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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Survived an 800 pound moose! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Megan - February 1 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car in May of this year mainly because of the value and incredible gas mileage. I had been driving it for just under three months when I hit an 800 pound moose going out 55 mph on the highway. My brother and I walked away with no injuries whatsoever, something that everyone who actually saw the car couldnt believe. Its in the shop now and I cant wait to get it back because now I know that on top of being cool, economical and fun to drive, its a very safe vehicle.

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  Great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By tonylexus - January 30 - 10:50 pm

  This car has exceeded my expectations in every way. Performance, mileage, quality and fun-to-drive. Still believe, that all things considered, there is not a vehicle in this class that can beat the tCs value. Took some getting used to living in a coupe again, but was ready for a change of pace and have no regrets. Considering my utter satisfaction with the tC, the badge on the grill might as well say "Lexus".

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  Great Decision - 2005 Scion XB
  By Elliott Beck - January 30 - 1:40 pm

  I really needed a quality but inexpensive car for college and the Scion xB was the perfect thing. It gets amazing gas mileage, the room inside is great and I can appreciate it cause Im 64 and it really is fun to drive. Of course its no speed deamon but thats what you sacrifice for the gas mileage and price and I knew that going in. Since Ive had it, three of my friends have gone into the process of getting one they love it so much.

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  Best Car for the money! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Kamal - January 29 - 1:13 pm

  This car is amazing. It is the perfect package. the optimum value for the money. Roomy ,comfortable,reliable and very smooth shifting .The engine is the same as a Camry.

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  My Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By samantha - January 26 - 1:00 pm

  I enjoy my xA. It has been great. Its gas mileage in town is anywhere from 27- 31. On the highway it gets 38-42. We just came back from Ohio and it averaged about 41 miles per gallon. it drives great and I love it very much.

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  Fun little box! - 2004 Scion XB
  By bmwbiker - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing! Im over 6 feet in height and I still had plenty of room. The back seat is HUGE. I love the speedo where it is. It is right where it should be. I found it extremely easy to get used to. I love the interior space in this car. I also like the exterior. It looks alot better in real life than in pictures.

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  Made the Right Choice - 2006 Scion XB
  By Box Man - January 25 - 5:26 pm

  After visting this site for months researching all of my options, I finally went with the Scion xB and I am totally sure I made the right decision. The Element was big, clunky and pricy. The Chevy HHR was silly looking and well as a Chevrolet. The only real contender was the Mazda3 wagon, and this beat it in catagories I was looking at. It has more interior room and drove much better. Plus its cheaper. It sits high (er than my Saturn SC2) and feels incredibly safe. You honestly can not beat this car in value. It comes with, pretty much, everything you could want standard. One thing that some hold against this car is the 1.5 4-cylinder motor, but trust me itll move on the on-ramps and at lights.

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By bgougeon - January 25 - 11:13 am

  Great car at a great price. Fun to drive and fun to look at... I love it.

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  Scionara xB1 update - 2008 Scion XB
  By sciown - January 25 - 7:13 am

  This is an update from an earlier review. Well I finally had a chance to take the car out to 1200 mile trip to Vegas from northern Cali. Which I had planned so many time with my 06 xB but could not get the nerve to do it. Given that the car was fully loaded with 4 passengers and luggage to the ceiling, the ride was comfy, power decent and got a very good 27.3 MPG running +85 90% of the trip. So over all I am very satisfied with the car.

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By jgougeon - January 23 - 11:43 am

  As quick as it looks and comfortable too, thats the 06 tC. With a smooth shifting 5 speed and that 2.4 liter 4, it gets up and goes. If you dont mind the inevitable question "what kind of car is that"? or "Is that the new BMW"? you wont mind driving the tC.