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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Nice Little Car, Lots of Power - 2014 Scion FR-S
  By Pete Wilson - April 22 - 12:10 pm

  This is a fun little car to drive.

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  A Shoebox on a Toyota Camry - 2008 Scion XB
  By SHOOBOX - December 31 - 12:10 pm

  With the 2.4L engine from the Toyota Camry makes the xB 2.0 a sporty little box that actually turns heads in a positive way. While I wish the automatic had the 5 speed transmission of the Camry, it shifts without a sudden jerk and scream of the revs from the down shift. I love the lounger configuration that allows you, as a passenger, to sit with your feet up from the back seat. Handles like a sports car. I couldnt imagine how it would handle with all of the TRD options: supercharger, racing springs, sway bars, etc. Interior has enough room for my son to sit comfortably behind me (63" driver, 64" in the back seat. Wish it came with roof rack option. Load cap. 850 lbs., thats four adult males.

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  My Scion XBox - 2006 Scion XB
  By Ness - December 30 - 10:40 am

  The Scion xB has incredible interior design and is super easy to park anywhere because of its small size. I have had it since October and it has not gotten any dents from people slamming their doors into the car. The only bad thing about the it is that it is so close to the ground it leaves you very little clearance and most of the front part and the rear bumper are made of plastic. Overall though, I am VERY happy with the xB, it was my first new car purchase and it has been an excellent buy.

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion xA
  By mikey - December 29 - 11:16 am

  I love my Scion xA. Not only is it cute, it defies the laws of physics: it is small on the outside but big inside. I am 6 tall and weigh 250 lbs. and am very comfortable in this car. The stereo is excellent. My driving is all city and I get about 30 mpg.

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  Great except for the windshields - 2006 Scion XB
  By DUCricket - December 28 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years. I loved the unique design and interior room. The interior design looks a little cheap, but better than the TC. I still love the vehicle, except for the fact that I am going onto my third windshield in two years. I just replaced the windshield three months ago and the new windshield is cracked already. Theres a whole section on this site about the windshields always cracking. Great car except for the windshields. Be prepared to pay money for replacements.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2005 Scion XB
  By C5 corvette also - December 28 - 1:30 pm

  I AM AN AUTO BUFF WHO HAD TO HAVE THIS MOST UNUSUAL AUTO. MINE IS A 2005 XB WITH AN EXCELLENT BLACK CHERRY FINISH. IT IS AUTOMATIC WITH THE STOCK POWER OPTIONS.THE BLACK INTERIOR IS A BEAUTIFUL CLOTH (WHICH IS BETTER IN FLORIDA).THE ENTIRE CAR IS PUT TOGETHER VERY WELL WITH EXCELLENTCRAFTMANSHIP.IT HAS A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM AND MORE THAN AMPLE POWER TO PASS ON THE FREEWAY.ITS LIKE A LITTLE HOT ROD. THIS IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST OVERALL VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED.

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  Whats Up With the Windshield? - 2006 Scion XB
  By wilsonevans - December 28 - 9:36 am

  I test drove this car and fell in love. It has so much room. As i was making a trip I heard a loud pop and there was a crack in my windshield there is no one around me to throw up a rock or anything. I took the car to my dealer after six days of ownership. They said it was a rock crack and I would be responsible for replacing it. I looked online and there are tons of people who are having mysterious cracks appear in their windshields. I cant afford to be payin for a new windshield every six days. Scion is gonna have to step up and fix this problem.

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  family car in disguise - 2008 Scion XB
  By Doug - December 28 - 9:10 am

  Ive had my xB for four months and love it. You get so much car and so much safety for just $16,200. Yes, its heavier and less fuel efficient than the old xB, but I can drive my wife and three kids in this xB with both peace of mind and some zip. I think Scion has somewhat mis-marketed the vehicle. Its a great family car, notwithstanding its looks. The side airbags, VSC and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes, 2.4L engine, and that extra weight make it a smart adult car. I drove the Honda Fit and the xD before the xB and noticed the huge difference in weight,power, and ride immediately. The xB is an incredibly safe, roomy, and practical car, one more families should consider.

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  Out of the Wrapper a BEST BUY! - 2007 Scion TC
  By joeyalphabet - December 28 - 12:43 am

  In true light of the topic, this car drives very well. Out of the wrapper this is hands down the best bang for the buck. I own a 5spd tC for 1 year and18k miles, and I find the acceleration is adequate, handling is nimble, top end is good. Brakes are adequate though I occasionally wish there was NO fade. Fuel economy ranges from 22-30+ depending on how “spirited” you drive. I notice a slight difference with the 92 octane gas (here in NY) but at $3.30+ a gal save the money and go regular (89 octane). The seats accommodate you well, though on long (4hr+) trips I can appreciate more comfort. I often travel alone, but with one passenger, two if you include my 100 lb. German Shepherd.

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  one down, another on the way - 2004 Scion xA
  By court - December 24 - 10:00 am

  just totalled mine on hwy 5. driving the speed limit, averted another drivers sudden brake slam, lost control and eventually flipped. pulled myself and my 90 lb dog through the passenger window. hes fine. i walked away with only a bruise on my knee. airbags didnt deploy but the car crushed around us like a cocoon, upside down. not even considering another car. soon as i can, its right back to the scion dealer. though i really do wish the car had u.s crash ratings/tests available...