, but was ready for a change of pace and have no regrets. Considering my utter satisfaction with the tC, the badge on the grill might as well say "Lexus".

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  Great Decision - 2005 Scion XB
  By Elliott Beck - January 30 - 1:40 pm

  I really needed a quality but inexpensive car for college and the Scion xB was the perfect thing. It gets amazing gas mileage, the room inside is great and I can appreciate it cause Im 64 and it really is fun to drive. Of course its no speed deamon but thats what you sacrifice for the gas mileage and price and I knew that going in. Since Ive had it, three of my friends have gone into the process of getting one they love it so much.

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  Best Car for the money! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Kamal - January 29 - 1:13 pm

  This car is amazing. It is the perfect package. the optimum value for the money. Roomy ,comfortable,reliable and very smooth shifting .The engine is the same as a Camry.