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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  Scion xA 2004 - 2004 Scion xA
  By Myk - June 17 - 7:03 am

  My 2004 Scion xA (5-spd stick) now has 85,000 miles. Last month I drove it cross-country from CA to NY (via I-80 all the way). I have not had any problem with the car although I once had a flat tire. Great gas mileage and the car is inexpensive compared to any hybrid.

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  New owner - 2005 Scion xA
  By brooktroutchaser - June 15 - 11:20 am

  Purchased 2 weeks ago with 16.5 k miles. The first 2 days the ride was hard; lowered the tire pressure to 29 and it improved. Love sitting up high; I have a bad back and this car sits like a small SUV. Very nimble and a great grocery getter. It is O.K. on the highway for perhaps a half day ride; it isnt a cross country vehicle. In town it is delightful if a bit stiff. It does not like pavement imperfections. I expect to keep it for many years. Everyone says it is cute. Good car for 1-2 people; the back seat is small. Good legroom up front. Easy to park. Oh, I am six feet, 200 pounds, and have gray hair.

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  Best car I ever bought - 2005 Scion xA
  By PghScion - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Former owner of a V8 Durango gas- guzzler. The Scion xA is a sacrifice in power, but the excellent fit and finish of the interior, ease of handling, and superior gas mileage make this car a best-buy in my book. The style is eye-catching. Expect to answer questions at the gas pump (which is once every 3 weeks for this city driver). Regardless of the small 4cyl engine, there is still remarkable pick- up and sturdy poise in accelleration in highway driving, even through hilly terrain. The car maintains 80mph on the highway without a shake. Seats are firm and supportive. xA has a fantastic view of the road with a nice, high stance.

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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jill - June 10 - 7:36 am

  I love my 2006 Scion xA. Im 16 years old and I got this car for my birthday and it is awesome! The car dealership was awesome! It is a great first car and a good car for go back and forth to school. I get lots of compliments and I love the interior (especially the silver accents). We test drove a 2005 xA and the pickup was bad, but it has improved some for the 2006 model. And the speedometer was very easy to get used to. And I also love the stereo conrols on the steering wheel (very convenient!). But overall, the best thing about this car was the price!

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  Spunky Jellybean - 2004 Scion xA
  By Amy K. - June 3 - 5:56 am

  Ive had the car for a little over a week (500 miles) and really like it. It has more get up and go on the freeway than I had expected (though one can only expect so much out of a 1.5L engine) and freeway driving hasnt been a problem, even with 2 passengers in the car. Ive taken out the rear headrests because they block some of the view, plan to replace them with 2 more center headrests (only an inch or so tall when lowered). Parallel parking has been a breeze, though Im still getting used to how CLOSE the back end of the car is - my last car wasnt this small! The brakes do seem to squeak a little, Im not sure if thats the cold this week, or if it will be an ongoing issue.

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  Great car for a teenager or young adult - 2006 Scion xA
  By stepay - May 29 - 7:27 pm

  Bought this car used for our teenage daughter, and its a blast to drive. Small, so easy to maneuver and park. Gets great gas mileage. Just rough enough for the driver to feel the road (important for new drivers). Hard to beat Toyota reliability, and it even looks cool. The 4 star safety rating across the board was good, but the car we have has all the air bag options, so thats even better. Nice sound system too which is more important to the younger crowd, and ours has the optional iPod input. Great for shorter drivers. You sit up high more like in an SUV, so its easier to see out of this car than my 2005 Honda Accord. Chain instead of timing belt helps keep maintenance to a min.

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  A lot of Bang for the Buck - 2006 Scion xA
  By Gary - May 13 - 7:13 am

  Its hard to see fault in my car so far. We bought it for its roominess, we regulary drive with 2 adults and 3 teens in the car. So far no complaints from them although our drives have been an hour or less. I wouldnt take it on a several hour drive with the entire family. Another plus was the simple buying process which was in stark contrast to another dealership (Honda) that we purchased from a week before. A total of 2 hours in the Scion dealership versus 4- 5 Hours in Honda and many Tylenol later from repeatedly telling the "finance" guy NO to aftermarkets products.

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  Love it! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Cathy - May 12 - 10:20 am

  I knew when I needed a new car that I wanted a Scion. Before I heard of the Scion I was considering an Echo. And a used Echo cost just as much as a new Scion! I test drove the xA and just loved the feel and the standard features. Every option I wanted was standard in my xA. Since I live in the midwest, I had to wait impatiently for a few extra months. But I love it and would never trade it in...except for maybe another xA!

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  First Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By Vernon Danker - May 9 - 3:56 pm

  As my first new car in 15 years, the Scion xA is impressive in many ways for a compact. Its handling is very nice, its ride is comfortable, and its controls are easy to use. One feature that takes getting used to is the pod of gauges. It is distracting at first, and takes your eyes off the road. The stereo is exceptional for a compact, and it is ready for the MP3s. Its noise level is good below 60 mph; above that slightly annoying. The styling attracts attention, in a positive way; it is reminiscent of the Mini Cooper. Its pricing is also a strong selling point. There is no haggling, very little in add on charges, and options can be added later. Cruise control, e.g., is $350 if added later; $425 if financed.

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  My Scion xA - 2004 Scion xA
  By Paul C Pa. - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Being 6 and over 200lbs I need a large drivers compartment,and even though the front doors are the largest body panel the car has a great deal of interior room. The buying experience was super simple and quick. Sales people are trained for scion customers and it shows. Still dont think 35+mpg will ever happen @65mph @3000rpms.