Toyota Scion problems
Scion was a marque of Toyota that debuted in 2003 and was available only in the United States and Canada. The marque was intended to appeal to younger customers, the Scion brand emphasized inexpensive, stylish, and distinctive sport compact vehicles, and used a simplified "pure price" sales concept that eschewed traditional trim levels and dealer haggling; each vehicle was offered in a single trim with a non-negotiable base price, while a range of dealer-installed options was offered to buyers for personalizing their vehicles. The Scion name, meaning the descendant of a family or heir, refers both to the brand's cars and their owners. In an effort to target millennials, Scion primarily relied on guerrilla and viral marketing techniques.
The brand first soft launched in the United States at selected Toyota dealers in the state of California in June 2003, before expanding nationwide by February 2004. Sales peaked in 2006 with 173,034 units sold. In 2010, Scion expanded into Canada. However, Toyota's initial propositions of short product cycles and aggressive pricing based on low dealer margins became increasingly unsustainable as sales fell after the financial crisis of 2007–2008. 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.
History
In 1999, Toyota launched Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the Toyota marque in the United States. This project aimed to create a "marque within a marque" in sales and advertising strategy for compact and coupe models sold by Toyota. The effort, which included the introduction of the Toyota Echo economy car, along with late generation Toyota MR-2 and Toyota Celica models, was judged unsuccessful and cancelled in 2001. In response, Toyota chose to launch a separate marque, an effort called Project Exodus. A Los Angeles-based digital design company, Fresh Machine, was retained by Toyota to develop the brand, logo, and website. This project became known as Scion. Toyota had previously participated in a project in Japan with other Japanese companies who attempted to market products to younger buyers. Toyota manufactured three vehicles under the WiLL brandname, which were exclusive to Toyota Netz Store Japanese dealerships.
Scion was marketed as a youth brand and was first introduced in March 2002, at the New York Auto Show. There were just two concept vehicles, the bbX (which became the xB), and the ccX (which became the tC). The 2004 xA and xB were unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on January 2, 2003. They were available only in 105 Toyota dealerships in California at their initial launch on June 9, 2003. The subsequent rollout of the brand to the South, the Southeast, and the East Coast occurred in February 2004. Scion vehicles were available nationwide in June 2004, coinciding with the release of the 2005 tC. On December 16, 2006, Scion unveiled the next-generation xB, based on the t2B concept, and the new xD, successor of the xA, at an invitation-only, no-camera event in Miami. Both cars were then publicly unveiled on February 8, 2007, at the Chicago Auto Show. The xD, a five-door subcompact car that is sold in Japan as the second generation Toyota Ist, was based on the Yaris platform with the tenth-generation Corolla's engine.
In September 2010, Scion expanded into Canada, with vehicles offered at 45 selected dealers starting in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, followed by other cities. Launch models included the tC, xD, and xB. The first new Scions were shown in Canada at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show.
Social links
Toyota Scion model years
Common Toyota Scion problems
Based on complaints from owners, common problems with Toyota Scion cars include:
- Clutch Failure: Owners have reported issues with clutch failure in Scion tC models. Symptoms may include difficulty shifting gears, a slipping clutch, or unusual noises when engaging the clutch. Clutch failure can lead to drivability issues and may require replacement of the clutch assembly.
- Water Pump Seal Failure: Another common problem is water pump seal failure. This issue can result in coolant leaks, overheating, or engine damage if not addressed promptly. Owners may notice coolant puddles under the vehicle or experience engine overheating due to this problem.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some Scion tC owners have reported excessive oil consumption. This can lead to low oil levels, engine knocking, or even engine damage if not monitored and addressed. Regular oil level checks and timely oil changes are crucial to prevent related issues.
- Head Gasket Failure: Head gasket failure is a significant concern in Scion tC models. Symptoms of a failing head gasket may include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, or coolant mixing with engine oil. Addressing this issue promptly is essential to prevent severe engine damage.
- Bad Fuel Pump: In Toyota 86 models (formerly Scion FR-S), owners have reported issues with the high-pressure fuel pump. Symptoms may include a chirping noise from the fuel pump or engine stalling due to fuel delivery problems. Replacing the fuel pump is necessary to resolve this issue.
- Engine Control Unit (ECU) Programming Issues: Some Toyota 86 owners have experienced unstable engine revs or rough idling due to ECU programming errors. Reprogramming the ECU is necessary to correct this issue and ensure smooth engine operation.
- Transmission Problems: Scion iA owners, particularly in the 2016 model year, have reported transmission failures. Symptoms may include difficulty shifting gears, slipping transmission, or unusual noises during gear changes. Addressing transmission issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage.
- Engine Issues: Engine problems in Scion iA models have been reported, ranging from oil leaks to performance issues. Owners may notice decreased engine performance, unusual noises, or visible oil leaks. Timely maintenance and addressing engine issues promptly are essential to prevent severe damage.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and awareness of potential issues in Toyota Scion cars to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicles.
Are Toyota Scions reliable?
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 stop making scions?
iQ sales never met expectations, and by 2014, observers were characterizing it as a "disappointment." A primary goal of the Scion brand was to introduce young first-time buyers to Toyota products, but analysts found that relatively few Scion buyers were making follow-on purchases from the more profitable Toyota and ...
Are scions expensive to maintain?
Scion Repair & Maintenance Costs
The annual maintenance cost of a Scion is $397. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
What model of Scion is the best?
The 7 best Scions ever: A definitive list
- The 2013 Scion FR-S: First of the line. ...
- Scion built 2,000 FR-S Monogram Series cars in 2014. ...
- The 2014 FR-S Release Series 1.0 got lots of TRD parts and a yuzu-yellow paintjob. ...
- The 2015 Scion FR-S, easily one of the best Scions ever built. ...
- The 2016 FR-S Release Series 2.0, aka.
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