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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great value but needs some tweaking - 2005 Scion TC
  By mydogpooky - January 10 - 7:43 pm

  Was having my 1985 toyota corolla SR5 serviced at 180k and saw the silver tc. Love at first sight. Purchased immediately with all the bells and whistles. A beautiful little jewel, quick as mercury and has got the look. People are still trying to figure out what make/model it is. Had passerbys ask if it was European. Ha! Its a Toyota, baby...eat my dust.

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  Glad We Chose It! - 2005 Scion XB
  By TBirdsMom - January 6 - 10:43 pm

  I traded in a Kia Sedona for my Scion xB. I drive 60 miles round trip to work and the xB is already paying for itself in terms of the money that I save on gas. This vehicle is such fun to drive! My husband and I are both tall folks (6-0" and 6-7") and we both fit comfortably. We researched our options carefully before buying and know that we made the correct choice.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Rose - January 5 - 9:03 am

  What a great, safe and economical car! I bought it for my teenage daughter. I enjoy driving it, and Ive always driven Lexus models. We looked at used cars. I could not see buying someone elses problem. Again, this car is very safe and economical. The only negative is the air conditioner is really not good.. Its average in normal heat, but not good at all in extreme heat.

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  GAS, GAS, GAS, GAS! - 2004 Scion XB
  By TEAMAIRFORCEONE - January 3 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY REASON I GOT THIS CAR IS TO SAVE ON GAS. I DID THE RIGHT THING. MY EXPEDITION ONLY GOT 9 MPG, BUT MY XB GETS 33 WHAT A SWITCH. MOST TIME I CANT EVEN REMEMBER WHEN I WAS AT THE GAS STATION LAST, AND ONLY $18.00 PER FILL UP. I HAD TO ADD SOME SUBS FOR THE SYSTEM. THIS THING IS SO FUN TO DRIVE, I SOME TIME CATCH MYSELF SPEEDING. LOVE MY XB.

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  Excellent little box - 2004 Scion XB
  By ifcar - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Lots of interior space, a lot more comfortable inside than our old Ford Escort, and even roomier for passengers than our other car, a Dodge Caravan. Unlike some people, I dont mind the center-mounted guages. Fuel economy is excellent. Toyota mechanicals mean (hopefully) that this car will be reliable. Paid only $15,000 for it including taxes and tags. Love the styling, too!

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  Best Value and Fun for Money - 2005 Scion TC
  By MNixon - December 28 - 10:00 am

  After reading information, I bought the car without even driving it. According to the dealer, I bought the first 5- Speed in Broward County. I flat out love my car. Sometimes Ill just walk around the car and admire its looks. The interior is equally as impressive as the exterior. Lexus build quality at a reasonable price. When I drive the car, I feel like a million bucks.

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  very happy - 2009 Scion XB
  By lleum98 - December 27 - 2:33 pm

  Ive owned my XB since August. Im very pleased with it. Mileage is OK, I avg. about 27 mpg overall. Surprisingly quiet with a decent ride for its size. It also has alot of zip and cruises fully loaded at freeway speeds with no problem. Im a good sized guy and there is plenty of room, and it is very easy to get in and out of both front and back seats. Tons of head room.

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  WOW! - 2006 Scion XB
  By steve - December 25 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first new car in 19 years. Through extensive research I decided on this vehicle. So far every thing about the vehicle is great. I really love the gas milage. After having had a SUV, the extra savings in gas cost will make the car payments!

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  Great fun car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Chris - December 24 - 6:13 pm

  If you are looking for a car with great style and easy on the pocket book this is it! Its not oversized like an SUV so you can park it anywhere yet it has enough room inside to fit the family very comfortably. My kids love it and I enojoy zipping through town. It has become a great commuter/car pool/grocery getter. I have had mine for less than three months and already have over 4,000 miles on it and not one complaint yet!

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  MY XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By dado - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun to drive car or whatever you call it. PROS: Easy to park, great gas mileage, runs well over 65-80+ MPH with freeway traffic, excellent visability, great leg and head room front and rear, very comfortable and fun to dirve. The noise leval is acceptable. You will notice some engine noise. CONS: Needs a map light located in the front area of the vechicle. Inside lighting very poor. Needs to blow horn when you use your auto door lock when walking away for car (letting you know it locked). Could use one more cup holder for rear passengers and just a little more power. Overall I would rate this vechicle a 9 or high 8. Buy One You LIKE IT.