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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  gotta stick with a toyota - 2004 Scion XB
  By oaktown hipsters - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I really wasnt shopping for a car, but knew I was dissatisified with the one I had. I sat in the Scion and I was sold. I love this vehicle.

• 

  Thanks Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By bigy - December 8 - 12:26 am

  The new 2006 Scion xB is the best small car for local driving. It is great on gas and easy and fun to drive. I looked at tons of cars, this was my choice, and I made the right choice. I have driven one for a month and 2,000 miles and it still makes me happy.

• 

  Great little car - 2005 Scion xA
  By AMB - Minnesota - December 5 - 3:40 am

  This has been a terrific little car. It gets great gas mileage (Ive been averaging 36 mpg in the city) and is lots of fun to drive. It also turns heads; Ive been stopped several times by strangers impressed by its looks. And the price is definitely right, particularly with all the standard features. I ordered cruise control (which the dealership arranged to have added through a third-party vendor) and an arm rest; I recommend both. On my first test drive I was concerned that the car might not have enough pickup for easy merging, but this hasnt been a problem. I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Fun car to drive, but not at night. - 2006 Scion xA
  By Thor - December 4 - 1:36 pm

  I like this little car. I enjoy driving it, but not at night. It feels weird driving at night because you dont see the steering that well with the dark interior.

• 

  Im in Love!!!! - 2008 Scion XD
  By LunaFierce - December 2 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my xD for a little over a month now, and I absolutely LOVE IT! I feel like I am driving an SUV with out having the SUV car payment and poor fuel mileage. I am pulling about 32 city / 37 highway... YES!!! This little car has some power. It accelerates at a decent speed, and it keeps up the pace with minimal gas pedal pushing. And it is a solid car! Yeah it has a little road noise, but when you close the doors, you can hear how well made the car is.

• 

  Great Car but - 2009 Scion TC
  By LJB - December 2 - 1:23 am

  I bought my car in May. I fell in love with it. But about a week ago it popped out of gear (manual). I have just found out that the synchronizers failed and they are replacing at least 3rd gear in the tranny. After getting the diagnosis I looked it up and apparently this has been a problem on and off since 2005. I am hoping that the fix will resolve the issue permanently and that this isnt an ongoing thing. The dealership is currently repairing the car and have been great but they never mentioned that to me when discussing a manual versus an automatic. Even now they didnt mention it was a known problem. I researched it. Other then this issue, I love this car through and through.

• 

  My Review - 2006 Scion xA
  By MMMurano - December 1 - 12:33 pm

  My car is perfect for city driving as well as road trips. I fit in almost any small parking space and the fuel efficiency is one of the best Ive experienced. This is a great first car for the younger generation because it is reliable, very easy to maintain, and affordable in the long-term. I love it.

• 

  Another Old Timer Likes It - 2006 Scion XB
  By baragon - December 1 - 3:20 am

  The automatic Scion xB is underpowered but the 5-speed has enough power to merge into busy traffic. Its gas mileage is amazing [40+ mpg] with the 5-speed if you keep it at 55 mph and drive with a very light foot without the air conditioning on during a trip. If you want the 5-speed you may have to order it since it seems few dealers have them on the lot and it may take 6-8 weeks.

• 

  Happy - 2009 Scion XB
  By Happy - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Ok so I owned a 2004 scion Xb and I bought it when it was brand new. It had 130,000 miles on it. Never had a problem not one with any part of the car. Earlier this year I got into an accident and my car was totaled. I decided to go with what I know and love. The Xb is a reliable car, great on gas, roomy. I know every one complains about the arm rest but after owning the original Im ecstatic to have one at all. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Excellent quality, price, & fun to drive - 2011 Scion TC
  By thegreatga - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 2011 w/6 manual in magnetic gray with rear spoiler (spoiler made the purchase point for me). After looking at a 2010 & 2011, the interior blew me away for quality, and style for the new 11 vs the 10. The new engine and drive train and hands down better than the 10. Driving the 10 seemed to be like a driving a turd. And the while the 11 is most certainly full of power, it still isnt a SPORTS car. The improved width made comfort hands down top notch, and while Im 61" and a huge dude, i feel comfortable in the back seat, something rare for a two door. The 6 speed manual is smooth, and the gears fall into place naturally, without fumbling.