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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  The Only Commuter Car on the Market - 2006 Scion xA
  By scionhead77 - July 30 - 10:13 pm

  There is no other car (that Ive found) that has the combination of fuel efficiency, excellent braking/handling, subcompact size, safety features, Toyota-like reliability, amazing design quality (interior and exterior), and low price. This car has been *very* fun to drive and show off.

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  Good car for long commutes - 2006 Scion xA
  By melissa - July 12 - 7:46 pm

  While it doesnt have the power of my last car, a V6 Mercury Cougar, I knew I would have to make a trade-off for the better gas mileage. Mostly picked this car for the promised fuel efficiency but am a little disappointed in that area. Hoping the lower cost of upkeep will make up for the lack of fuel savings. Also, was a little concerned about the safety of such a small car, but had my first accident in it last month. After being side-swiped by a much larger truck, I was amazed at how little damage was done to the car. Mostly cosmetic. Not even a bump or bruise on me. Would definitely recommend it to anyone in any age group who wants something economical and still fun to drive.

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  Best new driver car and more - 2006 Scion xA
  By mszo23 - July 9 - 6:47 am

  I got this car in 2010 a few days after I passed my driving exam. This was the first car I drove on the highway, and it taught me everything I need to know about safety driving. I bought it with 40,000mi on it and now Im up to 90,000. This car has taken 4 1300mi trips from Upstate NY to Florida, a trip to Myrtle Beach, monthly trips to NYC, weekly trips to Niagara Falls, and much MUCH more. It has never failed on me and I only had a minor issue (around a hundred bucks in repairs) once. Its a fantastic car and Im planning on driving it until it can take no more, which I know will not happen for another few years.

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  Cute - 2006 Scion xA
  By Joy - July 6 - 7:23 pm

  Gas mileage is certainly good. The odometer, etc. being in the center took some getting used to but I now prefer it. The cloth seats should be a better quality. After having owned it a few weeks, someone tapped it in a parking lot. My Scion had been parked. My car sustained damage while the other vehicle had nothing. My concern is the Scion vs anything else on the road! Safety is my major concern. I would also like to add that while sitting at the dealer I mentioned I heard the XA was to be discontinued and she said it was a rumor. A few months later (2 months to be exact), it was discontinued. Be sure to use an honest dealer. I wouldnt buy a pencil from them now.

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  Best Deal for the Price - 2006 Scion xA
  By johnleon - June 30 - 11:30 am

  I did a lot of research on all the new sub-compact cars on the market and found the Scion xA to be the best for the price. I especially like the fixed pricing where you dont have to deal with sales price haggling. I got the extended warranty that covers me for 7 years or 100,000 miles for an extra $1,100. This car really zips around town. I find no problems with the limited horsepower. It would be nice to have a larger fifth gear for the freeway maybe to push it over 40 mpg. The middle console was no problem getting used to. I think there is plenty of cargo room with the seats down. I was also able to get a lot of stuff (tools, jumper cables, blanket, towels) in the spare tire well. This car an A+.

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  2006 Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By james mercer - June 29 - 3:33 pm

  The 2006 Scion xA is a nice economical car. So far it has been very reliable.

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  Scion XA - 2005 Scion xA
  By Donald Morang - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Interior roominess, nice acceleration, comfort knowing it is made by Toyota, get lots of looks from people, doesnt feel like a small car on the highway, very comfortable interior

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Worm - June 15 - 7:40 am

  Really simple, I love this car. Went to the dealership looking for economical Toyota and fell in love with the Scion.

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  I love it - 2006 Scion xA
  By Erin - June 11 - 6:16 pm

  I love this car! When I bought it I was unsure about the shape but have found it to be very user friendly. You can fit more in the back with the seats up than you would think. You do not have to worry about gas consumption either. The xA is a very comfortable car for a family.

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  New Scion aA owner - 2006 Scion xA
  By Carolyn Mayfield - May 26 - 1:03 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The handling is good and the ride is comfortable. Its not a car you would want if you have a lot of passengers. My car has a lot of optional features which make it more of a cool toy and somewhat of a luxury ride. I think I will enjoy the car for many years.