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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  A compact car as big as an SUV inside - 2004 Scion XB
  By Can_a_Wup_Ass88 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I cannot begin to tell you how shocking it is to sit in this little car, you have more space inside than most SUVs on the market... and the car gets 30 mpg! The 1.5L motor has plenty of power (I have an automatic) and can easily pass cars on the freeway if you want. There is probably more rear seat room in this car than any other car on the market. You heard me... ANY other car. It is also super easy to get in and out of the seat hieght is just right. The car is built to the highest quality standard I have ever seen. Pure 100% Toyota quality through and through ... not sure why they call it a Scion, Toyota name would have been better.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2006 Scion xA
  By BCSDAPD - August 26 - 1:23 pm

  The Scion xA is a great little car with a few minor exceptions. Its gas mileage has been around 35 mpg, with mostly city miles. I have found the center mounted guage cluster better than traditional driver side. Its ride is smooth with very easy to reach control locations (audio, heat/AC, shifter knob, windows). I am 59" and sit just right inside. It has clear 360 degree views with little to no blind spots. It is perfect for scooting around town where performance is not an issue. I could see how large people could find it a bit cramped in leg/steering area. It has lots of head room though! I WOULD NOT take this on an extended road trip. Its RPMs do get into the 3,000s above 55 mph and gas goes fast with sluggish passing power.

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  I LOVE My xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By ChrisW - August 25 - 7:56 pm

  I admit, when I was looking around I didnt think I would like this car this much, but it is fabulous. Maybe it was just my 19 year old Honda Civic, but this car is great. And dont listen to complaints about the ride, it is just fine. Its road feel is great. My only complaint is that the factory tires are kind of lousy, but other than that, I am in love.

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  Love it - 2005 Scion xA
  By Michele - August 25 - 12:46 pm

  Rides smooth over city streets

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  Detroit automakers should follow Scion! - 2006 Scion xA
  By fjescionxa - August 24 - 12:10 am

  What an amazing car! Love the gas mileage 40mpg!Very nimble & corners great!Inside design fantastic, wish cruise control,center counsel & fog lights standard.Stereo great transmission smooth but gears too short forcing quick shifts.Fit & finish excellent, overall a 9.5. If Detriot is serious about becoming relevant again take the lead from Scion. Thanx

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  My xA rocks your face! - 2006 Scion xA
  By anneonymous - August 23 - 10:50 pm

  I love driving my vehicle. Its cute and extremely efficient. Ive had it for over 2 years and I take great care of my car. Im currently modding out my car and its worth it! Ive added an intake and exhaust and really cool diamond plate floor mats and Ive even joined a Scion club!

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  Love my little white xD! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Sharon - August 19 - 12:36 am

  I had seen my first xD about a year before I bought mine. I was hooked from that point on. I looked at other cars- just to be sure-but always came back to the xD. Had to wait a few days to get my white manual, but it was worth it. I love driving it...it zips everywhere...and I love to brag about the gas mileage to my gas hog driving friends.It is just too cute.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2005 Scion XB
  By MISSOURI BOX DRIVER - August 17 - 5:40 am

  This is my 2nd review of my Scion the 1st was on 1/22/2005 Ive now had my Xb for 8 months and am very happy so far the only complaints I have are minor 1. the A/C could blow colder or blow faster 2. power on some of the Ozarks was only O.K. The transmission could downshift sooner instead of slowing down to 40 mph. These are minor on the interstate it was fine as it is around town. Gas mileage is around 27 town / 32 highway, which is good enough for me. For the folks wanting more power Toyota should offer a supercharger option and for the ones who want better mileage Toyota should make a diesel.

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  Love my toaster on wheels! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Chris - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  This is a great small car with a lot of extras for a wonderful price! There should be more of these type vehicles instead of the gas sippers out there!

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  Amazing little car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Nikki - August 12 - 9:43 am

  I purchased my Xb about 8 months ago. I was suprised how well it did on muddy roads, and icy streets. While it doesnt have the control of a 4 wheel SUV for a Front wheel drive vehicle Id say its far above average. Exteremly roomy interior. I can sit in front with my seat all the way back and my 67" friend can sit behind me comfortably without even knocking his knees! Not the most powerful car on the road but it has better pick up than many other wagons. Exteremly fuel efficient. Im avid road tripper and its always gotten me where Im going without issue. Reliable start up even in winter. Great car overall especially for price. I highly recommend some of the extras! Like LED lights!