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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  I CALL HIM "MR" XB - 2009 Scion XB
  By MR XB - February 24 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my white XB with 19 miles on it. I added (dealer installed) a moonroof, scion security and lo-jack, fog lights, cargo cover. From the outside it looks so small, but it is huge on the inside. I love the performance and sometimes fool around with the semi-manual shift for fun. I am very glad not to see a XB every where I turn. The biggest selling point for me was the safety features you get for the low price.

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  Fabulous new, not so great as it ages - 2005 Scion xA
  By Kimberlyxa - February 22 - 12:46 pm

  I loved my Scion xa when I first got it. Over the years it has had to have the bearing replaced, then entire transmission replaced, the Drive shaft was notched and needed replacement. And the front axle cracked and broke off. I am not sure if I got one from a bad batch, but I have never had this many problems with a Toyota, and I have owned several.

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  Tall driver is very pleased - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sean Malley - February 22 - 5:13 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Scion tC ownership experience, even though the CNN review said that tall drivers would be cramped, I heartily disagree, I am 65 and 200 lbs. and I am completely comfortable thanks to the ease of adjustment of the seat. It handles like a dream and even coped with the large amount of snow we had last winter very well, thanks to the front wheel drive I was able to move about even in icy conditions. The stock stereo system is quite nice and the upgrade im sure is better. The air conditioning and recirculating feature is very effective in keeping the car cool and smelling nicely, Ive had it for a little over a year now and it still smells new.

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  One of the Best - 2006 Scion TC
  By jack clift - February 21 - 7:00 am

  The Scion tC is the best. It has gottten me out of so many wrecks but becase of its great handling and great response time.

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  Love my little 2006 XB - 2006 Scion XB
  By DMichael - February 19 - 1:56 pm

  I had a Camry Hybrid, which was great for fuel economy and comfy to ride, but the huge battery ate up all the trunk space and that was a problem getting several guitars and amps to rehearsals and gigs. I wanted something small but with max cargo space, so I gravitated to the XB. I was blown away by the space inside this little car. I recently drove from LA to NYC in 3 days, with 4 guitars, a banjo, a mandolin, a couple duffle bags, my miniature schnauzer and my little sister. We drove through desert, over mountains and through a day and a half of pounding rain, and I love that little XB even more now!

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  So ugly its cute - 2005 Scion XB
  By Stephanie - February 18 - 10:30 am

  I did not expect to buy this car; but after sitting in it and driving it, there was no turning back. It really reaches out to a younger generation with tons of standard features and still affordable. Even the options are not outrageous in price. Definitely the most fun vehicle out there.

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  I love my Scion Tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By SarahS - February 16 - 4:06 am

  This vehicle is awesome! The look, the drive, the feel- everything is great. The design is nearly flawless and I have had absolutely NO problems with it. I would definately recommend this car!

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  The best box money can buy! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Hinds66 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The is a car that has the three major car buying catogories licked, Insurance, Safty, Gas Mileage. Other than that you either love it or hate it. ME well i traded a brad new lexus For my Xb and have not looked back. I dont think i will sell my box!

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  fun driving mini box - 2009 Scion XB
  By john - February 15 - 7:50 am

  I traded in my 2000 GMC Yukon XL (210,000 mileage) for this BOX. It was a Great car to drive and I do not miss my yukon XL at all. My family loves it too.

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  Functional and Fun - 2008 Scion XB
  By ducksquat - February 15 - 12:33 am

  We bought this car for my wife because she wanted something roomier on the inside and smaller on the outside. This was the perfect vehicle for her. She traded her Honda Accord for this vehicle. Built entirely in Japan, the quality is top notch and has yet to experience any problems. I cant believe that I can sit very comfortably in the backseat despite my 64" frame and the font seat is the same. Headroom is excellent. The four cylinder Camry engine has plenty of get up and go but I wish the average MPG were better. We do mostly city driving and average 24 mpg.