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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  2005 Flint Mica Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Saint Alfonzo - August 4 - 10:00 am

  The first true Scion vehicle made by Toyota really shines above the competition. I love this car.

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  Lexus quality at a Kia price - 2008 Scion TC
  By mike - August 2 - 11:30 pm

  I love the looks,the car attracts a crowd anywhere its parked.Although its not a sports car, its fast enough to be fun to drive.The sun roof is my favorite feature (feature not option). The stereo sounds as good as many aftermarket systems. I know the TC is considered by many a kids car, but I think it is for anyone who wants a fun and reliable car at a good price

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  I love the car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Wagon - August 1 - 1:03 pm

  The car handles very well. Automatic transmission is fast. By watching the "real time fuel mileage" I can drive very efficiently. I was very impressed by the 28 mpg fuel mileage. The car is solid and quiet

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  About Time - 2005 Scion TC
  By TC PEePEe - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Its about time car companies pay attention to what the consumer wants in a car. Scion gives many features and stylings that only luxury cars have for under $20k.

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  Great little car - 2008 Scion XD
  By JMAC - July 30 - 5:46 am

  If your looking for a subcompact that is dependable,well built, good on gas and different, then buy this car. This is the second Scion in my family and I can tell you these cars are great deals. Get in and test drive one and see for yourself. If you want 36+ miles a gallon,all the options at one price, and a cool car to boot then buy an XD.

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  2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By 2toasters - July 29 - 7:14 pm

  My wife bought a used 2005 xB and we liked it so much that I bought an identical (except color) one for myself. We are both older and drive accordingly, so we get about 33MPG in city and 37+ on Hwy. Both xBs have about 50k miles on them and we love them. The 1500cc engines pay off. We would not buy the newer, larger xBs because of their economy and looks. A big mistake on Toyotas part, we think. A typical comment: "this back seat is like a Lincoln Town Car". We will definitely keep these cars and repair them for as long as possible. This may be the car for you, too?

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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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  Not what we expected - 2005 Scion xA
  By REW - July 24 - 5:33 pm

  We were in the market for a very fuel effecient vehicle. This is not the one! Expecting around 40mpg on the road, as promised by the delearship. Actual is about 25-8 mpg. This car was purchased to save fuel and we felt the "down sizing" of comfort would be worth the savings. For a sixty mile per day trip we now drive our 01 Nisson that still gets over 33mpg. Toyota and the dealership have said this is a "break in period", however, Ive never had a car that just didnt reach close to the mpg. The sacrafice in size isnt worth the car not performing. We bought 5speed in order to pull behind an RV. Thats when we get our best milage. When the car is being towed. I am NOT a Scion fan!

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  Stylish But Sluggish - 2010 Scion TC
  By Ted - July 24 - 11:20 am

  The TC shows plenty of signs of potential for excellence, but comes up short with certain flaws. The numerous standard features, and sleek aerodynamic design are unmatched. Unfortunately, the acceleration of the car is rather unimpressive, even though its fuel efficiency is one of the lowest in its class.

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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.