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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  Its True Beauty Is On The Inside. - 2004 Scion XB
  By Bobo - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I actually went to the dealer to look at another car. After rejecting it as too small, I sat in the xB as a joke. (I thought it looked silly.) I was shocked by how big it felt. So shocked I took it out for a drive. The automatic was so fun, I asked if I could drive the 5 speed. By the end of the second drive, I actually liked the way it looked. I love this car!

• 

  Scion BabyBoomer!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Karen - June 17 - 9:03 pm

  This car was marketed for the young kids but Im a babyboomer who was getting frustrated finding a hot coupe for under 20K. Then my son told me a 5 letter word.."SCION" and my prayers were answered. The interior cabin is so comfortable it belies its sport coupe look. Good power combined with an easy to use manual transmission with a short throw makes driving FUN!!! And with lots of experience with a stick you can leave the "youngsters" in your dust!! After more than 5 mts, I still enjoy all the comments about how hot my black cherry pearl Scion is. So all you babyboomers out there who are saving for retirement but still want a fun car to drive, try SCION tC & you wont be disappointed!

• 

  Great auto - 2008 Scion XB
  By npdxc - June 15 - 2:00 pm

  We enjoyed our 2004 xB and did not intend to make any changes. We had the opportunity to drive the 2008 Scion xB. It was immediate, my wife and I decided we wanted to own it for many reasons. First, safety. Side airbags and curtains, 4 wheel disc brakes, are new in 2008. While it is heavier than the 2004, the ride is improved, handling is improved. Also, the longer wheelbase and length, help the ride and improved capacity for a load in the back. More interior lights, outside temperature, readings of mpg, etc. are all new and part of the standard package. Have received lots of questions from bystanders, inquiring about the car. Looks good (Blackberry Crush Metallic color).

• 

  The perfect city car! - 2004 Scion XB
  By civicguy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a replacement for my Honda Civic that would be as fun to drive and reliable, but with more utility. After Toyota announced in 2002 that they would start selling the Toyota bB (as its called in Japan) in California this year, my decision was pretty much made! For my review see favorite features and suggested improvements below...

• 

  I love my car.... - 2008 Scion XD
  By Robin - June 15 - 7:33 am

  My prior car was the Toyota Echo, and while i have lost out in gas mileage, ive made up in comfort and fun. If i had to make the decision again, even 7 months later i wouldnt hesitate. I love this car.

• 

  I had my car for 8 days :o( - 2006 Scion xA
  By Tink11464 - June 14 - 7:56 am

  Had my car for 8 days! I bought this car brand new, unfortunately it was totaled 8 days later. I LOVED THIS CAR! I called everyone I knew in that first week saying how much I loved this car. The style is awesome, the ride great, the kids loved it (from my 16 year old down to my 4 year old). On March 16th someone in front of me caused a 5 car pile up and I was caught up in it... So heres hoping I get another Scion xA ASAP!! My car was totaled the same day my Cargo tote that I ordered from the dealership came in. I told them to hold the tote - till I get another xA.The police put in the report that my car was an SUV. I had to fix that! My car was the smallest in the accident!

• 

  oldvet53s 9 scion xb - 2009 Scion XB
  By oldvet53 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  i love this little car! it gets good mpg. and loves twisty back roads. i drive to the V.A. at Little Rock, Arkansas which is 100 miles away and usually spend about $20.00-$22.00 on the round trip. i am able to get 24 mpg. around town.

• 

  The good and the bad - 2008 Scion XD
  By Eclectic - June 13 - 6:06 am

  This is a great little car. The car performs well and looks great. I have the xD RS 1.0 and I am extremely delighted.

• 

  Still great after 1 1/2 years - 2006 Scion XB
  By KimE - June 11 - 7:16 am

  I bought my beloved xB for me and my two kids. As a single-mom, I needed a reliable but inexpensive car. I wanted a Toyota but not happy with a corolla-type car. Did research on the xB, took a test drive and fell in love. Tons of room and attention-getting good looks! Its not just for the young people. Im 41 and I love it. The kids think its cool too.

• 

  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By lola - June 9 - 2:23 pm

  I have owned my Scion xA for only a few months and I love it. It some time gets more mileage than what they say so I think you can imagine how much I like it.