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2012 Scion iQ consumer reviews

$15,265 starting MSRP
side view of 2012 iQ Scion
(46 reviews)
95% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2012 Scion iQ

Fantastic for city driving and parking.

The Scion iQ is a reliable, fun and realistic car for those looking for something different. Substantially more spacious than the smart car, yet it still follows the same spirit, while being surprisingly practical at the same time. If you're only driving with two (driver & passenger) it might as well be a sedan. You've got more leg and head room than you need if you're of reasonably average height. Driving with 3 is still comfortable, but it takes some maneuvering to reach the back seat. 4 is certainly not ideal, or comfortable, although it can be done, preferably for short distances. The rear seats fold down to give you ample space for laundry and groceries. With regard to parking, the possibilities are nearly endless even in a congested city. The iQ thrives on the scraps of leftover parking spots. You'll be the person everyone hates but wishes they were when you snag that spot that was just too tight for a standard sedan. The iQ has no problem on the freeway, though the short wheelbase makes the car very responsive to any sudden steering adjustments. It takes some getting used to. No cruise control. That's unfortunate. Winter driving is not a problem as long as the snow isn't deeper than 3-4 inches. Any deeper than that and there isn't enough weight on the front end to give the tires enough traction. The 11 air bags, ABS, traction control and front wheel drive make it safe as long as you don't get stuck in deep snow.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best Micro Car Available. It's a Toyota!

My wife and I absolutely love the iQ. We are both 6 feet tall and find it a pleasure to enter and exit it. No more "dropping" into the seat or "climbing" out of it. And once inside, it is surprisingly open, spacious, and very comfortable. The iQ is an ingenious design and purposefully and built vehicle for getting around the city, as well as making shorter trips outside of the city (we know, because we do it quite often with no issues whatsoever). It is a high quality vehicle built by Toyota (quality and reliability). It is a very stable little car both in the city and on the highway. It is a joy to drive due to its' comfortable interior, high/upright seating position, great outward visibility, amazing agility and turning radius. Add to this the ability to park virtually anywhere and 40 mpg (we are averaging 42 mpg) and what more could one ask for in a micro car? Disregard the negative reviews from so-called "professional" automotive reviewers. They just don't "get it". They forget what the purpose of the iQ is all about. Rather . . . you should read all the great reviews by actual owners. This is the only way to get a true assessment of any vehicle--including the iQ. We purchased our 2015 iQ used, with approximately 6,000 miles on it. We love it so much that we purchased a Toyota Factory New Car Extended Warranty (eight years and 100,000 miles platinum warranty) because we intend on keeping it for many years.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliable and a gas miser

It's a Toyota, need I say more? A quick get in and go car. Seats a total of 3 people. Basically no trunk, but it excellent for family of 2. Split rear seats, so if needed you can fold down one or both. A very comfortable ride overall . Blindspot only complaint on driver side, is hard to see. The dealership salesman Gregg promised me a spare key; I never got. Even though I argued with them. Promised me set car mats, never got them. Ashame I have only one Chip Key. Waited a week to get windshield put in. Due to fact had wait for one ordered. My stereo messed up. Display goes BLACK, sound Fades Treble then Bass. Mostly stays on treble then Display Loses Part of It instead of All , Off an On.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Happy Owner

No real negatives found after a couple months of use. For the low price and small size. You cant ask for the moon.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Things Come in Small Packages

I live in Seattle and parking can be an issue, but thanks to my iQ that's not a problem any more. I love great design and I think the iQ is a marvel of engineering. It has beautiful lines inside and out. It's definitely not the car for everyone, but it should be on the top of the list for anyone considering a Smart Car. This beats that vehicle, hands down. This drives like a REAL car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Thumbelina

Toyota told me I was the first person to purchase ths car in the U.S.! Quite a distinction! I had seen it was overseas some years ago and was interested in it then but didn't think it would ever make it to the U.S. It was rolled off the truck at the dealership one night and I was waiting there the next morning. All it had to do was pass 4 tests. Easy to get in and out, good visibility out the back, merge safely on the freeway and be in my price range. It passed all with flying colors. When merging I'm doing 70-75 mph before I know it and have to let off the gas. I have had 3 adults in the car but since that is rare for me I have removed the rear headrests, put the back seat down and keep it that way. I have had a spare tire made up and there is plenty of room for it in the back along with all the other stuff I need to haul around at times. It is roomy in the front seat cabin and I really do forget how small the car is until I see it parked somewhere. I like making those tight u turns and seeing other drivers astonished faces. I enjoy everything about it and if it was totaled tomorrow I have no doubt I would replace it with another iQ. The only thing difficult about that decision would be deciding on the color!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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I Love my Little Car

Everybody loves this car. People ask me about it everywhere i go. People of all sizes have fit in it with me; large and small. I love cruising around in it. I never put more than $23 to fill it up. Only thing i don't like is the gas gauge bars AND IT DOESN'T HAVE CRUSE CONTROL UGHHH! I drove all the way to canada(12 hours) and it would have been nice.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Unique Fun Ride

This little car feels a lot bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Comfortable seating with more than enough head and shoulder room for tall people. Fairly rough ride on bumpy roads but smooth as silk on the highway. Top fuel economy from a non-hybrid and tiny size make this car a blast to drive and own.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Best car. EVER.

I've put 2k miles on the car already and I got it at 4k miles certified pre-owned. This car is awesome. plain and simple. Either you love or hate it based on what it looks like from looking at it for the first time. but don't be so judgmental. It's WAY bigger on the inside than it looks, so don't judge it just yet when you first see it. Secondly, this car gives me 41 MPG on average when driven using the eco. I live in a very mountainous area and the car has the power to accelerate over a huge hill/mountain. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the engine actually has power to it. Now, its no mustang, but I used to own a Hyundai Accent and it accelerates better than my old car.... and it has way better fuel economy. I commute 140 miles a day. I really think this is the BEST option for a car if you want a one that comes very close to hybrid fuel economy, without the price and expensive maintenance. Note: the car fits 3 people kind of comfortably, but its really meant for two. My dog rides in the back very comfortably :]

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Much better then Smart

I test drove both Smart and IQ. The Smart was very disappointing and SLOW. The IQ is no corvette however it has more power and stability then Smart. Take both for a test ride,te buy IQ if your looking for a cute SMALL car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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