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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  Looking for Economy? - 2009 Scion XD
  By GFS - February 14 - 9:33 am

  I drive 2000 miles a month, so the low price and great economy of the Scion xD really fit the bill. Hwy mpg runs 38.5 at 70mph; at 65mph, 39.6, sometimes 40 mpg for the 250 mile one- way trip. 32mpg in the city, and more if I use the interstate to get to work. Dont care much for the Premium Pioneer radio--difficult to operate-- but the sound system itself is fine-- but nowhere close to the sound system in my prior 08 Mariner. Road noise bothers me a little. The car handles great and it is roomy for its size. Ive grown accustomed to no arm rest, which really irked me at first. Long distance driving causes rump rot and achy legs for me, but it is fun to drive in city. I am happy with it.

• 

  Great Car!!!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Legends - February 13 - 12:40 am

  This car is exceptional! Between the extremely sharp looking exterior (midnight blue with tinted windows, it always stands out in a parking lot) and a functional, amazingly spacious interior this car has it all for a very realistic price. I cant over-emphasize the spaciousness of this car. Sit in one and youll see what I mean. Well drive the hell out of it until Toyota comes out with a hybrid version of the Scion xB or an electric and only then will we make the switch.

• 

  Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Stephen S. - February 10 - 3:36 am

  I looked at a lot of cars the Scion tC has it all. It handels great, has excellent power and has a great look. Plus its fun to drive.

• 

  #1 In Its Class. - 2007 Scion TC
  By Chris - February 9 - 9:20 am

  Whith the rising cost of gas and the lack of needing two SUVs. The Scion tC was the perfect vehicle for my daily commuter needs even with all four of my children.

• 

  Scion Got It Right With the 2008 XB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mary - February 9 - 5:16 am

  I owned a 2005 XB and always hoped Scion would make some improvements. Im proud to say they got it right with the improved 2008 XB. I traded my 2005 XB in May, 2007 for the 2008 XB. The improved model boasts a larger, 2.4 engine with A+ pickup. Tighter, smoother suspension and a quiet, roomy cabin make this car a true delight to drive. Ive added alloy wheels, rear bumper guard, rear sway bar and Sirius satellite radio. I like the extended trunk room and revised dashboard. The price is right for all the extras, quality and satisfaction youll find with the 2008 XB. It also handled the road very well in the Western New York/Buffalo winter. I have no regrets buying the 2008 XB.

• 

  Bad Wheel Bearings and Tires - 2004 Scion xA
  By bosco - February 8 - 11:33 am

  There is a problem with the xAs tires. The 185/65r 15s that it comes with are hard to find and very costy. Also, its wheel bearing are too light for the car. Toyota had this problem with the Echo as well.

• 

  Awesome Azure tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Awesome Azure tc - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Best overall fun car to drive! Didnt like the revvy,low torque engine of Toyota Matrix XR, XRS, but it had great cargo space & was comfortable. Mazda 3s sedan and Hatch lost acceleration feeling after a certain RPM compared to tc, & Mazda has poor resale value w/ questionable engine quality. So, I purchased the tc. Love the "oomph", smooth acceleration sensation matching a V6 engine. Great ride & handling, nice looks!

• 

  Awsome car for the price. - 2005 Scion TC
  By dulanic - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have now had my tC for about a month and I love everything about it. I am beyond happy with my purchase. The car is nice to look at, quality is excellent, and it is comfortable. Recently took a 2000 miles roadtrip and I was happy with the comfort, and I am tall at 64" and have no issues. Performance is excellent with this car, it is quick, handles well, and has a nice ride. It could stand to be lowered, and that will be one of the first things I do. Feature wise, it is awsome, it has everything I could want, and I love the roof, I have it open all the time almost. As for accessories, I got none, their all too expensive, I mean come on $700 for a XM sat tuner?

• 

  Great car at a low price - 2005 Scion TC
  By Kevin - February 7 - 12:06 am

  Spent 5 months looking for a car. Wanted a sporty car under $25,000. Narrowed down to Mazda 3, RSX, and the tC. Not only was the tC the least expensive but it has great power, good looks, and a very nice stock stereo system. The glass roof if pretty awesome also. No haggle pricing also made it nice to deal with the dealer.

• 

  Im Impressed - 2006 Scion xA
  By jmr986 - February 6 - 1:23 pm

  I went looking for a car for my 16 year old. I started looking at beaters and ended up with the Scion xA. We all piled in (four of us) for a test drive and I was hooked. For the money there is nothing equal in value and quality. Yes the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, are great cars too but youll probably pay $2,000 or more for them. Resale values are high for Scions and its a Toyota. A comparable Corolla will cost your more. I like the ala carte options. Plus, the no haggle pricing is kind of nice too. It would be nice to have more power, but for its intended audience it has just enough. I must confess Im considering the xB and loading it up, and Im not its target market...Im 54 years old!