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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Best Car I ever Bought !!!!! - 2010 Scion XB
  By towstr - May 2 - 12:40 am

  I bought the Scion xb in 05. After owning it for almost 5 years and saw the new model, I just fell in love all over again. This time I got the Release Series 7.0 , 186 of 2000 is whats on my car. I also purchased the spoilers. It didnt get the manual on my 05 Scion so this time I made sure I did. The car feels so much bigger and I can really tell. Love the color. Did someone said it only had one setting on wipers? You better look again buddy !

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  LOVIN IT !!!!!!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By RaeBeez - May 2 - 12:26 am

  Love my car so much! Really easy and fun to drive! My friends were all like "Why dont get a truck?" When I told them I was getting a scion, but now they think my car is hot!I think so too. I get people asking questions about the car all the time,and people wanting to drive it. Pictures dont do the car justice, it is really cute and sporty. I got the rear pedestal spoiler and it really nails the look!

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  Love My Burgundymobile - 2005 Scion XB
  By happy customer - May 1 - 12:26 am

  The car handles well, even in strong winds. We get a very clear view of the road as the driver sits up above the dashboard. Our milage is about 29 - 30mpg. The Scion xB has plenty of storage for a smaller car and is very comfortable for passengers in front and back seats.

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  Awesome value - 2009 Scion XD
  By Paul - April 29 - 1:46 am

  This car is better than I expected. I needed a gas-saving four door with room to carry dogs and sometimes haul bikes, skis and kayaks. And something fun to drive was part of the deal. I got the 5 speed and this car is a blast to drive. It pulls well with a wide power band - dont have to strain the motor much. Quality is superb. Handling is crisp. Im getting 36 mpg on the highway, about 30 overall. For a car at this price, it is a great buy. The care comes with a bunch of standard features. Im very happy with it.

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  My Baby! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Brittany - April 28 - 11:00 pm

  Before I got my 2006 Scion tC i drove a 96 Cavalier! What a huge difference difference! I love how smooth it drives and its so quiet! It is my first new car, and my first purchase. Im only 18, and Im nervous about the payments for the next 6 years - but I know Toyotas warranty will take care of me!

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  Neat Ride - 2009 Scion XB
  By Craig - April 28 - 9:33 pm

  Bought this car for its looks and special features. It is a Absolutely Red, series 6 with upgraded floor mats, fog lights, bumper protector, Nav. system standard on this one. I was looking at an xd but really liked this special addition. So long story short I love it. Had to put some black and chrome wheels on it so I spent right at 20k for it. I get about 4 more miles to the gal. city/hwy than what was on the msrp. Quality is outstanding for the price and the Toyota quality control sure shows in this car. Only drive about 4500 miles a year but some day someone is going to get a great used car. Neat Ride

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  Most fun to drive car ever! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Grateful11 - April 28 - 8:40 am

  This car, aka: "Little Car", hasnt been back to the dealer for anything. Its blast to drive has plenty of get up and go for a normal person, no its not a hot rod. I get 38-39 mpg without even trying with a 90% highway 10% city driving commute. My last tank produced an impressive 42.9 mpg but that took some real attention to laying off the gas pedal. Im running reg. Castrol GTX in it. The sound system is awesome, sounds like it has small subwoofers in it. Its a definite keeper!

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  This Car Pays For Itself - Great Car !! - 2006 Scion xA
  By ggallen - April 28 - 4:40 am

  Have my Scion a couple week. Just love the car. It is really solid and handles well. Loads of leg and head room. Love the fact that you cna build the car you want instead of paying for options you never use. Cant beat the gas mileage. I am getting betwen 37 and 41 mpg and the car is not even broke in. In fact, being this car is getting double the gas mileage of my others. I have set- up a Scion Saver account and I deposit my gas savings in the account every time I fill-up. The way I see it if gas prices remain I will have the car paid off in about 3 years off my gas savings alone.

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  30,000 miles and counting - 2004 Scion XB
  By Chuckie - April 19 - 10:23 am

  My xBs only downside is the choppy ride. I love the fact that all four tall adults can ride with their hats on and not be cramped. With the rear seats folded down, trips to Costco or the nursery are easier than in any sedan. The noise level at high speeds is about the same as in my new Odyssey.

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  A Little Sports Car Lies Beneath - 2004 Scion XB
  By 26 xB owner - April 16 - 8:30 pm

  Forget the xBs exterior styling, you wont see it inside the car. In fact, its box shape makes it a roomy car. Buy one and youll think youre stealing from Toyota. Ive brought home a 27" TV with its package. I doubt you can pull that one off in a Camry. Its so roomy itll have people fighting over the rear seats. The ABS help me saved a little kid within a week of delivery. When the curve says 25, you can throw it in there at 35 and edge it up to 45. The steering is light but NOT numb like many other Toyota products. I only wish it had an extra gear (more on that). If the Miata is a solid 10 in fun to drive and the Celica is a 9, the xB is a respectible 8. But those are only toy cars.