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Are Toyota Scions reliable?

Yes, Toyota Scions are generally considered to be reliable vehicles. Scion, a now-defunct brand owned by Toyota, was known for producing affordable, practical, and dependable cars that appealed to younger buyers. While Scion models are no longer in production, the brand's reputation for reliability has carried over to the Toyota lineup, as Scion vehicles were essentially rebadged Toyota models.


Scion's Reputation for Reliability


Scion was launched in 2003 as Toyota's attempt to attract a younger demographic to its lineup of vehicles. The brand was known for its quirky, customizable models, such as the boxy xB and the sporty tC. Despite their unique designs, Scion vehicles were built on Toyota's proven platforms and shared many components with other Toyota models, which contributed to their overall reliability.


According to industry data, Scion vehicles consistently ranked among the most reliable cars in their respective segments. The brand's models often scored well in J.D. Power and Consumer Reports reliability surveys, with the xB and tC being particularly well-regarded.


Reliability of Scion Models


The Scion lineup included several models, each with its own unique characteristics and reliability considerations:



  • Scion xB: This boxy, utilitarian hatchback was one of Scion's most popular models. It was known for its spacious interior, easy-to-park size, and reliable performance. The xB consistently ranked among the most reliable compact cars in its class.li>
  • Scion tC: The tC was Scion's sporty coupe, offering a more dynamic driving experience. Despite its sportier nature, the tC was also considered a reliable and dependable vehicle.

  • Scion iA/iM: These models were introduced later in Scion's lifespan and were essentially rebadged versions of the Toyota Yaris and Corolla, respectively. As such, they inherited Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability.


It's important to note that while Scion models are no longer in production, the reliability of these vehicles has carried over to the Toyota lineup, as the Scion models were essentially rebadged Toyota vehicles. Toyota is widely regarded as one of the most reliable automotive brands, and this reputation extends to the former Scion models that are now part of the Toyota family.

What is the most common problem with the Scion tC?


Some of the common Scion tC issues include clutch failure, water pump seal failure, excessive oil consumption, and more.



Does Scion have a Toyota engine?


Considering they use the same engines and transmissions as their Toyota counterparts, factually their reliability should be the same. Knowing some people who owned them and Toyotas, the build quality on Scions can sometimes be worse in comparison to Toyotas.



Why did Toyota stop making Scions?


Discontinuation. On February 3, 2016, Toyota announced that the Scion brand would be phased out in August after the 2016 model year, stating that the company no longer required a specific marque to target younger demographics.



How long do Toyota Scions last?


Typical Scions will last around 200,000 miles, which is an okay number. The Scion matches right up with this standard.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.