Why did they stop making Toyota Scion?
The Toyota Scion was once a popular choice among younger drivers, known for its affordability, unique designs, and customization options. However, in 2016, Toyota made the decision to discontinue the Scion brand. This move left many car enthusiasts wondering why such a promising brand was phased out. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Toyota’s decision and what it means for the automotive industry.
The Origins of the Scion Brand
Scion was introduced by Toyota in 2003 as a way to attract younger buyers who were looking for stylish, affordable, and customizable vehicles. The brand was marketed heavily towards millennials, with a focus on urban lifestyles and individuality. Models like the Scion xB, tC, and FR-S gained a loyal following, thanks to their unique designs and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Why Toyota Discontinued Scion
Despite its initial success, Scion faced several challenges that ultimately led to its discontinuation. Here are the main reasons why Toyota decided to stop making Scion:
- Declining Sales: Over time, Scion’s sales began to decline. While the brand initially resonated with younger buyers, it struggled to maintain its momentum in a highly competitive market. By 2015, Scion’s sales had dropped significantly, making it difficult to justify its continued existence.
- Shifting Market Trends: The automotive market saw a shift in consumer preferences, with buyers gravitating towards SUVs and crossovers. Scion’s lineup, which primarily consisted of compact cars, didn’t align with these changing trends.
- Brand Integration: Toyota realized that many of Scion’s models could be successfully integrated into the main Toyota lineup. For example, the Scion FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86, and other models like the iA and iM were absorbed into Toyota’s offerings. This allowed Toyota to streamline its operations and focus on its core brand.
- Marketing Challenges: While Scion was initially successful in targeting millennials, it became increasingly difficult to differentiate the brand from Toyota itself. The overlap in branding and marketing efforts created confusion among consumers.
The Legacy of Scion
Although Scion is no longer around, its impact on the automotive industry is still felt. The brand introduced innovative marketing strategies and emphasized the importance of customization and individuality in car design. Many of its models, like the FR-S (now Toyota 86), continue to have a strong fan base.
For Toyota, the discontinuation of Scion was a strategic move to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. By integrating Scion’s best models into its main lineup, Toyota ensured that the spirit of Scion lives on, even if the brand itself is no longer in production.
Conclusion
The decision to stop making Scion was not an easy one for Toyota, but it was a necessary step to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive market. While Scion may be gone, its legacy of innovation and individuality continues to influence Toyota’s approach to car design and marketing. For fans of the brand, Scion will always be remembered as a bold experiment that left a lasting mark on the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better stock or Scion?
A scion is a piece of young stem or bud that is inserted into a rootstock. Scion is chosen for good fruit quality, flowers, disease resistance, etc. A rooted stem that is grafted into a scion or bud is called a stock. Stock is chosen for its adaptability, disease tolerance, etc.
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.
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.
Can you still get Scion parts?
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. The Scion is a dependable vehicle, but everyday use can cause some parts to wear out.
What are the bad years for Scion?
While the Scion xB generally fares well in reliability, it's essential to be mindful of its problematic years - particularly 2006, 2008, and 2009.
Are Scions reliable cars?
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.
Why did Toyota get rid of Scion?
Unfortunately, Scion ended up being a little TOO cheap and economical, so Scion became just a slightly different version of Toyota, and was eventually shut down due to slow sales etc. The reasons it will likely not come back are: Cost. It's expensive to make a new brand. (Marketing, production, etc.) Chip shortage.
Is Toyota bringing back Scion?
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.
How many miles will a Scion 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.
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
