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When did they stop making the Scion iQ?

The Scion iQ, a compact city car produced by Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand, was discontinued in 2015 after just four years on the market. Despite its innovative design and features, the iQ struggled to gain traction with American consumers and ultimately failed to meet sales expectations.


The Rise and Fall of the Scion iQ


The Scion iQ was first introduced in the United States in 2011 as a 2012 model. It was marketed as a "premium micro-subcompact" car, designed to appeal to young, urban consumers looking for a small, fuel-efficient, and maneuverable vehicle. The iQ boasted a unique 3+1 seating configuration, allowing it to fit into tight parking spaces and navigate crowded city streets with ease.


However, the iQ struggled to find its footing in the American market. Despite its innovative design and features, the car was perceived as too small and impractical for many consumers. Its high starting price, around $15,995, also made it less appealing compared to other subcompact options.


In the end, the Scion iQ's sales never lived up to Toyota's expectations. After peaking at just over 10,000 units sold in 2012, the car's sales declined steadily in the following years. Toyota ultimately decided to discontinue the Scion brand, including the iQ, in 2016, marking the end of the compact car's brief run in the United States.


Reasons for the Scion iQ's Demise



  • Small size and limited practicality: The iQ's compact dimensions and 3+1 seating configuration were seen as too small and impractical for many American consumers, who preferred more spacious and versatile vehicles.

  • High starting price: With a starting price around $15,995, the iQ was more expensive than many other subcompact options, making it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

  • Lack of consumer demand: Despite its innovative design, the iQ failed to generate significant consumer interest and sales, leading Toyota to ultimately discontinue the model.

  • Discontinuation of the Scion brand: The iQ's demise was further accelerated by Toyota's decision to discontinue the Scion brand in 2016, which included the iQ and other Scion models.


In the end, the Scion iQ's unique design and features were not enough to overcome the challenges it faced in the American market. The car's small size, high price, and lack of consumer demand ultimately led to its discontinuation in 2015, marking the end of a brief but innovative chapter in the history of compact cars.

Is the Toyota iQ a good car?


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.



How fast can a Scion iQ go?


On the performance front, the iQ outruns a Fortwo. It hits highway speed a little faster, it has a slightly higher top speed of around 100 mph as opposed to the Smart's 90 mph, and it even has a better turning circle game.



Why was 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.”



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.



How was Scion killed?


Scion allowed himself to feel true hope, just for a moment. When that hope died, Scion gave up. As he was impaled by two bolts affected by Foil's power, he offered no resistance.



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. Some items are out of your control in longevity, but many you can take control of to improve this lifespan.



How fast can a Toyota iQ go?


Specifications

1.0 VVT-i1.33 Dual-VVT-i
Acceleration, 0 – 100 km/h in s14.7 [15.5]11.8 [11.6]
Maximum speed, km/h (mph)155 (96)170 (106)
Fuel consumption urban, l / 100 km4.9 [5.7]5.9 [6.3]
Fuel consumption extra-urban, l / 100 km3.9 [4.1]4.2 [4.4]



How much is a 2016 Scion iA worth?


2016 Scion iA Depreciation
A 2016 Scion iA has depreciated $4,189 or 39% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $6,302 and trade-in value of $4,919.



How long will a Toyota iQ last?


The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Iq is 148,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as ULEZ compliance and BHP are major when looking into a vehicle's lifespan/life expectancy.



Why did Scion disappear?


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.


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.