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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Scion Xa - Little to Complain About - 2006 Scion xA
By P. Wood - December 4 - 4:40 amI love this car and have only one thing I would improve on it , the power. It takes too long to warm up and change gears. It handles great and is extremely easy to park. Ive had other compacts with the same engine specs. that seemed to be a little more powerful. The interior fits a short person comfortably, and tall people dont feel closed in. The exterior and style are attractive and eye-catching. The accessories are impressive - only one thing is needed there, someway to fit in a console. All-in-all, I will buy another one if they are around when I need my next car.
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Jons Review - 2004 Scion xA
By SC Jon - November 18 - 10:00 amI am very pleased with my Scion xA. I have only experienced very minor problems (driver door adjustment). My only complaint is the air conditioner seems a little weak and is slow to cool down.
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Grocery Getter - 2005 Scion xA
By brooktroutchaser - November 2 - 5:33 amI purchased this used with less than fifteen thousand miles. My search process was long; I wanted a small car that would accommodate my six foot frame and perennial bad back. Most cars sit too low and I did not want an SUV. The XA is too cute for words, is comfortable for any trip of 300 miles or less, and will fit in any parking space. Plus, it is as reliable as anything on the road. It is important to keep the tires properly inflated: 29 psi. Any higher and the ride is too harsh.
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Rear Wheel Bearings - 2006 Scion xA
By JohnGR - October 31 - 1:23 pmFun and easy to drive. But, VERY EXPENSIVE repair/replacement of a rear wheel bearing assembly (over $500...could not replace just the bearing).
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Cute as a Button - 2004 Scion xA
By Alicia - October 29 - 8:30 amI love, love, love this car. The gas mileage is fantastic!
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Im Sold - 2004 Scion xA
By kg13 - October 12 - 2:00 amIve had my Scion XA fora little over a week and love it. I traded in my Acura TL. that should tell you right there, I prefer the simple pleasure of the Scion over the luxury of my old Acura. I love the size, outside and in, the gas mileage it gets, as well as the overall standard features I got for the price. Dont waste your time looking for cars, Scion is all you need.
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Scion xA 1.o series limited edition - 2005 Scion xA
By RedHot Scion - September 4 - 4:00 amFun and functional car. Highly recommended for new teen drivers. Receive many positive comments for observers when at different location I stop at.Im having a blast driving it!
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hey - 2004 Scion xA
By dnielle - August 30 - 2:00 amGreat car for the right price!
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Not for long rides - 2005 Scion xA
By Balzo - July 17 - 6:56 amGot the car brand new in 04 and used it mostly around town with the occasional 200 mile weekend trip. Great value for the money in terms of low purchase price and low operating cost. Power is what one might expect from a 108-hp motor but the 5-spd manual trans made the driving experience a bit more interesting. A 6th gear would be perfect for speeds over 70mph. Ride quality is bouncy on the interstate because of the short wheelbase and firm suspension but its a blast around corners and when zipping around city traffic. 5 yrs and 50K miles later, I can say it was an overall positive experience. Would I buy a Scion again? Not likely. Just traded it in for a sporty euro sedan last week.
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My Scion - 2005 Scion xA
By doris bledsoe - June 17 - 12:46 amI really like my car. I wish it had better hub caps and less air noise while driving. I love the color. I wish i knew how to take the fla. luv bugs off. They took off some paint in a matter of 2 days, leaving white specks on the hood yuck. But all in all I LOVE MY xA!!
