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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Exelent Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By Benjamin - July 4 - 3:53 am

  The scion xB is basically the best car that Ive ever owned. It handles great, but you realize fairly quick that its not a muscle car. The interior of the car is incredibly comfortable. With high gas prices its one of the best options out there.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By OMork06 - July 1 - 6:26 am

  Bought my Scion about 6 months ago. Its been the best decision I couldve ever made. The only thing that was a concern was the 50,000 miles already put on the engine. With the miles already on engine, it runs great with its powerful 2.4 engine but wouldnt hurt to go a little faster. The car looks great stock! Bought mine slammed about 5 inches off the ground and takes corners like a champ! Great on gas, especially when I drive from PHX to LA about every month. AC comes in handy with the 120 degree weather in the AZ.

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  I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leslie - June 29 - 5:50 pm

  I have had my Scion XB for a month and truly love everything about it. It is fun to drive, though it does have a small engine and is not going to beat a ferrari out of a toll booth, it is peppy, especially the manual. I am very happy with it and advise people to test drive one if you are curious!

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  Whats not to love??? - 2005 Scion TC
  By tc_lover_baltimore - June 28 - 10:33 am

  I traded in my 1 year old Camry for this just because I was tired of being anonymous and driving something that wasnt really FUN. Sure the storage in the tC isnt as plentiful, but the one thing I loved about my Camry was that silky smooth and powerful 4 cylinder - and the tC has that with 300 less pounds. Add that to the exceptional handling and its genuine GREAT looks and this was one car I couldnt wait to own. THANK YOU Toyota for adding yet another great product to your line-up!

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  Fun little car. - 2009 Scion XD
  By F.W. - June 26 - 3:00 am

  Bought it as a replacement for my wifes Olsmobile Alero. This really is a great little car. Lots of pep, the handling is great, gas mileage is phenomenal, features are fantastic, and it looks like a little monster in a good way. I researched these small style cars for about two months now and it came down to a toss up between the Honda Fit Sport and the xD. Thankfully the xD comes in one base model and comes fully loaded vs the Fit, which you have to spend the extra cash for the Sport to get the same features. Granted the Fit has a little more cargo space, but for price (Pure Pricing), reliability, style, features and peppier engine, xD all the way. No regrets, we love this car.

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  Review of my kitty car - 2005 Scion XB
  By btownmeezer - June 25 - 8:23 am

  I just love this car. I was shopping for a car for a year and I stumbled upon this one in my search. It had everything I wanted and for the right price and I didnt have to haggle either. Nothing else could compare. My husband and I were both surprised at how roomie it is inside - very comfortable up front. And, for transporting cats for my rescue group, plenty of room with the back seats down. Gas mileage is great on the highway! Im very pleased with my Black Cherry xB. Im glad I bought it.

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  Dream Machine - 2006 Scion TC
  By Leo - June 25 - 7:23 am

  Absolute dream to drive. Interior is roomy, comfortable. No road noise. handles on the road like a charm. Sporty, yet practical. Would recommend it to anyone who likes a comfortable yet exciting ride. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Everyday I love it just a lil bit more! - 2009 Scion XD
  By EcoEvolution - June 22 - 5:56 pm

  Ive had the xd since 11/08 and its just great. So many standard features that you would have to pay extra for in other cars. MPG is outstanding I drive 100 miles to and from school twice a week and it barely dents my gas tank. So many cool features, high tech, great cargo, eco friendly, Love the interior design. Def beats other hatchbacks in its class. Its zippy, roomy,great lil compartments here and there, secret lil luggage holder in cargo area, adjustable back seats that also fold down individually,passenger seat folds down. audio control from the steering, ipod jack. everything you need and want is standard.

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  I Love My Car!! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Dezire - June 21 - 1:23 pm

  As an owner I say it is a very sporty and classy car with a lot of power and is smooth to drive. Ill recommend this car to anyone!

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  Couldnt Ask for More - 2005 Scion TC
  By Caleb - June 20 - 3:40 pm

  Want more bang for your buck? Electric seats? HA! try finding another car built this well that performs this sharply! I changed my spark plugs to NGK iridium and now get 33 mpg hwy! Im 62" and actually find the car more comfortable than my 98 eclipse! The jellybean shape helps to provide a lot of headroom . There isnt much headroom in the back though, but enough theres legroom for someone who is 6 tall to sit behind me. You cant ask for much more than that. With a bombproof engine, BMW styling and a pandoras box of power just waiting to be opened you cant beat the performance or styling of this vehicle until you reach $22,000 with the supercharged Saturn, but then your car isnt as well built! Do the math on that one!