Used Scion buying guide
About Scion
Scion was a youth-oriented division of Toyota from 2003 to 2016, primarily offering small and sporty coupes and hatchbacks. The simple and well-equipped lineup includes the xA, xB, and xD, boxy subcompact cars beloved by college students and city dwellers for a small size that also offers plenty of passenger and cargo space. The popular tC is a compact yet sporty coupe known for its quick acceleration, roomy cabin, and generous standard features. Scions are small, stylish, and seriously fun to drive, making them an ideal choice for young drivers — or the young at heart.
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Scion FAQs
As a division of Toyota, Scion cars are generally considered reliable. RepairPal gave Toyota an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota eighth out of 32 car brands. If you're considering a Scion, take a look at its mileage and how well it has been maintained as this will help give you a sense of how reliable it could be.
Scions were discontinued after 2016 because the brand achieved its goals of developing unique products and bringing younger customers to Toyota. Starting with the 2017 model year, three Scions were rebadged as Toyotas: the FR-S became the Toyota 86, the iA became the Yaris iA, and the iM became the Corolla iM.
There are eight Scion models: the FR-S rear-wheel-drive sports car, iA sports sedan, iM five-door hatchback, iQ premium micro-subcompact, tC sports coupe, xA subcompact, xB boxy subcompact, and xD urban subcompact hatch.
The Scion tC (touring coupe) was available for the 2005-2016 model years and has not been replaced. However, you still might be able to find used Scion tC models at CarMax.
Yes, Scion cars have a Toyota engine, as it was a division of Toyota from 2003 to 2016. For example, the 2016 Scion tC has the same standard engine as the 2016 Toyota Camry: a 2.5L inline four-cylinder.
Scion cars may last a while, depending on how well they’ve been maintained. To help determine the lifespan of a used Scion, check the mileage, request a vehicle history report, and get a mechanical inspection. Learn more about mileage vs. maintenance in used cars.
Compare used Scion models
This pair of gas-powered coupes from Scion looks similar and shares many features, including navigation systems, traction control, Bluetooth® connectivity, and four-cylinder engines. However, once you step inside the 2016 Scion tC and the 2016 Scion FR-S to go for test drives, you'll notice the key differences. The 2016 Scion tC features seating for five passengers, a larger gas tank, a manual six-speed transmission, front-wheel drive, cloth seats, and a sunroof or a panoramic sunroof. The 2016 Scion FR-S seats four passengers, has an automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, leather/suede seats, and a solid roof. Both make excellent daily drivers, but if you need more seating and enjoy shifting gears, the 2016 Scion tC needs a closer look. If you love leather seats and need good grip on snowy roadways, the rear-wheel drive of the 2016 Scion FR-S is attractive.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
If you're drawn to Scion's larger four-door vehicles, consider the 2015 Scion xB and the 2014 Scion XD. Both offer up seating for five, cruise control, cloth upholstery, folding rear seats, front-wheel drive, Bluetooth® connectivity, and rear cargo space to haul all the extras. The main difference you'll see immediately is the exterior styling. The 2015 Scion xB features a funky boxy wagon body style, whereas the 2014 Scion XD is a sleek hatchback SUV. Under the hood, they both sport four-cylinder engines, but the 2015 Scion xB offers a more robust 158 hp with 162 lb-ft of torque for peppy driving, while the 2014 Scion XD churns out a happy 128 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
If you're shopping for a front-wheel drive sedan from Scion, you've likely come across the 2016 Scion iA and the 2016 Scion iM. Both offer Bluetooth® connectivity, traction control, cloth seats, and optional navigation systems. However, the two feature different body styles. The 2016 Scion iA is a fuel-sipping subcompact sedan with a well-appointed cabin, including a seven-inch touchscreen display. The 2016 Scion iM, in contrast, is a sporty hatchback with a digital driver display and a seven-inch touchscreen. 2016 was the last production year for both of these models from Scion. They were re-launched in the Toyota lineup as the Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Corolla iM. So, if you love these options from Scion, browse Toyota's offerings too.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
Do both the 2015 Scion iQ and the 2016 Scion tC catch your eye? Their unique styling and overlap of features (including Bluetooth® connectivity), are appealing to those who love coupes. You'll adore the tiny 2015 Scion iQ if a funky body style fits your personality and you're cruising around solo, or with one passenger up front, and reserve the backseat for packages or a petite pet. The ultra compact size, paired with the frugal engine, means you can zip around town, park easily, and not drain your wallet at the gas station. If you need more room for a family, adventure gear, or big grocery orders, the more spacious 2016 Scion tC offers increased legroom in the rear seats and also offers thrifty fuel economy.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
Ready to find your used Scion?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.