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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  Yee HAH! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Radwriter055 - March 5 - 3:23 am

  I did the research and literally bought the first one I drove. I was tired of my big old falling-apart ford explorer taking up gas, oil, and parking spaces, and felt the Scion fit in with my reduce, re-use and recycle advocacy. Its a zippy little car whos interior room is deceptive. I was delighted to fit 10 long 2" X 2" stakes into the vehicle with ease, once I put the seats down. Its light, fast, zippy, user friendly, KICK BUTT stereo and cozy. Its perfect for blasting around town in any traffic and holds its own beautifully on the highway at top speeds. Light light touch on the brakes.

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  Was liking it, until - 2006 Scion xA
  By cfeather - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with 18K on it. The car was filthy but cleaned up well and had been used for city driving. I have a new XD and needed something economical for work since I only get 30 cents per mile reimbursement. I get about 34 mpg with this, not as good as the 43 I can pull from the XD. It was good the first 35K, then a retainer fell off the Toyota brake pad and I had to replace the front brakes because they were noisy. And then at 36K the right rear wheel bearing went. Thats way too early for a Toyota. So Im wondering what will go at 38K.

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  Scion xA - The 4 door hatch to buy - 2006 Scion xA
  By econjay - February 18 - 1:03 pm

  This car is an excellent value with style and comfort. We chose it over the Honda Fit and other 4 door hatch models. There has been too much criticism about the lack of power and ride comfort. While a few more HP would be welcome, this cars performance is well beyond adequate with a ride we believe to be comfortable. If considering one, take it for a ride rater than relying on what we believe was a lazy review by Consumer Reports. CR seemed to mail in a review of a 2004 model.

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  Great Car for Newbies!! - 2005 Scion xA
  By MarcusH1 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 weeks, and Im in love with it! Its my first car, and its just what the doctor ordered. I waited to make the purchase, but I was lucky enough to get the RS 1.0 after dealing with 2 dealerships. The standard features are excellent, and the stereo is better than I could have ever imagined. The rides a little rough in spots, but its not a Camry, right? And how can such a small car have so much room for me, passengers, and other stuff? Overall, this car is the best balance of features and price I have found.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By dxt178 - February 12 - 6:50 pm

  Going on two years with my xA and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Sporty for what it is, great traction in snow and saves money at the pump. Rear seat could use a tad more leg room and fuel tank placement limits space for storage. I do regularly haul two 11 kayaks on a roof rack, and have transported my share of 8 2x4s with the rear hatch fully closed. Everyone who has ever ridden with me has fallen in love with it, even if their initial reaction was negative. In my opinion the xA is better than a hybrid. Cheaper, less complex, no batteries, and with combined driving it easily gets 40 MPG in an automatic. Great car.

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  Not Bad, but also Not Good Enough - 2004 Scion xA
  By calimania - January 18 - 2:00 am

  First thing I should say is... I like this car. Its well-built, all-around- not-bad features.. Im satisfied with this car. However, the most factor that affected me to buy it is definitely the PRICE!

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  Great First Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Yaileen - January 17 - 10:30 pm

  The scion xA was our very first new car and it has been wonderful. We have taken it on trips and it is great on fuel. It is comfortable for 2 to 4 people for traveling.

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  Love my Scion! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dee - January 4 - 7:26 pm

  This car has been so much fun. It handles well, gets great gas mileage, and sits higher than a sedan, so you can see better when you drive. I love my Scion.

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  scion xa 2005 - 2004 Scion xA
  By Jpb - January 2 - 10:00 am

  excellent car, very fun to drive

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  xA Release Series 1.0 - 2005 Scion xA
  By Larry - December 24 - 11:16 pm

  The Scion xA is economic transporation with an attitude. This review is on one of the 1550 Absolutely Red special release versions of the xA. This car is fun to drive, drinks gas from a sippy cup instead of from a can, and causes heads to turn when it drives by. Cruise control was an added option so longer trips arent out of the question, although dont pack the big bags, especially if there are four of you, because there isnt a lot of cargo space. The xA wont win any quarter mile races but it doesnt do horrible when the accelerator is mashed to the floor for passing. With its light weight, its easy to stop quickly when required. If you are looking for economy+quality+fun, it=Scions xA