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 This Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By CWhatley - July 28 - 5:36 am

  My Scion aA is the very first brand new car that I have ever owned and I couldnt be more pleased with its performance and quality. I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking to buy a new car. It is wonderful on style, gas mileage, comfort, and reliability.

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  Good, but not Great Value - 2004 Scion xA
  By ed - July 21 - 7:13 am

  The Scion xA is a great commuter car, stick with the stock wheels. I got the 17 inch wheels and regret it every time I go over a bump or rough road.

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  Downsized - 2005 Scion xA
  By Brenda - July 18 - 4:53 pm

  Downsized from a Mini Van and thought Id miss my Soccer Mom driving platform, but I dont. Bought Absolutely Red Edition and get many looks and positive comments. GoCart like handling, decent power, roomy interior despite initial impressions, excellent service at dealership. Buying experience wonderful. Decided on xA, went with the Toyota financing, drove away in just under 1.5 hours! Must admit, credit history very clean, but come on, I bought it over a long lunch! Will add the Keyless Entry in May. Love it and considering a 2nd Scion (Tc) this summer.

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  Im Glad I chose this car, BUT.......... - 2004 Scion xA
  By jdtjunior - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved the no haggle pricing. And, because its a Toyota, its gonna last. It is also stylish, and looks like more expensive than it actually is. The car is fun to drive in the city, and is fine on the freeway. Yes, its a bit noisy at 75 mph, and passing takes a little extra time with the auto, but remember, its a sub-compact, under 14k. I bought this car because, I am single, live in the city, and have a short commute. It seats 4 people fine, but usually, I keep the rear seats down to add to the total cargo capacity. Great gas mileage of course. Everyone other person has a Corolla, and I chose a Scion XA instead.

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  CAR - 2004 Scion xA
  By BNAME - July 6 - 10:00 am

  GOOD CAR,AND IS FUN TO DRIVE.

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  A Keeper - 2005 Scion xA
  By Miles - July 2 - 11:43 am

  This car has been great to me. And I am great to it. The Gas cap cover cable went the first year and Toyota had to replace something in the motor under the warranty but other than those two things this car has been worth every cent I paid for it. I thought it was an excellent deal when I bought it too. Got a bunch of nice options for really not much cash extra that really improves the looks and performance. Its good in the snow with the right tires as long as you drive at a safe speed and it will get up and go when I need it to. I love this car man!

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  best for your buck - 2005 Scion xA
  By Ross 78 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The XA is an affordable and fuel efficient car. Toyota hit the jackpot with the scion brand. I have complete confidence that this car will last me years to come.

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  great first car - 2005 Scion xA
  By lucky1004char - June 15 - 5:50 am

  The Scion XA is perfect for young people wanting to buy a car independently and who drive a lot. I love this car because I drive too many miles a year. Its also compact enough to fit in those hard to get in parking spots. The price is cheap, the car is durable, the interior is roomy, its great on gas and insurance rates wont go up.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Chris Oliveira - June 14 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car for those who want to save a little on a car and a lot on gas. I average about 350 miles a tank and that is a lot of city driving. There is some wind noise from the windows but nothing horrible. This car is a solid investment and I can not fault the vehicle in any way.

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  Im in love! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Carol - May 31 - 11:40 pm

  I lost a 2000 Subaru Outback Sport to inexplicable engine trouble last spring, so I was left with a tiny down payment and a desperate need for a reliable car with superb fuel efficiency. My first choice would have been a Toyota Prius, but my tiny down payment eliminated that option. In hindsight, I am so glad it did...I love this little car! It turns heads as well as it turns corners, which is really saying something! I purposefully park far away from buildings so that I have a longer walk during which to admire its great shape as I return. I get between 35 and 39 mpg, and when curbside parking spaces are tight, I have no trouble -- its like parking a shoebox, but with a lot more headroom!