Overview & Reviews

The Scion brand was created in 2003 by Toyota as a way of connecting to younger buyers with savvy tastes. One of its launch vehicles, the Scion xA, was an inexpensive hatchback marketed through hip promotions that emphasized its unique style. Owners could customize the xA with more than 30 accessories available at Scion dealers. Even with this strong pitch to trendsetting youngsters and auto enthusiasts, the Scion xA soon gained a reputation as a sensible subcompact with premium build quality and standard features.

Most recent Scion xA

Launched as a 2004 model, the Scion xA lasted just one generation, as Scion sought to keep its youthful portfolio fresh. A refresh occurred in its final year of 2006, so older xAs have some visual differences and some slight variations in the interior features, including the Pioneer sound system, steering wheel, speedometer and seat fabric.

The Scion xA came in one body style -- a four-door hatchback. For a subcompact, the xA had a noticeably upscale look and feel. The gauge pod resided in the center of the dash and glowed amber, while the dashboard had a contemporary appearance, with faux aluminum trim tastefully placed down the center console, door panels and steering wheel. The seating position was high, and headroom and legroom were decent in both the front and rear. But you couldn't haul too much cargo, with just 11.7 cubic feet of hatch space behind the rear seat.

The xA was also well-stocked with standard features, including air-conditioning; antilock brakes; power door locks, windows and mirrors; a rear wiper; and rear window defogger. Scion also provided the xA with a premium stereo -- a sound system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary input jack. Among the optional equipment was an 8-inch subwoofer, an iPod adapter, satellite radio and an airbag package with front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Power for the Scion xA came from a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 103 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. With either transmission, the Scion was pretty frugal, with EPA city estimates of 31-32 mpg and highway ratings of 37-38. For those looking to improve the xA's performance, Toyota Racing Development, Toyota's in-house performance department, offered quite a few parts, including intake and exhaust, shocks and lowering springs, and a performance clutch.

Buyers could also customize their xA's appearance with dealer-installed accessories such as a rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a variety of wheel covers, sport pedals and shift knobs.

In our review of the Scion xA, our editors found it to be quite a competent commuter. On highways, the ride was smooth. The small engine didn't provide much passing power, but around the city, the xA offered plenty of pep. It also maneuvered nicely on surface roads, with a surprisingly tight suspension for an econobox and precise steering. In more extreme cornering situations, the xA felt a bit wobbly, but TRD performance suspension components were available to remedy the condition.

User Reviews:

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  Rock Solid Small Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Luke D - February 8 - 10:43 pm

  I thoroughly researched before buying this car, and fell in love with it after I bought it. I was impressed with the attention paid to details- side turn signals, pwr steering, mirrors, good headlights, a commanding view of the road, & a well-contoured front seatback. It really set it apart from the 3 Geo Metros I had previously owned, & the Chev Aveo I drove. Ive put 73k miles on it, with only routine maint - tires, brakes, plugs & engine fluids replaced. The A/C hasnt failed despite the MN temp extremes, and its ALWAYS started too. Engine has good pep on freeway if ya press the overdrive OFF button, & has good mileage-approx 31mpg overall. Has very flexible interior-can haul alot.

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  SWEET! - 2004 Scion xA
  By Renee - January 7 - 5:56 pm

  Have had the car for just over a month. Was my birthday prize from my husband. My 18 year old son loves it, although he can not drive it as it is MINE! It is a great get around the city and to work car. I have back problems and the seating is great for me to get in and out of.

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  It Needs a Sunroof - 2006 Scion xA
  By LandaOz - December 21 - 3:46 am

  The xA is a great car if you are looking for a small vehicle to zip around in and it has great mileage. It is so hard to find a little 2 door hatchback like the ones that we all grew up with, but this fits the mold. I had a 2 door RAV4 and miss it terribly, but this is kinda like a little SUV. It is small, but but fits quite a bit of stuff for a single or couple.

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  Great if Youre Under 56" - 2006 Scion xA
  By Duley - October 27 - 3:50 pm

  I drove my wifes car - 2,000 miles in seven days. Im 61"at 200 lbs. The car sipped gas, saving $180 in fuel over my car. It is very nimble at cruising speeds. I expected a buzzy engine, wind noise and stiff suspension from a small car and I wasnt disappointed. Luckily, the stereo worked perfectly and for the price it performed great, climbing hills at 75 in 4th. The AC handled 100+ temps with no problems.

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  The right choice - 2004 Scion xA
  By SFScion - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Just love it since moment I drove off the dealership. Opted for the electric locking system which is a must, also the six-CD player. Hated to pay for the extra floor mats, come on... Otherwise, love my blue rocketship...

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  Best Value Ever - 2005 Scion xA
  By D. Remmers - August 5 - 6:46 am

  This car is the best value you can get for your money. Standard ABS, great sound system, power everything-you-could-want, and great gas mileage all for about $13,500.

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  Cute - 2006 Scion xA
  By Joy - July 6 - 7:23 pm

  Gas mileage is certainly good. The odometer, etc. being in the center took some getting used to but I now prefer it. The cloth seats should be a better quality. After having owned it a few weeks, someone tapped it in a parking lot. My Scion had been parked. My car sustained damage while the other vehicle had nothing. My concern is the Scion vs anything else on the road! Safety is my major concern. I would also like to add that while sitting at the dealer I mentioned I heard the XA was to be discontinued and she said it was a rumor. A few months later (2 months to be exact), it was discontinued. Be sure to use an honest dealer. I wouldnt buy a pencil from them now.

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  05 xA stone gray - 2005 Scion xA
  By xascion05 - February 15 - 7:23 am

  My xAs gas milage is great. My average city mileage is 33 mpg. Thats even with goosing it a bit. Mine has a lot of the acessories - fogs, red steering wheel with red led int. lights, spoiler,15" 10 spoke rims, cruise, tinted glass, auto, carbon door sills, ect. The biggest waste is the led cupholders and floor lights, they are just a silly gimic. But thats how it was put together at the dealer when I saw it. This has been a reliable car. It has even hauled 800 yes 800 lbs. of materials to job sites in a pinch with the seats folded flat.

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  Nifty Thrifty Handy Dandy - 2006 Scion xA
  By cats_meow - February 6 - 11:12 am

  PRos: -Excellent on gas (better than my bfs 03 civic hybrid) -Standard Mp3 AUdio Aux -Sits high which gives the illusion of more space & provides the driver w/false bravatto in traffic -Rear-seats fold down for strange situations that require adequate storage Cons: -Blind Spots -WIde handling on turns -Slippy-slides in rain -Poor AC power (On the highest setting, its not comparable to a low setting on my 03 Saturn Ion) -Low placement of cup holders, similar to a truck (I dropped a tea on the floor of the car, a wk after I owned it trying to get it into the cup-holder) Conclusion: It can provide flat-bed space, low maintanance costs & poor AC power but your pockets will smile!

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  Wheel bearing problems - 2005 Scion xA
  By pvg1 - December 30 - 11:08 am

  171,000 miles. Replaced both front wheel bearings 3X. Rear bearings 1X. Too bad because everything else is original. Out of 6 cars I have owned this one is the first I ever had to replace a wheel bearing. I guess I made up for that with this one. I am looking for a new small car and since I dont want another car with wheel bearing problems I am not even going to look at the 2012 toyota yaris.