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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Amazing Bang for the Buck - 2008 Scion XD
  By PA - February 19 - 5:56 pm

  We were in the market for a small, affordable car with decent space and high mpg. The xD price tag impressed us but when you add in all of the features that are included with the price such as the functionality of the interior (sliding and folding rear seats), the electronics (trip computer, cruise, great stereo with steering wheel controls and aux/iPod inputs), and the solid handling and engine, the car is a huge bargain. It really feels substantial on the road and the power is much better than expected. Its actually fun to drive and doesnt look like every other car out there! The gas mileage is excellent so far. The xD may very well become our car for long trips now.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2007 Scion TC
  By Chris - February 19 - 1:00 am

  I just bought an 07 Scion tC this past weekend and even though Ive had my eye on one for a while, actually owning this car is much more of a joy than I could possibly have imagined. I had a 99 (new) Jetta for about 7 years and had lost the excitement of owning/driving my car quite some time ago. The tCs fit and finish are top notch and this car has WAY more power than I expected. Its interior layout is intuitive and all of the buttons have a solid, tactile feel. You really cant beat Japanese automobile craftmanship these days, especially Toyota. I thought about the new Civic Si but its design seems pedestrian compared to the tC. Scion really nailed the youth market branding. I highly recommend this car. Period.

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  My New SCION - 2009 Scion XB
  By Stephen Taylor - February 17 - 1:00 pm

  Having put the first 1000 miles on my new SCION xB, I am very impressed with the power, drivability, and comfort. I am a big guy and I have plenty of leg and head room. The car itself seems much larger inside than one would expect. I am averaging 28.9 MPG so far, which I am very happy about as well. Overall, I could not be happier...

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  Scion XA - 2005 Scion xA
  By K.C - February 16 - 9:46 pm

  I always bought Hondas because they handle better than the Toyota. The Scion handles great and has reliability of a Toyota. The best of both worlds and great MPG to boot.

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  BEST CAR EVER! PERIOD! - 2004 Scion xA
  By Jayden - February 14 - 4:36 pm

  I have had my 2004 Scion xA since the end of 03. My car now has 86500 miles on it. No problems whatsoever! Affordable, reliable, and great mileage, at low cost. The perfect car! Back seats fold down flat, perfect to store things. I have had a tandem bicycle inside of the car.

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  Great Car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Joyce - February 11 - 7:43 pm

  This Scion TC is something else! Great car. We arent your every day sporty people but hey this car works well, looked good and came at the right price. We simply could not say no. We tried the Fit, Versa, mazda 3 and the civic. The civic rated well too but for the money the TC was a great car. The only thing I find is that for older people it may be difficult to get in and out as the car is low set. I find it difficult but my spouse doesnt. But Id recommend this car anytime. Most people are unaware that the Scion comes with a Camry engine; as the camry has been around a long time, this can only be a good thing. Our Scion came with a lifetime warranty on the engine and tranny!

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  My Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Linda - February 11 - 12:20 am

  I love this car. My family thinks that Im nuts and that it is for young people. Well, if that is the case then I refuse to grow up. I am 52 years young.

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  2005 Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By texas_jesuslover - February 10 - 12:06 pm

  This vehicle is everything I expected it to be. Consumer Reports says it has a very uncomfortable ride and has a large turning circle. These are completely false. I have no problems. I recommend the Scion line to everyone. They are affordable, great on mileage, and they are Toyotas!

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  Funnest Car Yet! - 2010 Scion XD
  By Leopold Peterson - February 8 - 10:50 am

  First I test drove the Kia Soul, and while I really liked the design and features of the car, I found it to be much less zippy, dare I say, gutless, even in comparison to my Hyundai Accent. The Soul had a 2.0 with 150 horses, but was so low on torque and so unresponsive on the get go that I found it a very boring drive. In comparison, when I tested the XD, I nearly popped a wheelie when I first took off. So much more responsive than the Soul. Mileage is great, mid 30s with a combination of city/hwy driving. The styling is fabulous, interior is comfortable.

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  I Love My xBox - 2004 Scion XB
  By Mke - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I really love this little box on wheels, in only the 1st week I put on more than 2400 miles. It is sooo much fun to drive. Great handling, good MPG (30+) and I dont baby the gas either, runs great on the freeways. I love this car and Im an old (57)fart too.