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:
Showing 111 through 120 of 487.00-
Excellent car especially for the price! - 2005 Scion xA
By Wookie` - June 17 - 10:00 amI had a good experience with the purchase of my Scion. The dealer was easy to deal with and he did a great job in finding my bright red RS 1.0 xA. I did however have to wait 40 days to take delivery and I was originally waiting for a stock (non RS 1.0) xA with a 5 speed. The sales practice of MSRP is wonderful, no hassle and no haggle. Lots of options available, even if most are cosmetic and not really functional. The car has a very high cute factor but with large rims and low profile tires can actualy have a muscular look. For the price I dont think you can beat the xA or the xB.
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Awesome Car - 2006 Scion xA
By bobbic6314 - June 17 - 1:26 amI have enjoyed this car greatly. It drives very well and its a great car for a child. I really like it because its easy to drive and the comfort of the car is awesome.
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Just love it love it love it! - 2004 Scion xA
By beaniefamily - June 16 - 2:46 amWe bought this car more than one month ago and just absolutely love it! It has very responsive handling and is just a joy to drive! I just cant stop saying I love it!
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Love it but mileage is bad - 2005 Scion xA
By George - June 12 - 10:53 pmI love my Scion: Style, audio, interior, exterior and its ride. I am not happy with the mileage. Has gotten as low at 25mph and no more than 32. That is the reason I bought it. It seems through all the reviews that all the others are doing great on mileage. Other than the mileage it is a great car. I hope the mileage changes with time.
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they rock - 2005 Scion xA
By kloey - June 5 - 12:36 pmI really like my car i think that the scoin xA is a perfect car for young parents and people looking for comfort yet reliablity. I would recommend that anyone looking for something that is dependable, safe and fun check it out
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Canoes Ownership Experience - Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
By Jesse - May 27 - 4:46 amMy 2006 Scion xA is rattle-proof, very easy to drive, and has excellent fuel economy. I did 40 mpg on third tank of gas.
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No Regrets - 2006 Scion xA
By tpigeon - May 12 - 7:20 amThe Scion xA is a perfect fit for me and is the only new car purchase I have not regreted. I beleive I have the best car on the market for the price I paid. This car looks so small from the outside but is very roomy on the inside. The car is so much fun to drive. I will keep this car for a very long time.
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Attention Getter - Lots of Compliments. - 2005 Scion xA
By Jean - May 5 - 7:13 amI love my car! It is so cute and adorable and I get a lot of compliments. Im tiny and everyone says its just the right car for me. It looks small on the outside, but once youre inside it feels like a regular size car. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a fun, economic car to drive. = )
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My Scion Rules - 2005 Scion xA
By LoneGun - May 1 - 6:03 amI research this purchase for over three months and found that if you compare the Toyota Matrix and the Scion Xa you will come up with a pretty close tie. The bigiest diffence other than price is that the Scion comes with anti-lock brakes and the Matrix does not, go figure. As far as room the matrix is 4 inches longer but the 4 inches is not worth the extra $5K in price. This ride is solid I also have the limited edition XA that came with a electric Sun roof.
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Scion XA - 2005 Scion xA
By Jeff Hanson - April 22 - 2:53 pmGood cheap car. Great gas mileage. Shares parts with other cars, easer to get parts for when that day comes.
