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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  I love my Scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By Susan Clingan - May 24 - 11:06 pm

  I cant understand why I dont hear more about the Scion xA...unless its because of the low $$ amt. I love my Scion xA...the price combined with comfort, great mileage, compact room, and general appearance makes it a great investment. Yet you dont see it much in the public eye...I have had Honda, Chevy, Ford, VW, Olds., Buick....This Toyota Scion is GREAT.

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  Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jim G - May 22 - 4:50 am

  I was hesitant to buy such a small car. Howerver, it has a really sporty ride and I feel comfortable and safe in it. My wife is from England where small cars are necessary. She loves the vehicle as well.

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  Best Deal for the Money - 2004 Scion xA
  By modernoca - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all the other cars in this class, and even a few more expensive, and frankly, youd be hard pressed to find ANY other vehicle with as many standard features for a price this low. Everyone who has taken a ride in this car is stunned when I tell them the price.

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  Excellent - 2005 Scion xA
  By goth girl - May 14 - 6:43 am

  I love this car! Its not only fun to drive, but it is also a grest looking car. I also love for the mileage. I sometimes forget when I last put gas in. It is also a very comfortable and fast moving little car. When I take off,it takes off!!!!!!!!

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  Series 2 great car - 2005 Scion xA
  By MayanKing - May 11 - 5:40 am

  It is very spacious inside for a big guy like me 350 pounds 62". I am very comfortable height, width, seat and belly! Car gets good mileage, I have been getting 30 to 40 (city & highway). I went shopping and was able to fit bags in back. When shopping a lot seats do go down, a good feature.

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  Scion xA - a fun car! - 2006 Scion xA
  By 2006 scion xa - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  I love driving this car. It is so fun and cute on the outside and roomy on the inside for a car its size. I love it!

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  Great ride but..... - 2006 Scion xA
  By Roxanne - May 2 - 5:13 am

  My Scion xA rides/handles great. Seat very comfortable for my 57". O/S its so CUTE too! However, high engine noise on highway makes me want to shift to 5th gear but Im IN 5th!! Not smooth shifting either. Center speedometer?? Think again. Scion inside material (only choice) black makes the cars (roomy for a little car) interior feel suffocatingly small. Interior textures hard to clean too! My 02 Ford Focuss grey interior feels SO much bigger, cleaner and is easier to clean !! 06 xAs cup holder wont hold a coffee cup. No handle cutout so sits at an angle, sloshing. Sorry!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Scion xA
  By new xa owner - April 15 - 12:20 pm

  The 2006 Scion xA is the ultimate car for small families. Its got plenty of room and is versatile for its size. The ultimate experience is being able to get in and out of parking lots with little difficulty, which means a lot for this former truck owner. It is a very solid and well built little car

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  My new Limited edition scion XA - 2005 Scion xA
  By kcgeyer - March 9 - 12:26 am

  I did not like the origional version of the Scion XA, but I bought the limited edition with the rear spoiler and the different front grill. It also came in "absolutly red" which is not one of the standard available colors. Mine also has a sunroof and is a manual. It is quite and the fuel consumption gets better and better each time I drive it.

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  Scion xA - 2004 Scion xA
  By sactoreg - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My Scion xA is Great! It came with all toeh features of more expensive cars, and size wise its easy to find parking in San Francsico. Its a little jitteryg when hitting potholes or rough roads, but otherwise rides well. Ive had a reocurring problem with the passenger side rear speaker, and the dealership seems either unwilling or unable to correct the problem. Also, I have developed a rattle in the rear cargo cover that will not go away. Otherwise, a well put together car with many options that Ill be adding over the next few months.