Hey guys! Ever wondered about Scion, that quirky car brand that tried to shake things up? Let's dive deep into the world of Scion car models and their prices. Buckle up, it's gonna be an informative ride!

What Was Scion?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly recap what Scion was all about. Launched by Toyota in 2003, Scion aimed to attract younger buyers with stylish, affordable, and customizable cars. Think of it as Toyota's cool, younger sibling. They wanted to create vehicles that resonated with the Gen Y and Millennial crowd, offering unique designs and a streamlined buying experience. Scion cars often came with a fixed price and were designed to be personalized with various accessories.

The brand focused on creating a no-haggle, transparent pricing model, something that was quite novel at the time. This approach was intended to simplify the buying process and make it more appealing to younger, tech-savvy consumers. Scion also heavily emphasized community and lifestyle, sponsoring events and partnering with artists to create a sense of belonging around the brand. Despite its innovative approach and some initial success, Scion was discontinued in 2016, with its models being integrated back into the Toyota lineup. However, its legacy remains, and Scion cars are still sought after for their unique styling and affordability.

Scion Models: A Detailed Look

Alright, let's get into the heart of the matter – the Scion models! We'll explore each model, highlighting their key features, target audience, and estimated prices when they were new.

Scion xA

The Scion xA was one of the first models that hit the market when Scion was introduced. It was a subcompact car designed for urban dwellers who needed something practical and easy to park. The xA was known for its fuel efficiency and surprisingly spacious interior. Perfect for zipping around the city! Its design was simple yet functional, appealing to those who valued practicality over flashy aesthetics.

The xA came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows, and an Pioneer sound system, which was a nice touch for an entry-level vehicle. Under the hood, it typically featured a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a balance of efficiency and adequate power for city driving. The Scion xA aimed to provide a reliable and affordable option for young buyers looking for their first new car. Its no-nonsense approach and straightforward features made it a popular choice in its segment.

Original Price: Around $13,000 - $15,000

Scion xB

Ah, the Scion xB – the boxy icon! This car was all about standing out. Its unique, squared-off design made it instantly recognizable. The xB wasn't just about looks; it offered a surprisingly roomy interior and was super practical. Think of it as a mini-SUV, but cooler.

The Scion xB was marketed towards young, urban drivers who wanted something different from the mainstream. Its spacious interior and customizable features made it ideal for those with active lifestyles. The xB was available in a variety of vibrant colors, adding to its appeal as a statement vehicle. Over the years, the xB saw updates to its engine and features, with later models offering more power and advanced technology. Despite its distinctive design and loyal following, the Scion xB was eventually discontinued along with the rest of the Scion brand, but it remains a memorable and unique vehicle in automotive history.

Original Price: Roughly $16,000 - $18,000

Scion tC

For those who wanted a sporty coupe without breaking the bank, there was the Scion tC. This car had a sleek design and offered a fun driving experience. The tC was popular among young adults who wanted something stylish and affordable. Its sporty appearance, combined with a reasonable price point, made it an attractive option in the coupe market. The Scion tC was known for its balance of performance and practicality, offering a comfortable ride for daily commutes while still being fun to drive on weekends.

The Scion tC also came with a variety of features, including a panoramic sunroof and a Pioneer sound system. Over its production run, the tC received several updates, including revised styling and improved performance. The Scion tC aimed to deliver a sporty and engaging driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. It remained a popular choice among young drivers until the Scion brand was discontinued. The tC represents Scion's commitment to offering affordable, stylish, and fun-to-drive cars to a younger audience.

Original Price: Approximately $20,000 - $23,000

Scion xD

The Scion xD was a subcompact hatchback that replaced the xA. It offered a bit more style and features compared to its predecessor. The xD was designed for urban drivers who wanted a versatile and efficient vehicle with a touch of flair. It featured a more modern design compared to the xA, with sharper lines and a more aggressive stance. The Scion xD also offered improved performance, with a more powerful engine that provided better acceleration and overall driving dynamics.

The Scion xD came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows, and a Pioneer audio system, similar to other Scion models. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver in city traffic, while its hatchback design provided ample cargo space for everyday needs. The Scion xD aimed to appeal to young buyers who wanted a practical yet stylish car that was both fun to drive and easy to own. Despite its improvements over the xA, the xD was eventually discontinued along with the rest of the Scion lineup.

Original Price: Around $16,000 - $18,000

Scion iQ

How about something really small? The Scion iQ was an ultra-compact car designed for city living. It was tiny, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly spacious for its size. The iQ was targeted towards urban dwellers who needed a car that could easily navigate crowded streets and fit into tight parking spaces. Its innovative design maximized interior space, allowing it to comfortably seat three adults and one child.

The Scion iQ was equipped with features like air conditioning, power windows, and a Pioneer audio system, typical of Scion models. Its small engine provided excellent fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious drivers. The Scion iQ aimed to offer a practical and efficient solution for urban transportation, but its small size and limited appeal ultimately led to its discontinuation. Despite its short lifespan, the Scion iQ remains a unique and memorable example of ultra-compact car design.

Original Price: Roughly $16,000 - $17,000

Scion FR-S (Later Toyota 86)

The Scion FR-S was a game-changer for the brand. It was a rear-wheel-drive sports car that offered an engaging driving experience. The FR-S was developed in collaboration with Subaru and was known for its excellent handling and balanced performance. Enthusiasts loved it! The Scion FR-S was aimed at driving enthusiasts who wanted an affordable sports car that was fun to drive both on the street and on the track.

The Scion FR-S featured a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, which contributed to its low center of gravity and excellent handling. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a classic sports car feel, making it a favorite among driving purists. The FR-S came standard with features like sport seats, alloy wheels, and a performance-tuned suspension. After Scion was discontinued, the FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86 and continued to be sold with minor updates. The Scion FR-S, and later the Toyota 86, represents a successful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, delivering an affordable and engaging sports car to a wide audience.

Original Price: Approximately $25,000 - $27,000

Scion iM (Later Toyota Corolla iM)

The Scion iM was a compact hatchback that offered a blend of style, practicality, and value. It was essentially a rebadged Toyota Auris and provided a more mature option in the Scion lineup. The iM was designed for young professionals and small families who wanted a versatile and fuel-efficient vehicle. The Scion iM featured a sleek and modern design, with a spacious interior and a variety of standard features.

The Scion iM came standard with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and alloy wheels. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine provided adequate power for daily commutes, while its hatchback design offered plenty of cargo space. After Scion was discontinued, the iM was rebranded as the Toyota Corolla iM and continued to be sold with minor updates. The Scion iM, and later the Toyota Corolla iM, represents a practical and stylish option in the compact hatchback segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Original Price: Around $19,000 - $21,000

Scion iA (Later Toyota Yaris iA)

The Scion iA was a subcompact sedan that offered excellent fuel economy and a surprising amount of features for its price. It was essentially a rebadged Mazda2 and provided an entry-level option in the Scion lineup. The iA was targeted towards young buyers and first-time car owners who wanted an affordable and reliable vehicle. The Scion iA featured a stylish and sporty design, with a well-appointed interior and a range of standard features.

The Scion iA came standard with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and low-speed pre-collision safety system. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine provided excellent fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious drivers. After Scion was discontinued, the iA was rebranded as the Toyota Yaris iA and continued to be sold with minor updates. The Scion iA, and later the Toyota Yaris iA, represents an affordable and fuel-efficient option in the subcompact sedan segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Original Price: Roughly $16,000 - $18,000

Why Scion Still Matters

Even though Scion is no longer around, its impact on the automotive world is undeniable. Scion dared to be different, experimenting with unique designs, innovative marketing strategies, and a customer-focused approach. Many of its models, like the xB and FR-S, have become cult classics, appreciated for their individuality and driving experience. The brand's focus on attracting younger buyers also influenced how other automakers approached their marketing and product development. Scion proved that there was a demand for affordable, stylish, and customizable cars, and its legacy continues to inspire automotive innovation.

Plus, if you're in the market for a used car, Scions can be a great value! They're generally reliable and offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Finding a Used Scion Today

So, you're interested in snagging a Scion? Awesome! Here's where you can start your search:

• Online Marketplaces: Sites like AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Craigslist are great places to find used Scions.
• Local Dealerships: Check with Toyota dealerships or used car lots in your area. They might have some Scions in their inventory.
• Private Sellers: Keep an eye out for private sellers in your local community. You might find a great deal!

Remember to always do your research and get a pre-purchase inspection before buying any used car.

Conclusion

Scion was a unique and innovative brand that left its mark on the automotive industry. Its models offered a blend of style, affordability, and customization, appealing to a younger generation of buyers. While Scion is no longer around, its cars are still available on the used market, offering a great value for those looking for something a little different. So, whether you're a Scion enthusiast or just curious about the brand, I hope this guide has been helpful! Happy car hunting, folks!