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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  Car for all ages - 2005 Scion xA
  By OLD DADDY - September 1 - 9:13 pm

  We now have about 8,000 miles on our Scion xa. We purchased it to compliment two other vehicles and to save money on gas. Boy was I wrong. This car does, as advertised, save lots on cost of gas but it is fun to drive. We have three vehicles and the first person out the door in the morning always goes for the Scion. It is a great car, great investment, and a good decision. By the way, I am not a member of Generation X, I am 60+. Thanks Toyota. Geezers like a bargain too.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2006 Scion xA
  By BCSDAPD - August 26 - 1:23 pm

  The Scion xA is a great little car with a few minor exceptions. Its gas mileage has been around 35 mpg, with mostly city miles. I have found the center mounted guage cluster better than traditional driver side. Its ride is smooth with very easy to reach control locations (audio, heat/AC, shifter knob, windows). I am 59" and sit just right inside. It has clear 360 degree views with little to no blind spots. It is perfect for scooting around town where performance is not an issue. I could see how large people could find it a bit cramped in leg/steering area. It has lots of head room though! I WOULD NOT take this on an extended road trip. Its RPMs do get into the 3,000s above 55 mph and gas goes fast with sluggish passing power.

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  I LOVE My xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By ChrisW - August 25 - 7:56 pm

  I admit, when I was looking around I didnt think I would like this car this much, but it is fabulous. Maybe it was just my 19 year old Honda Civic, but this car is great. And dont listen to complaints about the ride, it is just fine. Its road feel is great. My only complaint is that the factory tires are kind of lousy, but other than that, I am in love.

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  Love it - 2005 Scion xA
  By Michele - August 25 - 12:46 pm

  Rides smooth over city streets

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  Detroit automakers should follow Scion! - 2006 Scion xA
  By fjescionxa - August 24 - 12:10 am

  What an amazing car! Love the gas mileage 40mpg!Very nimble & corners great!Inside design fantastic, wish cruise control,center counsel & fog lights standard.Stereo great transmission smooth but gears too short forcing quick shifts.Fit & finish excellent, overall a 9.5. If Detriot is serious about becoming relevant again take the lead from Scion. Thanx

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  My xA rocks your face! - 2006 Scion xA
  By anneonymous - August 23 - 10:50 pm

  I love driving my vehicle. Its cute and extremely efficient. Ive had it for over 2 years and I take great care of my car. Im currently modding out my car and its worth it! Ive added an intake and exhaust and really cool diamond plate floor mats and Ive even joined a Scion club!

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  Gas Efficient and Spacious Cargo - 2006 Scion xA
  By JGU - July 20 - 1:30 am

  I cant believe that I could fit my dining table in this car. Its just a good buy! Very large cargo space. Its gas efficient.

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  awesomness - 2004 Scion xA
  By Vudoo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  the car is just sooo fun! my parents bought for me as a graduation gift and im glad they did. they opted to buy me a solara but somehow the fun and funkyness of the scion XA caught their eye. the car is great and gets good mileage! my parents put in a lot of extra features which might be a lil pricey but it looks great. it makes every car unique and all.

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  I had my car for 8 days :o( - 2006 Scion xA
  By Tink11464 - June 14 - 7:56 am

  Had my car for 8 days! I bought this car brand new, unfortunately it was totaled 8 days later. I LOVED THIS CAR! I called everyone I knew in that first week saying how much I loved this car. The style is awesome, the ride great, the kids loved it (from my 16 year old down to my 4 year old). On March 16th someone in front of me caused a 5 car pile up and I was caught up in it... So heres hoping I get another Scion xA ASAP!! My car was totaled the same day my Cargo tote that I ordered from the dealership came in. I told them to hold the tote - till I get another xA.The police put in the report that my car was an SUV. I had to fix that! My car was the smallest in the accident!

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By lola - June 9 - 2:23 pm

  I have owned my Scion xA for only a few months and I love it. It some time gets more mileage than what they say so I think you can imagine how much I like it.