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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LOVE - 2005 Scion xA
By Ebonys Owner - December 1 - 6:00 pmI traded in my 04 VW beetle for this car because I needed a small 4 door car. Ive owned Ebony for almost a year now and I love her! So far Ive needed 1 new tire, battery and ABS assembly in addition to the regular maintenance. The fuel economy is AMAZING! I love the way she handles, her roomy back door, how easy it is to park and so much more! I only have three complaints 1.No armrest 2.No cruise control 3. She has a weak A/C (in comparison to my beetle), which is hard with the FL summer heat.
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Not for anyone over 5 feet tall - 2004 Scion xA
By The Science guy - November 20 - 2:00 amThis car allows me to commute for about the same price as my motorcycle, and about the same level of safety too. I truly love this cars ability to get me from LA to SF for less than fifty bucks. The stereo is great and I can fit a drum set in the back with room to spare. The car is actually quite quick if it has a manual transmission. It can park almost anywhere (i.e. double parking on standard sized driveways).
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Solid Little Car - 2004 Scion xA
By ScionDriver - November 17 - 9:46 pmI bought this Scion brand new off the lot and it has been very reliable since then. I have over 103K on the car in just 5 years, but Ive only done minor repair to it. Its fuel economy has been dismal, Im not sure how anyone is getting 38mpg+. But, for the price (around $12,500) its a bargain and comes standard with many features most cars in the price range do not include.
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Toyota/ Scion xA- Engine Problems - 2005 Scion xA
By Brandon - November 12 - 2:00 amI bought a used 2005 Scion XA in April 2010 with 118k miles. Based on my research & previous experience with Toyota; I thought I was getting a reliable and fuel economic commuter car. Unfortunately within 5 months and 7k miles later my check engine light came on. My mechanic told me heard a knock in the engine. 2 weeks later the car started to shake and the got very loud. I will never buy a scion again & lost faith in toyotas reliability.
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Its a Buggy - 2005 Scion xA
By robocop - November 9 - 12:50 amRides like a buggy, run over a toothpick and youll feel it. Quick and nimble on dry pavement, terrible in snow. Bought with 32k miles and replaced AC at 38K for $600 and new battery at 40K but it has never left me stranded. Its a local driver thats not meant for the highway. Get about 25 MPG local and I beat the crap out of it and it just keeps going.
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Getting another one ! - 2004 Scion xA
By No2gates - November 8 - 2:00 amI bought a xA 2 weeks ago, was a little concered about others saying it was lacking power. I think the power is fine, no compaints here. The ride is a little stiff when travelling on a rough road, but other than that, its a great car. Im planning on purchasing another for my wife within a week.
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Great car - 2006 Scion xA
By bbp2459 - November 7 - 6:23 amThis has been a great car. The fuel economy has averaged between 32 and 38 depending on the driving. Storage space is surprisingly good especially when I fold down the back seat. The display in the middle of the console opens up a lot of visual field but takes a bit of getting used to. The ride is rough for long trips but when you consider what you are paying for gas vs what others are paying, the ride is not so bad. I am really surprised that they stopped making this car.
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Fun and economical - 2005 Scion xA
By Mildred Mosher - October 8 - 4:26 amFun car to drive very economical. This vehicle draws attention every where I take it. I cant say enough good things about it. Im getting 40 mpg on the highway and averaging 37 overall I have no complaints about this vehicl and it even has an awesome stereo!
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Parking in Boston? HA! no problem!! - 2006 Scion xA
By Professor X - September 17 - 7:56 pmI dont understand why some owners are getting less than 35 mpg on the highway. I visit my mom in NY every other weekend; exactly 250 miles. It has a 10.9 gallon tank. On average I get there with half a tank left. It breaks down to 38+ mpg. I purchased the xA because of the price. At first I was deeply concerned about its size. Thats no longer a problem. As an average college student, theres plenty of room for friends, laundry, computer parts, etc. Should you need more drop one of the seats. Another concern was its engine. Since its only 1.5 liter, I feared it will be too small for a car. Again its not a problem. Its a very nimble car for me and...a date. 4 adults is a different story
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Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
By Chet Pilcher - September 15 - 2:46 pmThe xA makes an excellent second car. It has easy access, great visibility and a high seat position. Its sound system rivals the one in my Avalon. It has smooth shifting up and down. Its overall gas consumption is currently at 32+mpg around town. The air conditioning can "run you out." This is a really fun car to drive!
