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 if Youre Under 56" - 2006 Scion xA
  By Duley - October 27 - 3:50 pm

  I drove my wifes car - 2,000 miles in seven days. Im 61"at 200 lbs. The car sipped gas, saving $180 in fuel over my car. It is very nimble at cruising speeds. I expected a buzzy engine, wind noise and stiff suspension from a small car and I wasnt disappointed. Luckily, the stereo worked perfectly and for the price it performed great, climbing hills at 75 in 4th. The AC handled 100+ temps with no problems.

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  I love it, but... - 2004 Scion xA
  By KKyle - October 12 - 7:33 am

  I enjoy driving my Scion xA a lot, and I do drive a lot, which is why I bought it. I have had maintenance issues with the car, having to replace the whole air conditioning unit (warranty), brake problems (corrected by dealer), and a worn out serpentine belt already (changed ourselves), all with less than 45,000 miles. I have noticed some shift troubles with the car, most noticibly when it is cold of course, but at other times as well, revving the engine to over 4,000 rpms in 3rd. Other then that (lol) I love it!

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  Incredible value - 2004 Scion xA
  By MRM - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I was initially attracted to this car because of the fantastic interior quality. The more I shopped around and researched the xA, I realized that its quality and value were impossible to beat. The engine, despite being 1.5l, is a nice surprise. It isnt a V8, but for the fuel economy, it picks up nicely and is a joy to drive.

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  I love my xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By love scion - September 8 - 10:46 pm

  I love my xA. It is an awesome car! It is so fun to drive. I love the uniqueness of its styling. I really enjoy having a car that few others have yet. I also love its looks. The Scion Xa is not for everyone. You either love it or hate it. I love it.

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  Scions conquer America - 2004 Scion xA
  By jerryfan - August 18 - 2:00 pm

  As a long-time Toyota owner, I jumped at the Scion, an off-shoot of Toyota. I first had seen the Scions xB back in 2003, a bit boxy, but cool. Great price and fuel efficiency. When it came time to buy, I opted for the aX, the bX seemed a bit pimped-out for a 47-year-old. The cX was a bit pricey for my wallet. Im happy with the xA. Put 3000 miles on it in the first 21 days...The only luxury I demanded with it was dealer addition of cruise control. Five-speed is sweet. A great little car for the 21st century. The price tag was good, just over $14,000 with the cruise, the rides good, it turns heads and is great so far in my book.

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  The right choice - 2004 Scion xA
  By SFScion - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Just love it since moment I drove off the dealership. Opted for the electric locking system which is a must, also the six-CD player. Hated to pay for the extra floor mats, come on... Otherwise, love my blue rocketship...

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  I love it - 2004 Scion xA
  By Kathitkd - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car almost 8 months ago and absolutely love it. I have received so many compliments on it. A lot of people have mistaken it for a hybrid.

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  my Scion - 2004 Scion xA
  By The Van - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It drives like a rally car.Easy to park.looks like a mini suv.Terrific sound system.

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  RS 1.0 is a DREAM! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion Scotty - August 5 - 5:40 pm

  Id never even heard of Scion until I read a review of the xA in a local paper. Looking to trim my gas bill a bit (was driving Explorer Sport Trac), I ventured in and test drove the xA RS 1.0 they had on the lot... and immediately, it had to be mine. You sit very high in this little car so I dont feel intimidated at all. It is very peppy and fun to drive. Outstanding handling from a car in the price range. Loaded with standard features that are optional add-ons in similar classed vehicles. I recommend Scion now to any who ask about it... and every does!

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  Best Value Ever - 2005 Scion xA
  By D. Remmers - August 5 - 6:46 am

  This car is the best value you can get for your money. Standard ABS, great sound system, power everything-you-could-want, and great gas mileage all for about $13,500.