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:

• 

  My xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By me - May 21 - 5:13 am

  The xA is a great car. toyota lied however! I do not get 31 miles per gallon around town, I get 35 - 36! Not only that, but this car is easy and fun to drive. It has good drivability, handling, and even ride. For $16,000 out the door, this is just great little car. Its comfy, roomy , and has a great interior design with instrument on center console. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

• 

  City Car Goes the Distance - 2005 Scion xA
  By C Marshall - May 11 - 4:43 pm

  I commute 200 miles per day with this car. Bought upgraded sound w/ 6 CD - Good. Bought fog lights - wasted money. Bought self dimming mirror - excellent. Also picked up the AEM air intake which gives a slight boost over 2000 RPM and adds a little sound that is pleasant. I find the seats to not bee real comfortable for long distance, not enough lumbar support but love the way it corners. Visibility is just OK. At 62" some of the posts get in way of vision. For the price a well executed car and one that doesnt look like everything else out there.

• 

  xA - xtra Awesome - 2005 Scion xA
  By txtarheel - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Wwnt to drive a Tacoma and a RAV4-came home with a xA. Was driving a Jeep Liberty that sucked-both in reliability and fuel. The experience of buying this car from Tim at Cavendar in San Antonio was first rate. It is such a fun car to drive-zippy! Solid as a rock. The a/c blows really nice and cold. The stereo has an incredible sound. The 17 yr old at home tells me it is a hit at his high school. Drove 80mph on the way home and there was no vibration. Trying to talk my F150 driving husband into a xB - we shall see!

• 

  "GLC" - Great Little Car! - 2005 Scion xA
  By JCairnes - April 25 - 12:20 am

  Folks, I aint no "Man, this is a cool car" type of guy but a 72 year oldster! Ive owned many cars, including a Bug, Rabbit, LeCar plus most recently a Solara. We also have a 2005 RX-8 plus a 2006 F-150 Truck. I would rather drive the xA any time over the others! Its fun, economical and just plain sassy! Buy it - youll like it!

• 

  Choose Options Carefully - 2006 Scion xA
  By tg - April 21 - 12:26 am

  Overall, the driving experience is a lot of fun as most of the reviewers have already said. The performance and handling are surprising given the statistics of the vehicle. Be wary of what options you pick from the dealer as they drive up price quickly and may not be the best value. More aftermarket options are available. The subwoofer was especially disappointing. It is overpriced at $425, it takes up most of cargo space, and it is way too BOOMY.

• 

  The price of gas - 2005 Scion xA
  By Rene Dessureau - April 20 - 7:06 pm

  My 2005 Scion xAs gas mileage is about 26 miles per gallon in city driving. Others look with envy when I am at the pump. This car is a lot better then the Volkswagen Beetle that I traded in for it. It only only got 17 miles per gallon.

• 

  I love this car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Laurie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car .... and if I had to buy another all over again ... it would be the Scion Xa

• 

  my 05 - 2005 Scion xA
  By Linda - April 19 - 5:23 pm

  This was my first ever new car, It has oustanding value,i s fun to drive, dependable, and and pleasantly styled. It caught my eye, the interior is really roomy and comfotable, the only drawback I had to over come is that it didnt come in yellow.

• 

  Outstanding Value - 2006 Scion xA
  By Ozzie - April 12 - 7:53 am

  The vehicle is perfect for my needs. I just got the car and when I was driving home I noticed the engine runs strong and the cabin was fairly quiet. I did my homework and looked at the Corolla, Civic and Mini. I felt that for the price and quality the Scion was the winner!

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Scion xA
  By Lynda D - Camarillo - April 8 - 2:26 pm

  I purchased the 2005 xA Release 1.0 Limited Edition (257 of 1550). Lowered it two inches, installed cold air induction system and custom exhaust. The performance is awesome for a small horse power vehicle plus the look is real sweet & the handling exceptional for a Toyota .... feels like a slot car and gets lots of attention. The only downfall is the dash rattles and vibrates when the Rs are up there around 5-6K rpm. Ran very smooth at 105 mph on straight highway. Definately worth the $$ - my cost $16,965 plus another $3000 for air induction, window tint, fog lamps, exhaust, alarm system, xm receiver, lower spring & strut kit.