2012 Scion iQ Review - The PERFECT City Car NO ONE WANTS!

[@lordmaul3]

Who remembers the Aston Martin Cygnet? They were trying pass-off a rebadged Toyota/Scion IQ as a luxury car lol. Paying Aston Martin prices for a rebadged Toyota with better seats is ridiculous.

[@tobias_dahlberg]

They did it because they needed a fuel efficient car in their lineup.

[@RageousMode]

Their primary purpose was not for a small luxury car. AM was a stand alone for a time with only high performance, high fuel consumption vehicles in their lineup. To offset CAFE standards they needed a fuel sipper and the rebadge was a thinly veiled solution.

[@johnnymason2460]

The Cygnet was a terrible idea from the beginning. Hybrid models and EV vehicles probably would have worked better for Aston Martin.

[@jonlosito2004]

Probably the most reliable Aston Martin too

[@Seven_Actual]

It was a LOT more than badges and seats. I mean you can make your point and it's still valid even if you don't exaggerate...

[@eddiefalcon8316]

Zack I’ve said it before and I will continue to say that words cannot express how much I appreciate you getting into the back seats no matter how small, and as a bonus that you kept on filming. Thanks.

[@ReverendJasper]

That back seat, the passenger side is the only useable one. They made the HVAC really tiny so the front passenger can move ahead of the driver. It's really a three seater at best.

[@ReverendJasper]

Also, that CVT put this miles ahead of the Smart ForTwo herky jerky single clutch automatic!

[@bwofficial1776]

I saw one of these with a guy riding back there. He must be the same guy they designed the GR86's back seat for.

[@chriskonte1909]

Yeah you always have to put in into perspective with the Smart ForTwo. The Toyota/Scion iQ bets the ForTwo in pretty much every aspect, however noone wanted it. The ones that did love it to this day :)

[@michaelhoskins832]

The look on Zack's face,trying to squeeze into the "backseat" was priceless. I'm a short man at 5 foot 4,and that even makes me hurt looking at the backseat.

[@johnnymason2460]

I am 5 foot 9 and I didn't want this car at all. It's too small(only a Smart car is worse). The Chevrolet Spark was a better buy.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@johnnymason2460 This is one class smaller than the Spark, then there are the Kei segment cars which are even smaller again than this iQ!

[@zythr9999]

@@johnnymason2460 Lol

[@MacI-1970]

More reliable than a Smart Fortwo.

[@keithdosik]

No one wants??? I do! I want so bad

[@haxxm32]

I know a ton of people myself included would love one but the problem is that the only generation that can afford to buy new is only buying massive SUVs. Pretty sure scion went under because the people in the generation that they were targeting that could afford to buy new went for things like tesla/luxury brands...

[@garrettbenally6693]

same!!!

[@celsovera91]

The perfect car for DoorDash and Uber eats

[@howieewalt1322]

If you want to fall asleep while driving maybe.

[@davieee1168]

Ha that’s what these are mostly used for in Europe. Car companies are still making these and you can buy them already specced for delivery, with the rear seats taken out, flat floor and windows blacked out.

[@jmatt781]

I bet this car would be kinda fun with a manual. I really appreciate you climbing into the back seats of these cars and reviewing them, you don't see that too often in a lot of car reviews out there. Respect!

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

The iQ was also the world's first production vehicle with a rear window curtain airbag.

[@bwofficial1776]

Haven't seen one of these in a long time. The packaging on these is incredible, not much bigger than a Smart Car but with way more room. I'd take one of these over a Smart any day if I absolutely needed the smallest car possible and didn't want to import a kei car. Fortunately I don't need such a small car, I can always put less in my big car but it's hard to put more in a small car. If I really want a single-seater, I'll buy a scooter.

[@TheCANation]

I went to Cyprus over the summer and I saw a lot of these badged as Toyota iQs. I love them.

[@CrossKnight]

My wife and I have a 2013 iQ that is still going strong!

[@karoltakisobie6638]

In Ontario 3 things went against Scion cars. One was that nobody knew what Scion was. Even less people knew Scion was actually Toyota and Toyota didn't advertise those cars at all. Two was price. Scions were more expensive option than Corolla or Yaris. I know that because I looked at getting Yaris in 2015 and Scion came up as an option. I couldn't afford Yaris and I surely couldn't afford Scion. Way later Toyota offloaded those cars at discount but I already had new Accent. Third problem was insurance ( possibly local Ontario problem). I spoke to few Scion owners and some companies refuse to insure them or asked some crazy premiums. By comparison Corolla or Yaris were and still are easy to insure.

[@lexisnep525]

I really appreciate your rant at the end of the video. This is the reason I like your work.

[@royalsaint117]

I think scions biggest problem was their marketing. Promoting these cars to young buyers. Which young ppl don't have the money to buy brand new cars even if they were 23-30k

[@XiaOmegaX]

The entire industry doesn't understand that. Why make the cyperpunk transformer Type-R civic so appealing to children if its gonna cost 60 grand out the door, etc

[@davinp]

It has Toyota's legendary reliability and good quality

[@itsjimsley]

Zack Pradel in a scion iq is must see tv

[@malrofo]

Ohhhh I have one of these in the same color. Its a great car. Took it on a 6 hour drive through the mountains of NY and it didnt skip a beat. On up hills i was going full throttle and it was holding 70......barely Also zach needs to try the passenger rear seat. That side is designed to have a person there! I also took it to a race track and it did pretty well

[@miket.220]

The issue with this car is that you could buy a base model Yaris hatchback for around the same price, a car only little bigger but could honestly fit 4 people with a little cargo space, or loads of cargo with the rear seats folded, 30mpg all day long.

[@j-bird1778]

One of my friends briefly owned a Scion iQ and quickly replaced it with a corolla. According to him, his non-hybrid 2016 corolla is significantly more fuel efficient and "doesn't want to kill me if I exceed 45 mph"

[@My_Old_YT_Account]

Yea, fwd Mazda 3s are also better in literally every way

[@new2000car]

Interesting. What American wants to be cramped and still pay the same as a bigger car. This IQ is totally worth it in a congested city. Finding a tiny parking spot is common, no one else can fit in it but you, that’s hours of your life back to you. I’d get this to save so much time.

[@manuellujan666]

I passed up one of these for a 2014 Ford focus I regret it every day

[@Space_Cat969]

That's wild, we traded that for a IQ in the past

[@Hobotraveler82]

Drop those rear seats and I got a spot for my dog. Love this little bugger. ❤😊

[@iswc27]

I'm generally not a Toyota fan, but I do think the IQ is a cute little car, certainly better looking than a Smart Car. That back seat does look pretty cramped, though, and I definitely wouldn't want to be sitting there if the car got rear-ended! When the IQ was first introduced, some reviewers felt that while it wasn't a bad car, it wasn't really worth buying unless easy parking in the city was a priority.

[@jawharris]

We had the US version of this car, when I drove it, it would get 32 mpg, 29 when my wife drove it. My CX-5 would get 33 when I drove it and 30 when my wife drove it. The point is, this tiny car gets poor mpg for its size. It is wide and boxy. They were designed for a diesel in Europe, I think.

[@keithmartin1328]

I own a 2010 Toyota IQ, as it's known in Britain, for 3 years now. Over here you could get it as a 5 or 6 speed manual or CVT auto. Mine is a 1.3 6 speed manual which has just done 42,000 trouble free miles.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

I always thought this was a very cool design. Wouldn't mind picking one up just to eff with.

[@someone.............]

I always imagine what would happen if someone shoves GR Corolla's 3-cylinder engine into this 😂

[@My_Old_YT_Account]

Someone put an actual Aston Martin engine in their Cygnet as well

[@escopetadebronce]

4:25 INSERT “LAW AN ORDER” meme here

[@dhillaz]

Special Vehicles Unit

[@cafn8ed74]

If I was single, this could work for me, but I have kids, so I need something bigger like my Mazda 2.

[@aenoymotors]

We got this car for my daughter to have for her first vehicle. It was a wholesale special that needed some work but was a lower mileage car for a Toyota and easy to service. Should last her for a long time without issues.

[@MrDee-ct7gi]

So can we just call it a 2+2? I don’t use the back seats in my 944 and use it for trunk space but will for emergency pick ups

[@jgalleg4]

I was just on Catalina Island for the new year and these things are everywhere there. Avalon is the only city in California that limits the number of motor vehicles allowed and most of the cars that people have are either these or Smart Cars.

[@CKN215]

I agree with you that Americans buy cars that are too large. As I age though, I hope someone will someday build a small car that has larger, more comfortable seats and ride.

[@OldMotorWords]

I second that. A car like this with 90s GM seats, Cadillac-style suspension and 2+ litre engine would be a winner in my books.

[@CKN215]

@ - Yeah, I’d even go as far as manual windows, really nice ride, less tech, optional 6 speed manual, and 40 mpg or more.

[@OldMotorWords]

@@CKN215 Now we're talking!

[@sheldonlamey7010]

When you say as you age what do you mean exactly? Do you feel more pain and comfortable seats and suspension would help? I'm curious so I can know ahead of time thanks I have Jap small car with firm suspension from factory and firm seats but and the handling feels great to me.

[@paulosicne8498]

I love daily driving small cars. You can squeeze through tight quarters and very economical. I love my RSX-S, but I daily my 2010 Hyundai Accent Blue hatchback 5 speed manual. It has no power, but the car is so light you really don't need much. It's a fuel sipper. Still a very fun car.

[@extralock1045]

I own a 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage ES, it's a tad bigger than the Scion, it's perfect for what I need. I don't need the back seats, but I need more trunk space than what the IQ can give me. I regularly take furniture or big appliances in the car. Sometimes a bike. But outside of my business, the IQ would be perfect! I been looking at the IQ, and a Geo Metro on the used market, I kind of want both, but more so the Metro.

[@extralock1045]

I use my car a lot, like, a lot lot. 34,000 Miles a year. I have the back seats folded for large items much more than I have people in the back. My dad sat back there 3 times, my mom sat back there once then freaked out because the car is small and not a pickup truck so she insisted we take her truck to a theme park instead. So a total of 3 times in 34,000 miles I've used the back seats.

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

I miss scion.

[@aaliyahstar7803]

I totally get what you’re saying about a 3 row SUV thing. I’m the kind that I rather have it and not need it, then need it and not having it. Never know when you might need to put that extra space to use. A car like the IQ is definitely a niche car. I could never see myself making that my daily driver.

[@bwofficial1776]

I can put less in my big car but I can't very well put more in a small car. Bigger cars are more comfortable and more powerful too.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Would you drive a 3 row minivan if you didn't need it? If not, why drive a 3 row SUV if you don't need it? There seems to be a problem that a minivan is uncool, so you only drive it if you need it (even though it is a FAR better 3-row, 7 person vehicle than a SUV), whereas an SUV is (apparently) not uncool so people don't mind driving them even if they don't need them?

[@HuskyPro122]

Its basically an Aston Martin Cygnet

[@CaseyGunn-e2k]

Another cool video! Thanks.

[@cryotasticshitposting]

I want one so bad. I'd be tempted to trade my Mazda 3 for one.

[@pizza2437]

I want one so bad. I'd be tempted to trade my Mazda 3 for one.

[@NarQueefi]

@@pizza2437 I want one so bad. I'd be tempted to trade my Mazda 3 for one.

[@kindakinky9276]

@@NarQueefi I want one so bad. I'd be tempted to trade my Mazda 3 for one.

[@taemac10]

🤔

[@bluerazor7049]

I occasionally see these little Toyota IQ's around town but Smart cars are mostly dominant in my city.

[@Space_Cat969]

Lmao, I got one that my mom bought like 8 years ago. It's crazy on gas. And is cute. Not really any complaints on the car for what it is. Someone from corporate for Toyota I stayed with on a vacation told me that they got rid of the Scion brand cause of how well the car sold for older demographics and they didn't want to deter buyers from Lexus or higher and Toyotas because of how cheap and decent these cars were. they only brought that up because I told him I had one

[@miguelojera2356]

Wished this was sold on more developing countries because the size and cost effectiveness makes it perfect for tight city streets.

[@isakfarreese4106]

man i really want one, but 8k for one with 130-150k miles is just too much, especially for 2012s, im better off saving another 6k to buy a cvt camry/ or a lil more for a hybrid variant, they're nice and niche but not enough for that price

[@zythr9999]

Their rarity is one reason the price is so high. Ironic, it is wanted now, then when it was new.

[@mannywilliams6409]

Have seen all the Scion models except this one!

[@TheFalseProdigy]

This thing would be an adorable platform to swap a motorcycle engine into

[@sheldonlamey7010]

"It went Innnnside of meeee"😂😂

[@MichaelGolpe]

4:52 “probed” 😂

[@scott8919]

"It went insiiiiiiiiide of me!"

[@MichaelGolpe]

@ 🤣🤣🤣

[@michi-eke]

when i was a kid i loved the ad of this car lol anyway it's like apple vs android fight. few wanted them because the much iconic Smart was around. but the iq has 4 seat...

[@acadian76]

A smart car with a back seat - perfect for your dog or shopping bags. Also, it's a 4 cylinder instead of a 3 cylinder. A good car for city driving.

[@pppcorn]

i got one of these. the trick is to change the cvt fluid and not absolutely rip on it and burn the fluid. does 100mph all day

[@reinmutuc8999]

Scion Diddy. 😅 This is a great daily driver for city folk.

[@Loiyaboy]

"..after being probed...." LOL

[@grinreaper2774]

I have a 2013 fiat 500 abarth that would be a good car to review

[@Trance88]

I own a Chevy Spark, so I know what it's like to own a very small car. I've owned it since new and 95% of the time that I've owned that car, I've been perfectly fine with its size. In the US especially, I think its engrained into our culture to be insecure with ourselves and constantly have the need to "show off" and be the "bigger man." It's also the reason why our politics/politicians are the way they are too.

[@mwwhatever]

part of the reason more people don't buy cars like this is precisely because of all the giant trucks and SUVs on the road and not wanting to be crushed to death. It's a shame

[@seb5945]

I looked these up a while back, they haven't depreciated much.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Omg it’s the same colour as my old Toyota iq 😊

[@tobias_dahlberg]

People who think small cars are junk seem to me like the people who'd think a large car = good car.

[@bwofficial1776]

Large cars do tend to be better.

[@aaliyahstar7803]

@@bwofficial1776 right because what is he talking about. My giant Toyota Avalon 3.5 V6 is a tank. People just be saying anything.

[@dhillaz]

Small cars are cool and interesting, but you lose a lot of practicality for not much saving. Running a Fit doesn't cost that much less than running an Accord, but you have less space, power, comfort and worse highway dynamics.

[@TassieLorenzo]

If I'm not mistaken, that is traditionally how American car buyers thought in the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. The Crosley American small car didn't really get a look in with buyers (I think), whereas there were all kinds of weird and wonderful tiny cars in Europe (Mini, Fiat 500, Renault 4 etc) and the average car (like a Renault 5 or Renault 11) was also a lot smaller. The same went for Japanese cars compared to American cars. Where a typical Japanese or French car like a 1962 Honda N360 or 1962 Citroen 2CV had a 360cc or 375cc engine, a typical American car in 1962 had more like a 360CI or 375CI engine (and that was the "economical" engine compared to the optional 475CI!).

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@dhillaz Because of the fuel excise and displacement or CO2 tax differences, running something like a Honda Jazz or VW Polo with a 1.0L engine in western Europe (yes they have a smaller engine in Europe) compared to running a Honda Accord or VW Passat with a 2.4-2.5L is a much, much bigger difference in running costs. (This was true right back through to the 50's and 60's too in countries like Italy and France.) The difference in CO2 tax between a 1.0L Jazz and 2.4L Accord is already about €1200 ($1250 USD) *per year* somewhere like Ireland. Plus gasoline is about twice the price per litre than in much of the US.

[@scott8919]

This and the Smart ForTwo are why we don't get legit tiny cars in the USA. Very little profit per vehicle and they aren't sales successes.

[@andrewneal7615]

I worked at a Toyota/ Scion dealer in 2013. Never sold one. Nobody wanted these things, even back then. They all ended being demo cars mostly. They just made no sense to customers. They could pay a few thousand more and get a Prius with way more space, and significantly better gas mileage. This car is stupid and doesn't make a lot of sense. 😂 But I love it!

[@masonchase085]

2AR turbo swap would be fun

[@taemac10]

That car would be fun with a manual transmission.

[@malrofo]

Europe got the manual 😢

[@sheldonlamey7010]

I like this car I prefer it to Kei cars which are cool but may not work in the U S for.many reasons. It cool that people keep a preserve Kei cars since they're so Unique. I like that the IQ jas the power and size that fits better in the U.S than Kei cars even though Americans missed out on the IQ by not buying them. IQsare gonna make great classics one day along with FITs and Yarises.

[@ocelot7999]

There is an IQ that is used as a delivery vehicle for a restaurant near my place.

[@Jonathan-bk3dq]

Quirky little city car. But I can just imagine how dangerous these would be in a big accident. Instant squish!

[@ragdolltrucking]

Did this car call you the next day?

[@ruffmadman]

I actually sat in the backseat of one of these a while back. It was a novel experience, but honestly not that bad

[@catsspat]

I probably would've bought one if it was available with MT in the US. If it were to come back with MT, I wouldn't buy one because I already have two cars (both MT), and I'm not willing to part with either, nor do I want a 3rd car.

[@Vex-zz7br]

perfect family car! plenty of backseat room for a family of 2.5!

[@dvulpis29]

I’d take the back seats out for more trunk space.

[@dexburwell]

- rare to see the IQ….. but the XB is every freaking where … in black,navy blue,silver and purple 🥴

[@abbeyna01]

It’s adorable

[@WildWildWeasel]

Zack holy shit you look giant in that car, I'm a tad under average sized and I look like half your size in there haha

[@bobdoingbobthings]

If Barney the dinosaur had a baby...

[@Mcnibbus]

Man I wonder if some high class British sports car manufacturer will steal this and charge the shit out of it.

[@omniphoriusvcf907]

Thanks for sticking up for the little cars. But I disagree...the 1st gen Fiat 500e is the best city car. Also small & easy to drive. But also better styling, electric (less maintenance, no smog tests, etc) and very, very zippy.

[@r5LgxTbQ]

I want a small car but I also don't want to die

[@unclefester6033]

I would have loved to see this kid get into a Chevy Vega or a Ford Pinto 🤔🤣

[@Hschlick84]

Ah, Scion. The quintessential failed brand marketed for the Millennials in the 2000s.

[@Seven_Actual]

That awkward moment when you realize you're a no one.

[@fasttracklap8480]

aston martin cygnet

[@PaulMyers-q1m]

Was like a Smart for two with a back seat FWD an engine in front an ran on regular gas also Toyota reliability 😮 to bad it didn't last long in US😢

[@Cryostal]

cool car

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

Waaaay better city car than a smart for two. Hauls yer ass around town. Easy to park it. Reliable. U turn on a snake trail if you want to. Freeway driving? Terrifying in the best of circumstances although I have seen it done. You usually make out ok though.

[@Parrotdise290]

It's iQute !

[@valveneul3958]

Here from CCF

[@EpicfaceMcepic]

It would be cool if people didn’t drive pickups drunk

[@Ralph-u4e]

Watching you squeeze out of the car doesnt help with the graceful idea does it?

[@Mrdrivereight]

Man the tires look like donuts they’re probably cheap to replace too like 40 bucks each

[@malrofo]

Not unless you get a different size. No other car uses them

[@maxeluy]

Is too small, a VW UP or a Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 is more usable with 4 doors and an actual trunk. That's why it failed even in countries where small cars are normal. People want a small but capable car just in case.

[@kylerbyrom2701]

🎉!

[@jaylonworld]

The iq is basically a Toyota yaris

[@worldhello1234]

No, it is a Toyota IQ branded for USDM.

[@stephanrichardson1003]

Smaller

[@TassieLorenzo]

It's a little bit smaller and has an even smaller engine the Yaris (I think, at least in some markets).

[@afcgeo882]

It has literally NOTHING in common with the Yaris.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@worldhello1234no Toyota IQ was in Europe too

[@kylerbyrom2701]

Road trip in the iq!!

[@Thankyou_3]

What a contrast of high quality car from Toyota compared to the garbage that was made by Chevy Cruze crap, Ford’s sedans garbage and Chrysler junk.

[@davidp2888]

Aston Martin Cygnet clone.

[@damilolaakanni]

Actually, the Aston Martin Cygnet is a clone of this. It came with leather seats, an Aston Martin front end, and it cost twice as much as the iQ. Someone even shoved a V8 from the Vantage under the hood of one.

[@R_86s]

You still have time to delete this comment, that's embarrassing 💀

[@davidp2888]

@@damilolaakanni I knew this, you didn't get the joke.

[@davidp2888]

@@R_86s It's a joke.

[@R_86s]

@@davidp2888 ah okay lol

[@z193geo7]

SCION VERSION YARIS HATCHBACK

[@ilkkasaari1267]

250lbs man in Toyota iq's backseat, that's funny

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

Toyota IQ

[@Lucas-up6ww]

Swap a Hayabusa engine and I'll buy it.