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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  Guilt Free Purchase - 2006 Scion xA
  By GUILT FREE PURCHASE - November 6 - 10:26 am

  This was my first new car puchase, and I feel confident that I made a great choice with the Scion xA. I drive about 60 miles a day with work, and Im averaging 34 mpg which is about as good as it gets without putting out the money for a hybrid. The size of the car is deceiving from the outside, it feels very spacious inside, even in the backseat. The cuteness of this car cannot be denied, you want to pinch its cheeks.

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  Good economy car - 2004 Scion xA
  By peter - November 2 - 11:20 pm

  HAD this car for 2 months. ride is a little to firm but I knew this when I boughtit. Long term I expext it will be very reliable. I changed the bridgestone Potenza tires and put Michelin Harmony. Harmony tire has much better grip on slippery surface but did not improve ride.

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  Grocery Getter - 2005 Scion xA
  By brooktroutchaser - November 2 - 5:33 am

  I purchased this used with less than fifteen thousand miles. My search process was long; I wanted a small car that would accommodate my six foot frame and perennial bad back. Most cars sit too low and I did not want an SUV. The XA is too cute for words, is comfortable for any trip of 300 miles or less, and will fit in any parking space. Plus, it is as reliable as anything on the road. It is important to keep the tires properly inflated: 29 psi. Any higher and the ride is too harsh.

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  Rear Wheel Bearings - 2006 Scion xA
  By JohnGR - October 31 - 1:23 pm

  Fun and easy to drive. But, VERY EXPENSIVE repair/replacement of a rear wheel bearing assembly (over $500...could not replace just the bearing).

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  Cute as a Button - 2004 Scion xA
  By Alicia - October 29 - 8:30 am

  I love, love, love this car. The gas mileage is fantastic!

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  Poised for the Future - 2006 Scion xA
  By Sippin Gas - October 27 - 10:43 pm

  Ive been attracted to the Scion xA from the first test drive. Its utilitarian, reliable, fuel efficient and fun to drive. And its so darn cute! But I almost didnt buy it because Toyota does a terrible job of supplying dealers with cars that have both a 5-speed transmission and side head/torso airbags. Finally, I found one with the side balloons and bought it. Im glad that I did. The first tank of gas delivered 35 mpg overall. I knew that Nissan, Honda and Toyota (with the Yaris) will debut similar little hatchbacks next year. The spy photos of those cars revealed they lack the elan and classy look of my xA. Im sure that the xAs cache, and its excellent fuel economy, will ensure it retains a high resale value.

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  Most Bang for Your Buck - 2005 Scion xA
  By kcturbo - October 26 - 10:50 am

  I have a silver 5-speed Scion xA with 16 inch wheels, fog lights, a security system, and tinted windows. It is the best $15,000 that I have ever spent on a car. The fun to drive factor with this car is an A+. I get an average of 30 miles to the gallon mostly driving city miles. I get lots of thumbs up. People really like the looks of the car. The location of the speedo and radio controls took some getting used to, but are OK. I still would rather have a dial control for the volume. Last month we had our first snow storm and I was worried about this little car, but it did GREAT! It has some rattles but Metallica or Shinedown drown them out just fine. If the back windows are down any they rattle a little, which is irritating. Other than that, I have not had any problems with this car. It is a great buy!

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  Grandmas Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By SHARJEN - October 16 - 3:10 am

  I love my Scion xA. It is fun, reliable, and economical.

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  Savage Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By lucas200400 - October 12 - 2:50 pm

  I got my Scion xA in December and I cant drive it enough. The best part about it is that if you drive it rough you still get better than the average car being around 28mpg and if you drive it easy you get over 34mpg. So to me gas still is not that big of an issue. With the way gas prices are i couldnt ask for a better price or gas milage in a car.

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  Im Sold - 2004 Scion xA
  By kg13 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Scion XA fora little over a week and love it. I traded in my Acura TL. that should tell you right there, I prefer the simple pleasure of the Scion over the luxury of my old Acura. I love the size, outside and in, the gas mileage it gets, as well as the overall standard features I got for the price. Dont waste your time looking for cars, Scion is all you need.