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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  Run to your nearest dealer...now...go! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Scions4ever - October 30 - 4:46 am

  I purchased this car after doing tons of research for an "economy" car. This little guy packs a lot of features and is just plain fun to drive! Its great gas mileage is key during these times. This car will end up saving me tons of money! Run to your nearest dealership and have fun with this ride!

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  A lot for a Little - 2005 Scion xA
  By John Klos - October 28 - 7:56 am

  The Scion xA is the best all around city commuter car going. It gets great mileage with inspired looks. I look forward to keeping my Scion for years. I will continue to purchase the Scion line for as long as it continues to be made. Thanks Toyota - great job on the Scion line of cars.

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  Rating my xA R.S. 1.0 - 2005 Scion xA
  By Mike Angelo - October 20 - 12:36 pm

  Great auto, gets lots attention. People ask "what kind of car is it?"

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  Love the xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Pat and Naree - October 1 - 2:33 pm

  I wasnt sure about the xA when we first looked at it since it was so small. Worried about lack of trunk space and comfort with 4 people. Wife loved the look and feel. Once we got it home, I started driving it instead of my Toyota Camry! Its really fun to drive, the car really does have enough room for 4 to be comfortable. "Trunk space" good enough for groceries, no problems with space in any situation so far. A comment on previous posts about gas mileage. The sticker mileage is EPA rated and is always at least a few MPG higher than what you actually get. We have auto transmission which has overdrive button, tachs about 2700 at 65 mph, helps reduce engine noise and improve MPG.

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  xA, Great Little Ride - 2006 Scion xA
  By N - October 1 - 3:26 am

  I use my Scion xA for mainly city driving. After driving larger cars this is a great model for moving in and out of traffic. I havent done a lot of highway driving with it, but it has handled well in all four seasons.

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  I love this car!! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Christina - September 30 - 2:43 pm

  I bought mine in 02/2006, and as of 10/2007, Ive put 42,000 miles on it. I love my xA. I have it decorated and always get looks and nice comments. Its been cross-country several times, and its perfect for a 3 to 4 week roadtrip for 2 of us. The front is very roomy, though the backseat can get tight for adults. With rear seats folded down, the cargo space is huge. I get 32 to 34 mpg, doing lots of highway driving, but frankly, it can vary wildly depending on the quality of gas. I once got 10% ethanol in Illinois, and only got 26 mpg on that tank, but thats very unusual. Im bummed that theyve discontinued the xA in favor of the xD. I was planning on buying another xA in a couple years.

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  Big on the Inside - 2005 Scion xA
  By Doug - September 26 - 3:10 pm

  After 13 years of very reliable service my Tercel bit the dust so I went to my Toyota dealer to look at the Corolla. I need something to get me to work and back and pick up two kids with car seats from day care. The salesman recommended that I look at the Scion xA since I had a Tercel. I assumed it would be too small for the car seats but I was wrong. They fit in the back seat easily. The hatchback design makes for enough room in the back to store a fair amount of stuff. The car is very fun to drive. The milage is great. Aside from the few suggested improvements listed below the car is awesome for the price and I am very, very happy I bought a Scion XA.

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  Needs reliability improvements - 2004 Scion xA
  By cwalker5 - September 20 - 11:46 am

  Bought a leftover in March of 2005. Ive put on 55,000 miles since then. Had to replace both rear wheel bearings. The little Scion requires a whole hub assy. with integral reluctor be purchased, as the unit cannot be disassembled. $350.00 each. Add in some labor and it gets expensive fast. A cracked heater core also came at 44,000 miles. Wheel bearing failures and heater core breakage are not common failure modes on modern cars. The fact that the parts are not simple, reasonably priced or factory covered items makes me say, "Stay away from this car." I dont plan to get another one of these. If Scion recalls these and fixes them I might change my mind. Right now, no way.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By xa_lover - September 8 - 10:40 am

  I have loved this car since I first saw it. It is very customizable and looks great in the inside. The problem is the back is a little too small. Also, it doesnt have cruise control. I would love a moonroof or maybe a convertible top. Other than that, its very economical and fun to drive.

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  Best used car ever purchased! - 2006 Scion xA
  By jiminy - September 7 - 11:56 pm

  Toyota Quality! Fun to drive. A little tight at times, but excellent performance for the price. No major concerns.