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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  My Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sam - November 7 - 3:43 pm

  I have had my xB for a year and a half. Im 73 and it suits me perfectly. I have never opened the hood...I only get service every 6 months. Everything works beautifully.

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  Great Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By Genconx - November 4 - 10:43 pm

  Initially at the dealership I was looking at the new Corolla XRS, but then as I was looking through the lot I saw the xD. Went and took it out for a test drive and was amazed at the power it put out for being a 1.8L. I was also amazed at the leg room that it had because I read reviews saying it was small for those with long legs. At 6ft tall I had plenty of room, and I havent even pushed it back all the way. Overall with options and everything, no other car can compete. Did I mentioned it came with a first aid kit lol.

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  Ill never go back - 2006 Scion TC
  By Rich10501 - November 3 - 10:10 am

  Lets preface this by saying the following: I fit in my Scion. A footnote on that: Im 6 6", and I am quite comfortable, which would not be possible without the seat height adjustment and angle adjustment. Moving on, Ive been a Jeep man all my life (still have a Wrangler for mudding) and this is the first small car Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive, its got great quality parts, and I got more for my money than I could have gotten on a Honda Civic, which I almost bought first. It is a beautiful car, when/if I ever run it into the ground, Ill be looking for another.

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  Excellent Choice - 2008 Scion TC
  By Fred - October 31 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased this car in 2008 for my daughter. Now going on the third year. Absolutely no problems other than stock tires seem to be wearing a bit. Gas mileage is adequate considering the larger 4cy. For the money this was a wonderful selection. As a bonus, daughter loves the vehicle. I offered to replace it with a 2008 Civic EX-L Coupe but she would not part with the TC. In my mind, that says a lot about the TC. This is one vehicle that Toyota successfully met its target market.

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  Run to your nearest dealer...now...go! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Scions4ever - October 30 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car after doing tons of research for an "economy" car. This little guy packs a lot of features and is just plain fun to drive! Its great gas mileage is key during these times. This car will end up saving me tons of money! Run to your nearest dealership and have fun with this ride!

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  Had to Have It - 2006 Scion XB
  By thaddeus - October 29 - 2:33 am

  Go buy the Scion xB. You know you want one. Heres the deal: this is THE best built, no frills (unless you upgrade) big car hiding in a samll cars body. Its tiny on the outside, but so spacious inside. True, youre not going to win any drag races in this thing, but it will get you to work, the grocery store, out on the town etc.. for the next 10 years! It drives great and is soooo good on the gas. Plus it looks cool. Go buy one. Im going to get another for the wifey.

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  A lot for a Little - 2005 Scion xA
  By John Klos - October 28 - 7:56 am

  The Scion xA is the best all around city commuter car going. It gets great mileage with inspired looks. I look forward to keeping my Scion for years. I will continue to purchase the Scion line for as long as it continues to be made. Thanks Toyota - great job on the Scion line of cars.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By FBC - October 23 - 9:53 pm

  Like the way the car handles on the interstate and in town. Super MPG. Wish I had purchased this car sooner.Better than the Fit and the Yaris. Nice sound system, easy to park, great acceleration when passing. I will mostly likely buy another one soon.

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  Incredible Mileage!! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Vogl - October 20 - 6:23 pm

  We love this car. We recently averaged 39.8 miles per gallon a trip through New Hampshire and got it up to 41.4 mpg at one point. The car is a great deal and has good storage space. Weve got a 11 month old son and it fits his stroller, play yard and a duffel bag for long trips. The only critique I have is that I am 6 2" tall and on long trips, the car isnt the most comfortable. Its snug in the back seat when I sit next to my sons car seat, but other than that it drives like a dream, turns on a dime and is a great buy!! Will definitely purchase Scion again!!

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  Owner - 2004 Scion XB
  By J.T Nechanicky - October 20 - 12:20 am

  The XB is what I expected. When ever I park I always get asked what is it? And I tell them what it is and who builds it, then show them the interior room and they like it. For a compact little wagon its a great vehicle.