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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Grade A for XA - 2004 Scion xA
  By Erin Lenahan - March 2 - 11:16 pm

  The Scion XA is a fun, reliable car with great fuel economy and versatility (i.e. transporting five passengers or putting the seats down and taking dogs and gear to the beach.) Great for long trips, always comfortable, and always good for drawing just the right amount of attention from passersby. "What kind of car is that?" Ive never seen one before. It has also really retained its value very well, despite the high mileage I put on it! Well done, Scion XA (aka MiniCooper on steroids)!

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jon - March 2 - 8:30 pm

  I wanted a car for two things. One, to transport my tools in the back with easy access, and good gas milage! With the Scion xA I got both. The mileage being what I expected at 28 mpg driving like a bank robber to 38 mpg once on the parkway. It is generally around 35 mpg. The three things I wouldnt buy a car without are air conditioning, power windows, and a great radio. The Scion had all three although I opted for the XM. As for the power, they are not charging the money for the car that speed costs so I didnt have any issues with the power. I dont recommend that you pass anyone without a long range of open highway. I would gladly buy this car again. I have just about 20,000 miles on mine after 9 months of ownership.

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  my camo xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By eric - March 1 - 9:26 am

  i look foward to driving. not since my 72 firebird have i had this much fun. the car is pure enjoyment.

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  Excellent car but need improvements - 2005 Scion xA
  By erniekim - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its my first time buying a small gas- efficient car and for the price I paid, this car is definitely worth it. Unique and fun to drive but more improvement is needed such as arm- rest, small head-space because of elevated seating and tiny trunk. Overall, I am more than satisfied.

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  Not exactly a 10 but close enough - 2005 Scion TC
  By jennifer osting - February 24 - 6:06 pm

  I researched this car and others like it for atleast 3 months before i went to the dealership to actually test drive the tc. After researching i search around dealership until i found one similiar to what i wanted to purchase, which was a manual transmission; once i found one, i took a test drive and fell in love.

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  New Scion xD Rocks! - 2008 Scion XD
  By joey - February 23 - 10:26 am

  Ive had the 2008 Scion xD automatic for 2 wks and it is a pure pleasure to drive! Fun in the city! It twists a lot of heads! MPG: city 28-30 mpg, on the highway, avgd 36.5 mpg. I just love driving this car. It is roomy for 4 adults. Fantastic stereo sound w/std Pioneer radio.

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  Great Value - 2009 Scion TC
  By Breimann - February 23 - 3:00 am

  9000 miles and not a single problem! I like to tinker and working on the car is very easy. Anyway, car rides great, handling could be a little better (came from a Celica) but it still maintains a fun-to-drive factor. Where else can you get such a long list of features for the money?

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  Its CUTE. - 2005 Scion XB
  By mcp - February 20 - 11:50 pm

  It looks like it wants to be a Peterbilt when it grows up. Or maybe a hearse. But its comfortable, easy to drive, parks anywhere, and I can get my 62" son and two friends in the backseat. Consistently gets 30+mpg ... city, highway, stuck on the expressway...whatever.

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  Love Every Inch - 2005 Scion TC
  By Fast88Pony - February 20 - 8:00 am

  I love my Scion tC. Ive driven a lot of cars out there and this takes the cake in its class! I have never had any problems in the almost year that Ive had it. Its very fun to drive!

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  One Word - AWESOME! - 2006 Scion xA
  By ellisdustin - February 20 - 12:53 am

  Purchased this vehicle in March 07 with 26000 miles on it. Got a great deal! At first was a little skeptical about spacing, moving down from a Toyota Matrix, but now we love it. My wife and I carry stuff all the time and that does not hinder its performance. Gas mileage is not as rated, but great anyway. Toyota hit it right on the money when they designed this line. This car is awesome in every way. Roomy interior, comfortable seats, best stock sound system I have heard in a vehicle. This car can handle anything and I have the most fun driving it of any other vehicle.