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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  Love it but mileage is bad - 2005 Scion xA
  By George - June 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my Scion: Style, audio, interior, exterior and its ride. I am not happy with the mileage. Has gotten as low at 25mph and no more than 32. That is the reason I bought it. It seems through all the reviews that all the others are doing great on mileage. Other than the mileage it is a great car. I hope the mileage changes with time.

• 

  This was the best gift for myself ever - 2008 Scion XD
  By Lisa - June 11 - 6:56 am

  I have had my eyes on this car for the past 3 month, I bought it home with me to many oohhhhs and aaaaahhhh from my family member. When you lay eyes on the Scion from the outside it is TINY, but when you step in its like magic the inter room is amazing! It felt like I was driving a minivan! Everything is perfect on the car. The only, and I mean the only, complaint is that there is no armrest in the front. Since I bought the car I have been looking for excuses to run errands and go to work, just anything that will let me drive the car. It is an amazing car.

• 

  Still has the new car smell - 2011 Scion XB
  By Frank - June 11 - 2:13 am

  I just bought the car on Monday, and I am totally loving it! I wasnt 100% sold when I signed the papers, in part because it was bought with my fiances and my future in mind, but now I cant be happier. For such a small engine, it really has a lot of kick. I will say that it doesnt handle perfectly when driving next to a semi...you really get blown around. All around great vehicle though.

• 

  Fun car for Business Use - 2006 Scion XB
  By david mullins - June 9 - 1:43 pm

  The Scion xB is an exceptional little car with many perks. It is a real eycatcher, headturner, and has great great economy and reliability. I use it as a rolling billboard for our company.

• 

  Six months later. - 2008 Scion XD
  By Pleased Consumer - June 8 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased the xD in March 2008, and have six months experience driving it. Fuel economy has been a steady 34 mpg, calculated. I have had only one incident where the Vehicle Stabilization Control system automatically worked its magic. It was during a highway run, climbing a hill during a rainstorm when traction was especially bad. The system kicked in at a time when I was unaware that I was losing traction. I maintained control with its aid, slowed down,and carried on with my trip all smoothly, safely done. This VSC is a worthwhile feature. One slight but nagging shortfall in the design of this car is the FEEL of the brakes-- they operate well, but are vague in their feel.

• 

  2006 Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Kristy - June 7 - 11:50 am

  I fully enjoy my new Scion tC. It has great visibility and it handles the road really well. It is a nice car for the price.

• 

  pleasure car - 2005 Scion XB
  By veronica cooper - June 7 - 3:00 am

  The car is so spacious, you could fit 5 NBA players in it (4 comfortably). It has so much leg room. We made a 2000 mile trip to North Carolina in it and only filled the tank 5 times altogether (even driving up and down the mountains). The car is super dependable, great ride, the only dangerous thing about it is the other people looking at the car they start to come in to your lane.

• 

  Fun Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By duitoit - June 6 - 5:33 pm

  Traded my Ford F150 for the XB. Great car. Im 61" and too heavy but have plenty of room. Averaging 27-28 mph. Its a real looker and I cant believe the number of XBs on the road-need to start a club. Have a Porsche Boxster but I find the Xb almost more fun to drive and much more comfortable to drive. My wife can have the Boxster Ill stick with the XB. I did a lot of research and I think the XB was the best car out there for the cost. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Im 63 and I think its cool.

• 

  tC Quickie - 2007 Scion TC
  By Fallen_Demon - June 6 - 3:53 am

  Well, I got my tC brand new this past November, and I must say, I LOVE everything about it!

• 

  Reliable and Fun - 2008 Scion XB
  By Anna - June 6 - 2:23 am

  Im way north of the age range that this car was designed for, but I love it. I always smile when I look at it and it is giving me a reliable vehicle that is very versatile for hauling people and "stuff." I wish it had a roof rack. Also, Ive found this winter that it is EXCELLENT in snow - a very good thing! Its also steady and responsive at interstate highway speeds.