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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  Great car with a lot of personality - 2006 Scion xA
  By sciontific - April 3 - 9:20 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 Scion xA and have really enjoyed driving it so far. It really is a good value for the money. Most of the creature comforts come as standard equipment, the build quality is excellent, and it is fun to drive. The gas mileage is also impressive.

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  Ill drive! - 2004 Scion xA
  By greglowe - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I find myself coming up with excuses to drive now or always offering to drive when a group goes out. I went from a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 to this amazing Scion because I am starting graduate school. I still feel like I pulled off a "fast one" getting all of the standard features (power locks & windows, AC, killer stereo, ABS, etc) for under $13,000 while getting close to $17,000 for my truck. Less monthly payments, less insurance, less gas expences. Pinch me.

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  Inexpensive, Economical, and a Blast to Drive - 2006 Scion xA
  By Rich B. - March 7 - 3:30 pm

  Just hit 1,000 miles and one month on my Flint Mica XA and I am delighted with it. I love the exterior style and the stereo. This car came well equipped for a great price. I feel younger than my 50 years when driving it, my teenage daughters friends call it "cool", I keep playing Springsteens "Born to Run" - really loud. I pulled into a parking lot once and a woman had followed me to ask me about all about it. I love the peppy ride, the nimbleness, and the overall look and feel of the car. About 75% of my driving is in the 35 to 40 mph range - conservative driving, so far it looks like Im north of 35 to 36 miles per gallon. Economics aside, my xA is a blast to scoot around town in.

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  Scion xA- A great value - 2005 Scion xA
  By elysian69 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe you can buy such a high quality vehicle for such a low cost. Ive been most impressed so far by all the features that are included with it. The stereo system is great, and it performs and handles very well. The fit and finish are stellar as with any other Toyota product. The visibility and handling are great. I love this car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By rodgerterrey - February 13 - 6:33 pm

  I have been looking for a O.K. priced mpg 2 wheel F.W.D. ...I have had 4x4 trucks, off road "ROCK CRAWLERS" & they all get poor mpg 10 to 13 was best!!!! I have gotten out of "OFF ROADING" &wanted a good ,fun , reliable, car for myself & after much, much, much reserach I bought a "SCION XA" & Im loving it!!!!!! I have found after driving it for 5mo. there is a awfull glare off the dash (after getting used to the speedo location) so I bought a "DASMMAT" cover & had all windows tinted....MUCH BETTER....

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  Rock Solid Small Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Luke D - February 8 - 10:43 pm

  I thoroughly researched before buying this car, and fell in love with it after I bought it. I was impressed with the attention paid to details- side turn signals, pwr steering, mirrors, good headlights, a commanding view of the road, & a well-contoured front seatback. It really set it apart from the 3 Geo Metros I had previously owned, & the Chev Aveo I drove. Ive put 73k miles on it, with only routine maint - tires, brakes, plugs & engine fluids replaced. The A/C hasnt failed despite the MN temp extremes, and its ALWAYS started too. Engine has good pep on freeway if ya press the overdrive OFF button, & has good mileage-approx 31mpg overall. Has very flexible interior-can haul alot.

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  2005 Scion xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By SCIONIDE IS GOOD 4U - February 8 - 1:20 pm

  Bought a rebuilt one but you cannot tell by the way it drives. The unit is getting 39.5 highway average and 33 on the regular stop and go. Even a good used one would be a good one to invest in.

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  A nice little car - 2004 Scion xA
  By Lovethebluescion - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Chose the Scion for the value. Love all the standard features, good gas mileage for the low price. Scion has plenty of power for a commuter car, find myself zipping at 75 mph without realizing it. Only negatives are the high back seats block the rear view and the speedometer could be a little larger.

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  Loveeeddd it - 2006 Scion xA
  By souellette1 - January 11 - 6:57 pm

  My sister had this car for 4 years before she moved to Florida, i was devastated when she took her car with her. When i drove it gas was 1.68 in 2006 (detroit area michigan), so i would put 5 in it and drive forever with friends and go see the area. i was only 17 at the time but it was AWESOME. The only complaint is that its TERRIBLE in the snow.

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  SWEET! - 2004 Scion xA
  By Renee - January 7 - 5:56 pm

  Have had the car for just over a month. Was my birthday prize from my husband. My 18 year old son loves it, although he can not drive it as it is MINE! It is a great get around the city and to work car. I have back problems and the seating is great for me to get in and out of.