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Why did Scion get discontinued?

Scion, the youth-oriented brand launched by Toyota in 2003, was discontinued in 2016 after 13 years of operation. The decision to discontinue Scion was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in consumer preferences, and the brand's inability to establish a strong identity in the crowded automotive market.


The Rise and Fall of Scion


Scion was launched in 2003 with the goal of attracting younger buyers to Toyota's lineup. The brand offered a range of quirky, customizable vehicles, such as the boxy xB and the sporty tC, that were designed to appeal to a younger, more individualistic demographic. Initially, Scion was successful, with sales peaking in 2006 at over 173,000 units.


However, over time, Scion struggled to maintain its momentum. As the brand's target audience aged, it became increasingly difficult to attract new, younger buyers. Additionally, the Scion lineup failed to evolve with changing consumer preferences, as buyers began to shift away from the brand's signature boxy and unconventional designs.


Factors Behind Scion's Discontinuation


The decision to discontinue Scion was driven by several key factors:



  • Declining Sales: Scion's sales had been steadily declining since its peak in 2006, with the brand selling just over 56,000 units in 2015, its final full year of operation. This made it increasingly difficult to justify the brand's continued existence within Toyota's lineup.

  • Lack of Differentiation: As the automotive market became more crowded, Scion struggled to establish a clear and distinct identity for its vehicles. This made it challenging for the brand to stand out and attract new buyers.

  • Changing Consumer Preferences: The shift in consumer preferences away from Scion's signature boxy and unconventional designs, towards more mainstream and practical vehicles, also contributed to the brand's decline.

  • Overlap with Toyota: With many of Scion's models being based on existing Toyota platforms, there was a perceived overlap between the two brands, which made it difficult to justify Scion's continued existence as a separate entity.


In the end, Toyota decided to discontinue the Scion brand and incorporate its remaining models, such as the FR-S sports car, into the Toyota lineup. This move was intended to streamline the company's operations and better align its offerings with the changing preferences of the automotive market.

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.



How long will a Scion last?


However, it is common for a well-maintained Scion xB to exceed 200,000 miles, with many smart owners passing the 450,000-mile mark with regular maintenance and timely repairs, according to CarParts.com.



Is a Scion a reliable car?


The Scion xB is generally seen as a reliable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Scion xB has consistently scored well in the reliability category throughout its production years.



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.



What problems do Scions have?


Top Scion Problems

  • Check Engine Light Due to Defective VVT-i Controller.
  • Excessive Oil Consumption.
  • Cable Adjustment Needed if AC Doesn't Blow Cold Enough.
  • Check Engine Light Due to Defective VVT-i Controller.
  • Excessive Oil Consumption.
  • Check Engine Light Due to Defective VVT-i Controller.



Why did Scion flop?


Interestingly, one of the reasons Scion failed was that their target demographic were not buying into the brand at all (for multiple reasons) but the older, middle aged people were the ones buying into it.



What replaced Scion?


Toyota abolished the Scion brand at the start of the 2017 model year in August 2016; the vehicles were either rebranded as Toyotas or discontinued.



Why did Toyota stop making scions?


Why did Toyota dissolve Scion? Like "Project Genesis" and the Toyota Echo, Scion came off to a roaring start. It sold more than 173,000 cars in 2006, but sales tumbled by 2013 as the brand sold fewer than 69,000 cars. The trend continued in 2014 and 2015, when Scion sold only 58,000 and 56,000 cars, respectively.



Will Scion ever come back?


It's always possible Toyota could decide to bring back Scion vehicles in the coming years. However, for the time being, it seems Scion has met its end, and Toyota is not continuing forward with its side branch of cars. The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car.



Do Scions last long?


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.