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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  scion rulez - 2004 Scion xA
  By myckro - October 12 - 2:00 am

  so far so good. d vehicles fun to drive. its a headturner.

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  old guys like neat cars - 2005 Scion xA
  By olbull - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt believe what 13k bought me.My son is jealous my grandsons thinks grnadpa is cool.

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By slnthntr - September 30 - 6:53 am

  This car is a blast to drive, with the 5-speed manual I am getting 36 mpg in the city. It handles the corners great and has outstanding acceleration.

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  Love my Xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By mbkrug - September 17 - 7:16 am

  Have 56K on the car without any problems at all. Have had to replace the brakes and tires but that is it. The cars drives extremely well, gets great mileage and is as much fun today as the day I got it. When I put the seat down it has tons of room, the only draw back is that with the birth of my son, using the infant seat makes the passenger side front side almost unusable due to how far it has to be pushed up. Other than that I have no complaints. It has been a great car that I would recommend to anyone.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By hippiekat - September 9 - 3:33 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Scion XA for a month now and I still really love it. Its so cute and little. I constanly forget how small it is from the inside because its so roomy. But then I park and see how little it is. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. Its a really cool car for a good price.

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  Scion xA 1.o series limited edition - 2005 Scion xA
  By RedHot Scion - September 4 - 4:00 am

  Fun and functional car. Highly recommended for new teen drivers. Receive many positive comments for observers when at different location I stop at.Im having a blast driving it!

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  Scion is great - 2004 Scion xA
  By blzr11 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive.

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  hey - 2004 Scion xA
  By dnielle - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the right price!

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  LOVE MY SCION LOVE BUG - 2005 Scion xA
  By Lucy Cecere - August 24 - 9:26 pm

  Great car, innovative and practical. Was in the market for a Echo, however when i saw the AX it was love at first sight, and we be for many years to come. I would recommend this car to anyone young or old,

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  my favorite car - 2005 Scion xA
  By lcriscenti - August 18 - 8:30 am

  this is my sixth car and my favorite, it has been over ten years since i had a toyota and i am glad to be back owning a car i know will go the distance!