Scion, a now-defunct brand, was produced by Toyota, a renowned Japanese automaker. Launched in 2003, Scion was created as a separate division of Toyota to specifically target younger demographics. However, on February 3, 2016, Toyota announced its decision to phase out the Scion brand after the 2016 model year.
The rationale behind this move was that Toyota no longer saw the need for a separate marque to appeal to younger buyers. Instead, the company decided to sell the Scion vehicles under the Toyota brand name. This transition meant that Scion models would be rebranded as Toyotas, including the popular Scion FR-S.
The Scion FR-S, a stylish and sporty two-door coupe, will now be known as the Toyota 86 in the U.S. market. This name change aligns the model with its existing name in other regions such as Asia, South America, and Australia.
Another notable Scion model was the Scion xB, a compact car that was later reclassified as a subcompact car in its first generation. The xB was specifically designed for the United States market and gained popularity for its boxy shape and practicality.
Throughout its existence, Scion vehicles were widely regarded for their reliability, affordability, safety, and overall value. This should come as no surprise given that Scion was an offshoot of Toyota, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and reliability.
While Scion may no longer be in production, used Scion vehicles are still considered excellent buys due to their reputation for dependability. Many consumers appreciate the fact that Scions offer a blend of affordability and quality, making them an attractive option in the used car market.
Scion was a brand manufactured by Toyota that targeted younger demographics. However, Toyota decided to discontinue the Scion brand in 2016 and sell the vehicles under the Toyota name. Despite the brand’s discontinuation, Scion vehicles are still highly regarded for their reliability and value, making them a popular choice in the used car market.
Are Scions Reliable Cars?
Scions are generally regarded as reliable cars. As a brand that was created by Toyota, Scions inherited Toyota’s reputation for dependability and quality. Here are some reasons why Scions are considered reliable:
1. Toyota Heritage: Scion was a division of Toyota, known for its commitment to building reliable vehicles. Scions benefit from Toyota’s engineering expertise, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards.
2. Longevity: Scions are known to have long lifespans, often reaching high mileage without major issues. Many Scion owners report that their vehicles remain reliable even after several years of use.
3. Affordability: Scions are often priced competitively, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite their affordability, Scions still offer reliable performance and a good overall value.
4. Safety: Scions are equipped with safety features that help protect occupants in the event of an accident. This includes features like multiple airbags, traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Scions have performed well in safety tests conducted by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
5. Low Cost of Ownership: Scions tend to have lower maintenance and repair costs compared to some other brands. Parts and servicing for Scions are often readily available, which contributes to their affordability and ease of ownership.
6. Owner Satisfaction: Many Scion owners express high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles. They appreciate the reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality that Scions offer.
It’s important to note that like any other car, individual experiences may vary. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to ensuring the longevity and reliability of any vehicle, including Scions. However, overall, Scions have built a reputation as reliable cars due to their Toyota heritage, affordability, safety features, and positive owner feedback.
Why Did Scion Get Discontinued?
Scion, a brand owned by Toyota, was discontinued in August 2016 after the 2016 model year. The decision to phase out Scion was primarily driven by Toyota’s assessment that it no longer needed a separate brand to target younger demographics. There were several factors that contributed to this decision:
1. Changing market dynamics: Over time, consumer preferences and buying patterns in the automotive industry have evolved. Toyota recognized that the traditional model of having a separate brand to appeal to younger buyers was no longer necessary. Instead, they believed that they could effectively reach this demographic through their main Toyota brand.
2. Overlapping product lineup: Scion’s product lineup consisted mostly of small, affordable, and sporty vehicles. However, Toyota already had similar models in its own lineup, such as the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Yaris. This overlap made it redundant to have a separate brand targeting the same market segment.
3. Brand consolidation: By discontinuing Scion, Toyota aimed to streamline its operations and consolidate its brand portfolio. This allowed them to focus their resources and marketing efforts on promoting the Toyota brand, which had a stronger reputation and wider recognition in the market.
4. Cost-efficiency: Managing a separate brand requires significant investments in marketing, advertising, and dealer networks. By eliminating the Scion brand, Toyota could reduce these costs and allocate resources more efficiently.
It is important to note that the decision to discontinue Scion was not due to poor sales or performance of the brand. In fact, Scion had seen some success in attracting younger buyers since its launch in 2003. However, Toyota believed that integrating the brand’s target audience into the broader Toyota lineup would be a more effective strategy moving forward.
What Are Scions Called Now?
Scions are now called Toyotas. In February, Toyota announced that the Scion brand would be discontinued after the 2016 model year. As a result, the Scion vehicles will now be rebranded and sold under the Toyota name. One of the models affected by this change is the Scion FR-S, which will now be known as the Toyota 86 in the U.S. market. The Toyota 86 name is already used for the same model in Asia, South America, and Australia. This rebranding effort aims to streamline and consolidate Toyota’s product lineup under a single brand name.
Is Scion Made By Nissan?
Scion is not made by Nissan. Scion is actually a brand that was created and owned by Toyota. It was introduced in 2003 as a way for Toyota to target younger buyers and offer them more unique and stylish vehicles. The Scion xB, which is a compact car, was one of the models produced under the Scion brand. In 2016, Toyota decided to discontinue the Scion brand and transitioned some of its models, including the xB, to be sold under the Toyota nameplate. So, to clarify, Scion is not affiliated with Nissan in any way.
Conclusion
Scion was a brand that was created by Toyota, a renowned and trusted automobile manufacturer. However, on February 3, 2016, Toyota announced that the Scion brand would be phased out after the 2016 model year, as they no longer felt the need for a separate brand to target younger demographics. As a result, Scion vehicles are now sold under the Toyota name. This transition has allowed Toyota to continue offering the reliability, affordability, safety, and overall value that Scion vehicles were known for. Despite no longer being a separate brand, Scion vehicles, especially used ones, are still highly regarded for their quality and are considered excellent buys in the market.
