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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  A New Driver Must Have!~^_^~! - 2004 Scion xA
  By Honey B - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The car looks super cute and the size is easy for new driver to handle. I am a new driver. It saves gas, it saves u money and it looks great. The car gives u more flexibility since the seats at the back can be pulled down easily so u can buy as much groceries as u wanna to. Little effort is needed if u want to accelerate your car. Ull love this car if u live in San Francisco since the parking space is so scared in the city -_-; I love this car and all of my friends love my car too....What are u waiting for??? If u need more room in the car...check out XB! I feel great when i test drive that car since the interior is brighter than XA and it is more roomy.

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  Fabulous new, not so great as it ages - 2005 Scion xA
  By Kimberlyxa - February 22 - 12:46 pm

  I loved my Scion xa when I first got it. Over the years it has had to have the bearing replaced, then entire transmission replaced, the Drive shaft was notched and needed replacement. And the front axle cracked and broke off. I am not sure if I got one from a bad batch, but I have never had this many problems with a Toyota, and I have owned several.

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  Bad Wheel Bearings and Tires - 2004 Scion xA
  By bosco - February 8 - 11:33 am

  There is a problem with the xAs tires. The 185/65r 15s that it comes with are hard to find and very costy. Also, its wheel bearing are too light for the car. Toyota had this problem with the Echo as well.

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  Im Impressed - 2006 Scion xA
  By jmr986 - February 6 - 1:23 pm

  I went looking for a car for my 16 year old. I started looking at beaters and ended up with the Scion xA. We all piled in (four of us) for a test drive and I was hooked. For the money there is nothing equal in value and quality. Yes the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, are great cars too but youll probably pay $2,000 or more for them. Resale values are high for Scions and its a Toyota. A comparable Corolla will cost your more. I like the ala carte options. Plus, the no haggle pricing is kind of nice too. It would be nice to have more power, but for its intended audience it has just enough. I must confess Im considering the xB and loading it up, and Im not its target market...Im 54 years old!

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  My Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By samantha - January 26 - 1:00 pm

  I enjoy my xA. It has been great. Its gas mileage in town is anywhere from 27- 31. On the highway it gets 38-42. We just came back from Ohio and it averaged about 41 miles per gallon. it drives great and I love it very much.

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  Not for everybody; great for me - 2005 Scion xA
  By WML - December 17 - 4:33 pm

  Had it for two weeks now but I researched for over a year to decide on which car to buy. I wanted just a trendy, fuel-efficient car to "get me there." Nothing else comes close in this class of sub-$15k cars (why is it a sedan here?). And Toyota reliability -- enough said. I drive long distances on weekends and its great for that. Power/weight ratio makes it light and zippy. Feels very solid, steering is weighty and substantial. The ride is very bumpy, though. You feel everything on the road and it seems like nothing is dampened. I opted for the side airbags, which is an expensive option but better safe than sorry. Fuel economy is less than advertised; maybe 33 on the highway

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  Great little car - 2005 Scion xA
  By AMB - Minnesota - December 5 - 3:40 am

  This has been a terrific little car. It gets great gas mileage (Ive been averaging 36 mpg in the city) and is lots of fun to drive. It also turns heads; Ive been stopped several times by strangers impressed by its looks. And the price is definitely right, particularly with all the standard features. I ordered cruise control (which the dealership arranged to have added through a third-party vendor) and an arm rest; I recommend both. On my first test drive I was concerned that the car might not have enough pickup for easy merging, but this hasnt been a problem. I couldnt be happier.

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  Fun car to drive, but not at night. - 2006 Scion xA
  By Thor - December 4 - 1:36 pm

  I like this little car. I enjoy driving it, but not at night. It feels weird driving at night because you dont see the steering that well with the dark interior.

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  My Review - 2006 Scion xA
  By MMMurano - December 1 - 12:33 pm

  My car is perfect for city driving as well as road trips. I fit in almost any small parking space and the fuel efficiency is one of the best Ive experienced. This is a great first car for the younger generation because it is reliable, very easy to maintain, and affordable in the long-term. I love it.

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  Scions - 2006 Scion xA
  By Brithany - November 27 - 9:50 pm

  It is the best car for just transportation or for your first car for your teen!