Is the Scion iQ made by Toyota?
Yes, the Scion iQ is a subcompact car that was manufactured by Toyota and sold under the Scion brand in North America from 2011 to 2015.
The Scion iQ: A Toyota-Produced Subcompact
The Scion iQ was a joint development between Toyota and its Scion brand, which was established in 2003 to appeal to younger buyers. The iQ was designed as a small, fuel-efficient city car that could compete with other subcompacts like the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500.
Despite being sold under the Scion brand, the iQ was actually produced by Toyota at its Takaoka plant in Japan. It shared many of its components and engineering with the Toyota Yaris, another subcompact model.
Reasons for the Scion iQ's Discontinuation
The Scion iQ was discontinued in the United States and Canada after the 2015 model year. There were a few key reasons for this:
- Slow sales: The iQ struggled to gain traction in the North American market, with annual sales never exceeding around 10,000 units.
- Shift in Scion's focus: Toyota was refocusing the Scion brand on more youth-oriented models like the FR-S sports car, moving away from the iQ's city car niche.
- Regulatory changes: Stricter safety regulations made it difficult for the tiny iQ to meet all requirements, contributing to its discontinuation.
While the Scion iQ is no longer sold in North America, the model continues to be produced and sold in other global markets under the Toyota brand name.
Why was the Scion iQ discontinued?
The main issues which had a negative impact on the iQ included its size, its more spacious competition, its more spacious and more affordable competition, and perhaps even the logo above its front grille. “Physics are physics,” Scion's Doug Murtha said, “and they're nervous about driving a vehicle that size.”
Is Scion iQ rare?
The iQ promised to better a Smart Fortwo by offering seating for four, a 37 mpg combined rating, a ridiculously tight turning circle, and 11 airbags. However, just 15,701 of them were sold after Smart delivered Scion a sales-floor beating akin to an angry Mike Tyson on a plane.
Why did Toyota shut down Scion?
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.
Do Scions use Toyota parts?
Regardless of which vehicle in the Scion lineup you drive, at some point, you'll need a replacement part on it. It doesn't matter if your xA or iQ are no longer in production, Toyota still builds and tests OEM Scion parts. Olathe Toyota Parts Center stocks these genuine Scion parts and accessories.
How long do Scion engines last?
The well-maintained Scion tC can last more than 250,000 miles. There are even reports of their Scion tCs lasting over 500,000 miles. As long as you're aware of the common problems of the particular vehicle you're planning to buy, you'll know what to look out for.
Are Toyota iQ reliable?
Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability, though there are a few things to look out for with the IQ. The first concerns the gearbox, which can be hard to change gear, especially between second and third gear. If on your test drive it's hard to change gear, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
Why did Toyota discontinue the iQ?
UK sales of the Toyota iQ stopped in 2014. Unfavourable exchange rates between Europe and Japan hampered sales, and alterations needed to meet upcoming EU emissions regulations would have further increased the model's price. The model went out of production for other markets in 2015.
What is the life expectancy of a Scion iQ?
According to theautopian.com, the typical lifespan of the Scion iQ is around 200,000 miles.
Are scions cheap to fix?
Since they're essentially well-made Toyota products, Scions are extremely cheap to maintain — think $300 to $600 per year, compared with the $900 average. This is assuming, of course, that you find a Scion that was treated well by its previous owner.
Is a Scion really a Toyota?
Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020.
