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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Wayne S. - July 15 - 2:56 pm

  This car is just what we needed. I had a Miata and my wife had an Xterra. We needed something to take the place of both. She needed room for her cleaning business and I needed something that felt sporty yet a little safer than the Miata. This car has a dual sunroof, folding back seat, and comes with all the bells and whistles (like cruise and leather wheel, etc) What a fantastic driving experience, it is very nimble. Also, we have had the car 6 months now and do not have one complaint. CR stated that the car has plenty of space for a sporty car. The rear seat is actuallly sedan-like. All in all, could not be happier with it. It gets looks too.

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  Major Improvement!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By coldndenver - July 12 - 11:40 am

  After having a 2005 xB, I decided on a whim to go check out the 2008 xB. Right when I stepped inside this car I was sold! I took a test drive and I had made my decision on the manual. I have now have 4000 miles on my new xB and would never go back to the old xB. I cant think of anything better on the old xB except for the gas mileage, but I was willing to sacrifice that for more power. The new xB does not feel like a tin can like the older models and it is an all around safer vehicle with standard side curtain airbags. Ride is much smoother (especially in high winds) and quieter. I live in Colorado and it handles well in the snow with the stability/traction control and standard ABS.

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  Very overall nice ride! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Trig - July 12 - 1:50 am

  I am very impressed with this years tC. I love the new tail lights and orange illumation in the dash. Rides very smooth and quiet for a sports-like car. The price isnt bad either (for everything that comes standard). Highly recommended to anyone who loves a nice ride with pretty good pick up.

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  It grows on you... - 2005 Scion XB
  By JpRoman1981 - July 11 - 6:36 pm

  When i first saw this vehicle, which was inside the mall, i really didnt like it. One of my friends bought one, so i rode in it around the block...ever since that, i have loved them. They are very unique cars love the "box-look". I got the Thunder Cloud Metallic one. This car is not for everyone, but it is for me.

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  awesomness - 2004 Scion xA
  By Vudoo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  the car is just sooo fun! my parents bought for me as a graduation gift and im glad they did. they opted to buy me a solara but somehow the fun and funkyness of the scion XA caught their eye. the car is great and gets good mileage! my parents put in a lot of extra features which might be a lil pricey but it looks great. it makes every car unique and all.

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  Great Fun Coupe!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By jaimean - July 8 - 2:53 pm

  I had a rough time waiting for the dealer to get me the car I ordered, and ended up getting one available in the dealer after I got tired of waiting for almost two months. The color is not the one I ordered, but the indigo blue is just as nice. The perfomance is outstanding, great handling on the road, and fun to drive. The interiro design brings a lot of attention to the people that looks at it; they say it looks like a pricey car. I just hope it lives up to my expectations, but knowing is a Toyota-made car, I have no doubts about it...

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  Worth More Than It Costs - 2006 Scion TC
  By Kat from Atlanta - July 4 - 3:50 pm

  I had a 95 Chevy Camaro that had become very problematic and so I purchased a tC to replace it. The tC had the sporty look I wanted without a high price. The car rides very well and accelerates quickly. It was also nice to be able to customize it to make it personal and also to ensure that the additions would fit properly. The car blocks out a lot of outside noise. When I pull into my garage the sound of my dogs barking are now only a muffle. To top it off, Scion cars have been noted to be very reliable so its great to know that this car can get me around safely. I definitely recommend this car to anyone who wants a lot of features and reliability without having to pay a fortune.

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  Loving our Square Car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Snarf09 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our xb 5speed for a little over two months now and love it. Coming from VR6 VW i was a little concerned at first about only having 108 hp, but with its VVti engine and light weight it really does feel quick around town and has no trouble doing 75-80mph on the highway. We have been averaging about 31/32 mpg overall in mixed city/highway driving. The room in the back seat is truly amazing and with the seats folded down it can hold huge amounts of cargo. I cant wait to try out the traction control in some snow! Anyone looking for reliable, efficent and totally unique transportation thats a blast to drive should really take a look.

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  1st Impression - 2005 Scion XB
  By BobV - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I found a odd vehicle but one that grows on you! Very well assembled and well thought out. Very well behaved on normal or winding roads a bit pushed on toll roads though. Economy above average Engine quiet and the list of normal extra cost equipment is amazing as it is all included in the base price!

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  I made the best car purchase - 2006 Scion XB
  By aliengirl2004 - July 4 - 9:20 am

  It is so nice to know with gas prices rising, I will hardly feel the pain! I love this car, and at first glance, I hated it like most people. The xB is something you warm up to when you start to get it. I love it so much, my husband and I both have one!