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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Excellent - 2005 Scion XB
  By God Blessed me - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The Scion xB a great vehicle to own its so roomy, love the style. Drives great! Somewhat afraid of how low it is, thinking I might run over an object and damage the side fenders or low front fender. This is my third new car and this was the best of all. Because it was a car of my choice not the salesman based on what I qualified for. But based on what I like. Classy little car, kids love it and people stare at it. Thanks.

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  Shiny New Gadget in my life - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gerrabbit - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This car adds a new dimension to my world. I havnt felt this good since my antique Mercedes. When you take to the streets you are admired and interviewed by strangers and believe it or not challanged to drag,even with the sofisticated aura. The roomy interior is best for driving children long distances, carting your computer here and there, styling your honey, profiling every tach unit. Im looking forward to climbing in the back with a blanket and bottle of champagne.

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  Marketed for Kids, bought by Moms - 2005 Scion XB
  By faith - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I know from reading the reviews that this car/mini-van thingy, was to be marketed to the younger generation, but Moms are digging it too! I am a 30 something Mom of 2 and I LOVE my Scion XB! This is the most fun to drive car I have had since my 89 Mustang GT convertible which by the way needed new tires by the 2nd month. Really, I enjoy the room, the style and the looks and comments I get on the car. I am a "driving advertisment" for the company , I am stopped constantly and asked about it, "What is it?", "Do you like it?" "How much is it?" Love to answer since I love my car. The interior room is awesome, The system "ROCKS"!!! I have it in FEEL mode

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  A groovy shoebox - 2005 Scion XB
  By VirtualBug - September 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car after my wifes New Beetle turned into rolling lemon. Aside from the great style points this car has, I was able to research the reliabilty of the car that it shares the drive train (engine, transmission and differential) with: the Toyota Echo. Consumer Reports give the Echo very, very good reliability ratings.

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  old mans toy - 2005 Scion XB
  By greenwoodchuck - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Wife and I are 67 and both love the car. It has more headroom than my F150, rides as well and gets better economy. I would like to see arm rests between the seats and some way to stop the seat belt latch from banging the door frame when it is released. We just completed a 4000 mile trip with no problems and a lot of pointing and questions from people who had nevewr seen one before.

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  Go out and buy one now! - 2005 Scion XB
  By kreece - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Scion XB for about 5 months now. I was a little skeptical at first because of how unique it looked, but now Im so proud. Its a fun vehicle and everyone on the road seems to enjoy just looking at it. I have had many compliments about it and lots of questions. Im just glad I was one of the first to get one. Now while feeling confident is great, you also save a lot of money in gas. Great for long trips, Ive explored Floridas east and west coast in my new car.

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  More performance options needed - 2005 Scion XB
  By fish2feet - September 23 - 10:00 am

  They should do more performance options like a complete exhaust system for more hp and torque.

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  Thinking out of the box - 2005 Scion XB
  By DOJOSM - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a month. The vehicle/s design draws attention. The interior is spacious beyond its size. It will get up to speed on the Interstate with ease.It is not a mountain climber. I drove it to Laughlin and then Anaheim with a full load. It performed flawlessly. The price, features, MPG, and looks make this an unbelievable vehicle.

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  Great car for the money!!!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By eyeundastand - September 23 - 10:00 am

  So far the experience has been awesome. I have had the Scion xb for over a month now and I am so glad to have purchased this vehicle. Its fun,roomy,and has comfortable seats. Its also great on long trips with that excellent gas mileage. The five speed manual helps that 108 hp. I recommend it if your thinking of purchasing. The stereo is somewhat tricky with all the options but onceyou learn it,its pretty good. I particularly like the non cluttered dash. Its very sporty and stylish. Also your rear windows open fully something certain cars do not do because of their position under a wheel well. Dont take my word for it but test drive one and

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  Maxxb - 2005 Scion XB
  By akchas - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have a XB Release 1 series, the color being Hot Lava. I bought it the day the dealer received it, right off the delivery truck. I love this car - and have named it after my recently deceased Shar Pei MAXXIE. I;ve added cold air induction, 18" wheels, tinted front windows/windshield, Toyota Racing exhaust system, and after market leather interior and power sunroof, and recently introduced custom taillights. I treat this car as part of my being and body. Its a real attention getter.