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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  The Box on Wheels - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gina - June 29 - 3:20 pm

  We bought our Scion xB last spring and it has been great. It replaced our family van, and the gas bills have never been lower. The only thing we miss is the cargo room for the extras that children come with. But with the roof rack this year we hope to have a smother vacation packing experience.

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  2009 Scion Tc (Waveline Pearl) - 2009 Scion TC
  By whatisbam - June 28 - 5:20 am

  I bought my Tc on a complete whim! Actually paid for it before I even placed hands on it. I drove 3 hours to pick it up and what I found upon arrival was nothing short of what I expected. Beauty is in its simplicity and somewhere in its simplicity is a hidden power that I do love. Its sporty, with a back seat! Everything this 22 year-old single father will ever need. Kudos to Scion!

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  The xB is the future and it is now! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert F. Bronk - June 25 - 1:43 pm

  I believe that the Scion xB is everything one could want in a car for todays world. My black cherry xB is gorgeous and it reflects me. I have added foglights, a cargo net,center armrest, cruise control, alloy wheels and a power sunroof. I average 34 MPG and love the comfort and versatile interior. People do take notice of the xB - people do ask "what is it?" and people just love to look at it. The xB is fun to drive, fun to talk about and I smile at the mileage. What is not to like? I believe that my car offers all that we need in our world of high cost fuel and crowded roads. I think that I have the right car at the right time - it is just wonderful!

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  Great set of features for the price - 2009 Scion XB
  By nitido357 - June 25 - 5:23 am

  I have had this xB for about a month and a half and Im still loving it like the first day. Many xB1 detractors decry the increased size, but I love it. The car is more comfortable than any mid-size car. It is also quite fuel efficient considering that you are still driving a box at 65-70 mph. Recently got 34 mpg on 2hr trip to OKC, quite hilly at times. My family of 5 fits quite easily on short and longish trips. The wife loves the cargo space, which is much better than the 07 Pacifica she drives around town.

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  Best of both worlds. - 2012 Scion XB
  By orbit9090 - June 24 - 9:53 pm

  Best of both worlds: A spacious, sporty vehicle but with decent economy and great maneuverability. Love the center mounted gauges! In fact, since they are not hidden behind a steering wheel hub like most cars gauges, the Scion xBs center mounted gauges are very easy to read at a quick glance. The occupant compartment is spacious and airy, with plenty of headroom and wiggle room. Passengers often comment how much space the vehicle has and how comfortable and quiet it is.

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  Fun to drive & great mileage - 2009 Scion XD
  By Carol - June 23 - 6:10 am

  I have only had the Xd a few days. Did a clunker trade in. Bought the Wasabi Green Release series in the manual transmission. First tank of gas averaged 37.6, mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Refueled, and then got 44 mpg at 60 mph on the highway, carrying 2 adults and 3 children. Very fun to drive, accelerates very quickly and nimble handling. Eye catching design and color. Was able to carry myself, 2 children, a dog, and a bike inside. A bit tight, but it worked. Yakima makes a roof mount bike rack for this car, and I will probably get that in the spring. So far, we are really enjoying the car.

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  Great Value - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nick V. - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the vehicle yesterday. Cant believe how much car you get for so little money. Drove the car 100 home from the dealer and it rides just as great on the highway as it does in town. Nice acceleration even in 5th for a 4cyl engine. I compared the Mazda 3s and Saturn Ion before deciding on the Scion tC.

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  Highly Recommended! - 2007 Scion TC
  By ME - June 21 - 3:56 am

  It was between the Civic and the tC, and in performance on the road, let me tell you this guy rocks for a 4 cyl. Got the Bazooka sub from the dealer, and it produces an OK amount of bump, but you can certainly get a lot more for the money with an aftermarket one. The only thing I really miss is automatic headlights. Its been a month and 1000 miles later, and Im really pleased with my purchase! I highly recommend this car for anyone not wanting to spend a lot of cash for a lot of bang!

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  After a few years... - 2006 Scion TC
  By JW - June 18 - 7:56 am

  The paint chips and scratches with ease. The are plenty of rattles. Many of the interior plastic covers( such as seatbelt bolts) have cracked. The optional leather seats are cracking ( garage parked). The sun roof freezes at on occasion. When I hit a small bump and brake, the brakes "skip" and make a metallic noise. Have complained to the dealer over the years. They say it is "normal"; however, a delay in braking is not "normal."The rotors started rusting on the first year.

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  **AWESOME BOX** - 2006 Scion XB
  By uknowulikeit - June 17 - 1:17 pm

  245,567 MILES and still going! I got this 2006 scion xb when I moved out 70 miles from my work. I ran this car for 5 years driving to work and back. I LOVE IT! Its really fun to drive and made my commute much easier. I got over 300 miles per tank. This is a reliable car.. All I can recall that I have replaced was 5 sets of tires and about 50 oil changes. Will never get rid of this CHAMP!