scion

With funky styling and a reputation built around heavy involvement from the tuner crowd and the sound-off set, we expected our Stingray Metallic 2010 Scion xB to be a technological powerhouse. Perusing the spec sheet before embarking on the first of many test drives, we were excited to see features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling, standard iPod connectivity, premium audio with navigation, and rear-seat entertainment. Yes, we were all grins.

However, by the end of that first test drive, we were ready to drive the xB off of a bridge. Nearly every bit of cabin tech was a source of … Read more

We've seen some thrilling police chase videos this week thus far. Today, I've decided to inject a little humor into this week's blog theme by bringing you video of an indecisive driver who can't seem to make up his mind about how to escape the Omaha police.

The driver of this box on wheels goes from driving opposite of incoming traffic (yikes!), does some circling around, and at the 1:28 mark (or so), this jackass stops the car and gets out in the middle of the highway for some unfathomable reason. Eventually, the police manage … Read more

Scion announced today that its final limited-production vehicle for 2009, the xD Release Series 2.0 (xD RS 2.0), will be available at dealer showrooms later this month.

The 2009 xD Release Series 2.0 comes in Electric Wasabi green exterior paint with unique interior modifications. The xD features a touch-screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with flash memory, voice recognition, and Bluetooth. For media player flexibility, the AVN unit comes with USB, SD card, and iPod connectivity. The Pioneer AVN head unit is also satellite radio, rear-view camera, and HD Radio ready, and will play iPod … Read more

In a response to tough economic times, Scion announced a new stereo for its 2010 xB model and a price unchanged from the current model year. The new stereo head unit is by Pioneer, and comes standard with the xB.

We've been impressed by Scion's early adoption of standard iPod connectivity, which continues in the 2010 model. The new stereo features a redesigned interface to the one it replaces, with controls that seem more appropriate for browsing music on an iPod and a better-looking display.

The sound system output, 160 watts, remains the same as the previous electronics. … Read more

Scion concepts are few and far between, so we looked forward to the new one set to drop at the 2009 New York auto show. And drop it did, lowered from the ceiling during the press conference--a hot-looking little car with big wheels. But in this case, the concept was merely a Toyota iQ--a microcar launched a year and a half ago--customized by tuner company Five Axis. If it does come to the U.S., it will probably still be a Scion, but don't expect 18-inch wheels.

In conjunction with the launch of its tC Release Series 5.0, a Scion tC featuring racing components, Scion is offering 2,000 virtual versions of the car for the online drag racing game Nitto 1320 Legends. To get the car, you will have to register for and download Nitto 1320 Legends, a free game, and poke around the Scion tC Release Series 5.0 Web site to find an Easter egg. Once found, enter your username for the game, and the site will let you know if you've won the car. Scion is giving away the virtual racers … Read more

Probably the only race that Buick and Jaguar would finish in a tie is the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), but both are on the top of the leader board this week. Each rank highest in vehicle dependability in a tie. Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th place. Following in the top-five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury.

Toyota garners five segment awards for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara, and Tundra. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES 330 (in a tie with the … Read more

It's quick, versatile, roomy, and looks like a box on wheels. This road test of the 2009 Nissan Cube S popped up on YouTube yesterday. The cute Cube isn't trying to be a sport compact, the reviewer says, but it can hold it's own on the track. And it can go 0 to 60 in just less than 10 seconds.

Similar to the Scion in shape and size, this box-on-wheels is also affordable. The cube offers more than 50 cubic foot of cargo room and comes in eight colors. It also has a cool wrap around rear … Read more

DETROIT -- Scion plans to expand its model line from three vehicles to four.

Also, Scion Vice President Jack Hollis said: "Within the next two years, we will have a replacement tC" coupe.

The tC coupe will be nearly 7 years old when the redesign arrives, but such a long life cycle will not be the norm for Scion in the next decade.

"It will be different for each model," Hollis said at the Detroit auto show in January. "There are some that are going to be short. There are going to be three- to … Read more