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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  My Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By Olga - September 30 - 7:06 pm

  I was about to buy a Toyota Prius or a Corolla when I first test drove a Scion xA and I immediately fell in love with it. It has a great sitting position and road visibility. I love the outstanding Pioneer sound system. The cabin is quiet. The xA has excellent handling and is very stylish. The ride is a little choppy but that doesnt bother me too much. The seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom. Its fuel economy is very good. The automatic transmission responds well. Mine has factory installed side and head curtain airbags. I paid extra for the keyless remote entry and an alarm. Overall this car has been an excellent choice for city driving. It is not the fastest, but provides a nice driving experience on the highway. Its a best buy for the middle-aged like myself.

• 

  2007 Scion - 2007 Scion TC
  By Tayda - September 30 - 1:10 am

  I recently purchased my 2007 Scion tC, and have been pleasantly surprised. It is not as luxurious as the 2007 Civic, however, it is roomier, and gives the sense of being more "open." I loooove the cabin space, and pick up that this car has. It you drive slowly, you actually average 25-26 mpg on the city. For what I paid, I got a VERY good car! I highly recommend it!

• 

  Too Many Visits to the Service Shop... - 2007 Scion TC
  By toyota_luva - September 29 - 8:13 pm

  When I bought this car, I was thinking, cool, I dont have to worry about taking any trips to the shop, because Im quite busy. Yeah right, this car saw the shop more in its three months life than my Acura Integra did in its 11 year lifetime! Rattle this, rattle that, clutch disengaging when cold, bad engineering on the glass wind deflector/sunroof. Its like sitting under an exquisite chandelier during an earthquake. Its beautiful to look at, but deadly when things goes wrong. The coolest thing about this is, Toyota isnt really doing anything to fix it. I have an 07 tC and still had a hail of shattered glass fall into the cabin. Other than that, its a decent car with OK gas mileage

• 

  So Happy - 2014 Scion XB
  By sohappyowner - September 29 - 7:18 am

  I am really enjoying my XB. It rides nice and is comfortable. Bought it from Auto Nation in Buena Park, was a great experience. Very Happy.

• 

  Love This Car! - 2014 Scion TC
  By foulds10 - September 28 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this car new exactly one year ago, and it is fantastic. Very reliable, comfortable and looks great. I get endless comments on its looks and how roomy the back seats are. Hatchback trunk has saved me from renting trucks for moves, and the car has handled well in the State College snow. With all the added features this car is an absolute bargain, Im so happy with it. The headlights are HIID - I feel much safer driving at night and the voice-navigation system is so handy. Only Con: while on the phone through bluetooth you are unable to see the navigation screen, the "calling ___" screen overrides the navigation. Very minor problem, Id strongly recommend this car.

• 

  I Like It - 2006 Scion TC
  By SCIONRUNNER06 - September 27 - 7:06 pm

  Though the seats dont go back quite enough for me, I love my tC. I have a few upgrades and am very pleased with the results. It provides excellent bang for the buck.

• 

  Maybe I AM Crazy! - 2006 Scion XB
  By deb - September 27 - 1:53 am

  My teenager told me if I bought this car she would NEVER drive it! When I first saw it, I laughed and said "How ugly. Show me something else!" But now we both absolutely love it. My 62" boys get in the back seat and have PLENTY of headroom AND knee room! Even with the seats all the way back. It has no power, but with teenagers, I would prefer a car without a lot of power. Hey, it gets me where I want to go. I dont feel claustrophobic. In fact, I love the seat position - not too high, not too low, forward enough so I feel in control and can see cars coming even when I am down a blind alley. I was disappointed in the mileage though. Even with my careful driving, I only get 30 mpg instead 34.

• 

  Fast sleeper - 2009 Scion XB
  By Autocrosser - September 25 - 3:36 am

  I love this vehicle. I replaced a gas guzzler, 18 mpg, with this 27+ mpg, 80% hiway use car. I towed my race car with the replaced suv, and now I am autocrossing the xb. Ive finished first in every event this year, 12. I load up my overnight gear; sleeping bag, mattress, food, cooler, clothes, and helmet, and off I go. She rides smooth and quick, plenty of power.

• 

  What is it?!? - 2004 Scion XB
  By Teri B - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this upgraded golf cart/Toaster and love it. I own the hunter green color and put a darker tint on the front driver/passenger windows and glad I did. I am getting around town mileage 27 and hwy 39 if I keep it below 70!!! I bought this car in S CA and now I have moved to KY and the farmers are all scratching their heads when I drive around town.

• 

  URBAN DESTROYER VEHICLE - 2004 Scion XB
  By SPLOCK - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Over-all...this thing is an URBAN DESTROYER VEHICLE...UDV! All you self- esteem dropouts that need that MONSTER TRUCK/SUV to make you feel big, safe and important, well watch me make you feel like a pig that has just been zapped by a Tarantula Killer! Fast, smooth and incredibly well handling. By the time you FAT SUVs get onto the FWY, I am home and having a cold one...A true ZIPPEN MACHINE!