2012 Scion iQ Review - Kelley Blue Book

The Scion iQ has the notable distinction of being the smallest four-seat car sold in America, making it a direct competitor for cars like the Fiat 500 and Smart ForTwo. To gauge the charms of the Scion iQ, KBB's Micah Muzio squeezed behind the wheel of this diminutive coupe to see how easy it was to park, drive and live with.

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[cek]

I bought my scion iq last month...I live in new York...it's the ideal car for 3 1/2 people I drive it everyday for work I already spent over a 1000 miles because its fun to drive and I spend like 26 dollars for a full tank every week and a half, I love it.i think I'm the only one that has it.

[scottieray]

I bought my iQ at the end of April. Currently have 12, 000 miles on it. Typically get 40-45mpg on the backroads and 38-ish in town. Well built and I love the simple interior that does not have a gajillion buttons. Traction control does work as I have had the opportunity to send it into action driving in the rain here in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. Had a few people get curious enough to ask to sit in it and they are always amazed at how roomy it feels...then they giggle when they get out.

[YouMotorcycle]

Should also be pointed out that the IQ takes regular whereas the Smart and Mini take premium, so even if it loses by a couple mpg here or there, it's still cheaper to run the same trip in the IQ.

[lukeasacher]

Bought mine used in 2013 with 4K- except for the blizzard pearl paint nightmares, all is well after 11 years. Other than routine fluid and parts maintenance, only had to replace a first oxygen sensor- just over 50K today. Does 80 no prob on the interstates here in NH

[yaknowthatitsreal]

"spontaneous 180s to avoid your Ex" LOL - this guys hillarious

[Spoksy]

I have to say this review is done really well, very lovely visual shots and the guy is funny :) well done!

[SquashBox]

I know it's been a year but anyway it's written by Micah Muzio, who is the guy in the video. He also makes the music. I love his reviews, they're the best car reviews on the planet.

[thelaxer]

i kinda love this car. Im a guy and i like this car. i like it cause it looks like well....a car unlike the smart which looks like something i drew in 1st grade. and its a scion so you can always customize it to your liking which is cool within the next year im looking to trade in my jeep for one of these just to save the money since i drive 65 miles a day.

[TheDrunkardHu]

best review i've seen for this car.

[marckeiser]

I leased a 2012 then bought a 2015. Love it. It has 100, 000+ miles on it. Only expenses are tires at 70, 000, wiper blades and a battery.

[Slonya]

Very good review, informative and entertaining, better then usual KBB stuff.

[eyeson]

I bought one to use as a dingy in my toter home. I have a 2012 a6 and half a dozen other cars and I find myself driving the IQ most due to the FUN factor. It's a little go cart. The ride is great for a car this size and the cvt makes the driving experience quite sedate. The smart has the worst brutal shifts of anything I've driven. There are other cars that are bigger and weigh more for the same money. So what? For me size was the best thing about the IQ. But I learned it's a hoot to drive.

[MrCondoriano]

I don't know who wrote the script for this review but it's dead funny. another great review KBB.

[eyeson]

Hello, eleven air bags. It's a cocoon in a crash and cvt traction control... All that cool stuff adds to the cost. I love mine.

[gene]

Great review! I agree the asking price is very steep for this little car.should be around $12, 000

[BoopSnoot]

The fuel economy isn't great because of physics:
1) Making an efficient yet hyper compact exhaust and intake manifold is damn near impossible. Cramped quarters means reduced efficiency with sharp bends.
2) Shorter bodies, all else equal, are less aerodynamic as the air can't stabilize and creates turbulent drag; this hurts highway fuel economy
3) Shorter bodies usually result in steeper blockier front ends, which are less aerodynamic than more sloped designs like on longer cars.

[Charsept]

2 issues:
1. Don't like the CVT at all. I'd take a stick before a CVT.
2. Flat out costs too much. At that price there is some great competition.
Other than those, I *really* do like this car.

[CarsofGlasgow]

I love how the American version gets the big engine

[KuyaArbee]

you make awesome reviews! so much better than Top GEAR USA. Glad KBB is making really good car reviews! love the interaction with the reviewer and cars and the video editing and graphics

[TheHDStation]

would have bought one if it had cruise control and center arm rest. Live in the city, but Want to be comfortable on long drives too