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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  great value and fun to drive - 2005 Scion xA
  By ree63 - April 3 - 11:16 am

  Bought this car for my daughter and now I love to drive it. It handles very well, has power everything. It is only two weeks old and already has 1,100 miles on it, took it on two trips in very hilly areas and it handled very well and we were comforable all the way. Purchased the armrest seperatly, its a must and should have come with the car. Other than that, we just love it! Its a gas to drive around in.

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  Fair Purchase - 2005 Scion xA
  By MDM - March 21 - 11:53 am

  The gas mileage is good but not up to the rating. Acceleration is anorexic, but nothing more than expected for such a small engine - although the manual is better, anybody that tells you its good is delusional. Despite the performance issues, its a cute car with only minor issues largely due to some cheaper parts.

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  Grade A for XA - 2004 Scion xA
  By Erin Lenahan - March 2 - 11:16 pm

  The Scion XA is a fun, reliable car with great fuel economy and versatility (i.e. transporting five passengers or putting the seats down and taking dogs and gear to the beach.) Great for long trips, always comfortable, and always good for drawing just the right amount of attention from passersby. "What kind of car is that?" Ive never seen one before. It has also really retained its value very well, despite the high mileage I put on it! Well done, Scion XA (aka MiniCooper on steroids)!

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jon - March 2 - 8:30 pm

  I wanted a car for two things. One, to transport my tools in the back with easy access, and good gas milage! With the Scion xA I got both. The mileage being what I expected at 28 mpg driving like a bank robber to 38 mpg once on the parkway. It is generally around 35 mpg. The three things I wouldnt buy a car without are air conditioning, power windows, and a great radio. The Scion had all three although I opted for the XM. As for the power, they are not charging the money for the car that speed costs so I didnt have any issues with the power. I dont recommend that you pass anyone without a long range of open highway. I would gladly buy this car again. I have just about 20,000 miles on mine after 9 months of ownership.

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  Excellent car but need improvements - 2005 Scion xA
  By erniekim - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its my first time buying a small gas- efficient car and for the price I paid, this car is definitely worth it. Unique and fun to drive but more improvement is needed such as arm- rest, small head-space because of elevated seating and tiny trunk. Overall, I am more than satisfied.

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  One Word - AWESOME! - 2006 Scion xA
  By ellisdustin - February 20 - 12:53 am

  Purchased this vehicle in March 07 with 26000 miles on it. Got a great deal! At first was a little skeptical about spacing, moving down from a Toyota Matrix, but now we love it. My wife and I carry stuff all the time and that does not hinder its performance. Gas mileage is not as rated, but great anyway. Toyota hit it right on the money when they designed this line. This car is awesome in every way. Roomy interior, comfortable seats, best stock sound system I have heard in a vehicle. This car can handle anything and I have the most fun driving it of any other vehicle.

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  Scion XA - 2005 Scion xA
  By K.C - February 16 - 9:46 pm

  I always bought Hondas because they handle better than the Toyota. The Scion handles great and has reliability of a Toyota. The best of both worlds and great MPG to boot.

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  BEST CAR EVER! PERIOD! - 2004 Scion xA
  By Jayden - February 14 - 4:36 pm

  I have had my 2004 Scion xA since the end of 03. My car now has 86500 miles on it. No problems whatsoever! Affordable, reliable, and great mileage, at low cost. The perfect car! Back seats fold down flat, perfect to store things. I have had a tandem bicycle inside of the car.

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  Not Just for Kids - 2006 Scion xA
  By Scion Enthusiast - February 6 - 7:36 am

  Anyone who thinks the Scion xA is just for the young and hip needs to look again! Im 32, and I drive 80+ miles each day. The xA is a great commuter car and it has plenty of room for my family of three (plenty of room for a car seat). Its gas mileage will vary with driving style - I mostly drive highway, and find that mileage is directly related to speed. If you keep it under 65, you will get 35 - 37 mpg. At speeds over 65, youll see low to mid-30s. My lowest mileage to date is 31 mpg. I absolutely love this car! It handles like a go-cart, and does great in snow and rain. While its acceleration is not neck breaking, it has plenty of pep for every day driving.

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  I love my xA! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Bethany - February 1 - 8:03 am

  Ive had my Scion xA for exactly a year now, and I am loving it just as much as when I first test-drove one. Remarkably fun to drive (and cute, too), my friends are jealous of the fuel economy and head room that their cars lack. A good fuel economy is always something to consider, especially now when gas prices are soaring. My Scion was a bargain when we bought it, and it continues to be one today!