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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Love It! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Lou in NJ - May 6 - 2:30 am

  First Id like to say, I never thought Id buy an import car, but this is one great little vehicle and Im glad I bought it! Its Great on gas and fun / easy to drive. It has so much interior room that you have to see it to believe it (you have to sit in one and youll see for yourself - its amazing on the inside). Took it from NJ to FL and back this summer and it while not a highway rocket, it did better than I expected with three adults plus luggage and A/C on along Route 95. Passing did require some strategic planning, but it gets the job done!

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  Most car for you Money. - 2006 Scion XB
  By kingmb08 - May 5 - 11:02 am

  I always thought these toasters were so ugly. Well I needed a car and this car at the time you got the most for your money. I can fit a dryer in the back of this thing ( yes a dryer to for your clothes). I do feel less manly driving it but you cant beat the interior room, gas mileage and price. It is a little sluggish and I am hesitant to pull out in from of other cars. I think this would be a great car for a business or someone who just drives in the city. . I think this would be a great car for older people with knee or hip problems because it is so easy to get into and out of or for someone who is getting in and out of the car all day long.

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  Welcome to the 21st Century Alltrack - 2005 Scion XB
  By geronimo 777 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Remember that boxy 1980s Toyota All Track Wagon? Well this is the 21st Century version for sure! Practical, roomy, unassuming, and destined to go 200K miles in snow country, but unlike the All Track the xB has great comfort, handling, more zip, and a respectable low volume base "feel" setting on the Pioneer factory radio/cd. The traction and stability control worked well in the rain and beats the cost of 4x4 for occasional ice days. Best of all, it is getting 33-34 MPG in 80% highway use. The xB has a stiff ride like a typical euro sports mini but handling is good. Got a good discount on options and cut $1,200 a year off my petrol bill. A keeper 4 sure.

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  More than you might expect - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dtemple - May 5 - 10:00 am

  When reviewing this car one must be realistic. I feel that for the price sold this car delivers magnificantly. Beginning with the exterior, a quick walkaround will elicit several head turns with sexy yet subtle curves. The interior is intuitively designed. Quality was not sacraficed in order to preserve low costs, and this is apparent with just one quick upon the snug sport bucket seats. The engine is extremely smooth with firm acceleration (0-60 in 7.7 w/AT) while the steering is tight arounf corners and in the city. Zipping for spots on the expressway is no problem. All things considered, the tC is a soild investment that will return huge smiles.

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  Attention Getter - Lots of Compliments. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Jean - May 5 - 7:13 am

  I love my car! It is so cute and adorable and I get a lot of compliments. Im tiny and everyone says its just the right car for me. It looks small on the outside, but once youre inside it feels like a regular size car. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a fun, economic car to drive. = )

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  Very Happy with purchase - 2005 Scion TC
  By Erik in Denver - May 4 - 5:46 am

  As the owner of a Toyota Corrola, I was very happy with the quality of my vehicle. When I went to the dealership for scheduled maintenance there it was, a 2005 Scion TC. The sporty style and chrome wheels caught my eye, I had to test drive. Sitting inside I instantly noticed the large glass roof and stylish gauges, once I hit the open road I felt a kick of power and the fact that it was raining made this even better. The tires gripped the road like velcro, I was able to change lanes and turn as if the pavement was dry. Stopping was effortless with the abs system and the sound system blasted with ease with no distortion. The trunk space was large and the cover can be easily removed. A++

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  Pros far outweigh the cons - 2005 Scion TC
  By fairlady03 - May 4 - 12:02 am

  Bought mine as a demo with 2900 miles on it, and well be celebrating our 7 year anniversary in February. Ive put 155k (not easy miles either - I beat on my cars pretty soundly) and I have to say it has withstood everything I put it through with class and style. Its like the little Scion that could. Most problems have been wear and tear, otherwise VERY minimal maintenance and still runs like a top. Overall a solid investment, fun to tune (have TRD exhaust, K&N Typhoon intake, B&M short throw), easy to work on/troubleshoot, respectably quick. I bought a 350Z this past February and kept the tC for winter and shopping trips - shes still got a lot of life left in her :)

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  I cant stop smiling" - 2012 Scion IQ
  By 883 - May 1 - 4:17 pm

  "I cant stop smiling since Ive had it" was my response when a lady who practically ran across the parking lot asked how I liked it. Ive had others taking pictures of it on their phones, people missing their "green light" at intersections because they were staring at it, another fella in a cammed up Corvette laugh with me when I motioned that Id race him off the light. I never would have thought that this little commuter car would be such a blast to drive. Its smooth, quiet, roomy, solid and quick off the light. I drive alone, so I folded the back seats down, bought the cargo carpet and use it as a hatchback.

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  2007 Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By Midnight XII - May 1 - 12:50 pm

  After trading in my 2005 Scion xA, I took my new 2007 tC out for a test drive on Bartlett Dam Rd. outside Phoenix, AZ. It handled the twisting, hilly roads with no problems. The cornering was almost flawless, due to sand on the road, but it handled wonderfully. The tC accelerates quickly and definitely shows it has power to spare. Fair warning, Its easy to spin the tires when power shifting into 2nd gear.

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  My Scion Rules - 2005 Scion xA
  By LoneGun - May 1 - 6:03 am

  I research this purchase for over three months and found that if you compare the Toyota Matrix and the Scion Xa you will come up with a pretty close tie. The bigiest diffence other than price is that the Scion comes with anti-lock brakes and the Matrix does not, go figure. As far as room the matrix is 4 inches longer but the 4 inches is not worth the extra $5K in price. This ride is solid I also have the limited edition XA that came with a electric Sun roof.