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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  toybox1 - 2005 Scion xA
  By Laura Horton - August 11 - 7:50 pm

  I extremely have enjoyed my vehicle. Its fun to drive and i have had a lot of compliments on my XA considering i have a release series # 1009. This was my first car i have found that i enjoy driving for 10 hours in.

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  I Love My Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By PyroSaGMaN - August 4 - 12:36 am

  It is so easy to shift. It has a lot of power, unlike the automatic. I can zoom zoom. This car is just amazing, Im so in love with my car. All the things in the reviews that downgraded this car are the reason I love the car, such as where the gauges are located. Mine has more power than I need. I frequently find myself doing over the speed limit before I even get on the freeway as I merge onto the interstate. It has so much room inside I can fit camping gear and go on shopping trips and fill it to the brim and the car still has power to zoom zoom. Also not a problem for my heavy family inside. It is just too perfect for me.

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  I heart my Scion xA, even after 4 years. - 2004 Scion xA
  By anna.bella - July 27 - 8:20 pm

  I am a single mom with two kids, and this car has always been reliable, fun, and stylish! I would recommend it to anyone. I just wish it got better gas mileage!

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By d1webmaster - July 26 - 10:36 am

  I purchased my Scion xA a month ago and I love it! It gets great gas mileage and is really nice for the that I price paid. I am very happy with it so far.

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  Not for long rides - 2005 Scion xA
  By Balzo - July 17 - 6:56 am

  Got the car brand new in 04 and used it mostly around town with the occasional 200 mile weekend trip. Great value for the money in terms of low purchase price and low operating cost. Power is what one might expect from a 108-hp motor but the 5-spd manual trans made the driving experience a bit more interesting. A 6th gear would be perfect for speeds over 70mph. Ride quality is bouncy on the interstate because of the short wheelbase and firm suspension but its a blast around corners and when zipping around city traffic. 5 yrs and 50K miles later, I can say it was an overall positive experience. Would I buy a Scion again? Not likely. Just traded it in for a sporty euro sedan last week.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought - 2006 Scion xA
  By Larry - July 17 - 1:26 am

  I’ve owned this car a little over 3 years now and I’m approaching 30K miles. It is the best car I’ve ever owned. No trips to the dealer except for scheduled maintenance. I live in Ventura and it’s perfect for parking in tight spots and doing the 7-mile commute to work down the 101. Stereo is great! I average 33 MPG; Lowest MPG was 30 and highest (round trip: vacation to Bakersfield) was 39.47. I’m 6 ft. and I can “sit behind myself”. MPGs would be even better if there was a 6th “overdrive” gear. Friends are impressed and sad; too bad they stopped making these. The xD is not really a replacement. If I had to replace this car today I’d give the Honda Fit a serious once-over.

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  I Love Love Love my Scion xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion XA - July 14 - 4:20 am

  From the moment I got behind the wheel of my Scion I have had nothing less then a blast. I was amazed at how easy it was to drive and the get up and go in it was amazing. I can park it anywhere and not worry about weither it will be a tight fit or not. Its got personality not just another set of wheels on the road.

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  I Love Love Love my Scion xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion XA - July 14 - 4:20 am

  From the moment I got behind the wheel of my Scion I have had nothing less then a blast. I was amazed at how easy it was to drive and the get up and go in it was amazing. I can park it anywhere and not worry about weither it will be a tight fit or not. Its got personality not just another set of wheels on the road.

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  What is this...open mike? - 2005 Scion xA
  By Angela - July 11 - 3:36 pm

  This car can turn on a dime! Power transmission and small wheelbase. Get the manual- it has decent pickup and reviewers say that the automatic is sluggish...I find that this manual is more powerful and responsive than the 91 Honda civic htchbck manual that I used to have... Seats are very comfortable, car sits up higher than Hondas do. A mountain bike and drumset will fit in the back with the seats down; however, 4 bags of groceries and you have to put the seats down! Speedometer is located in a bad spot (center) have to look away from the road to see it.

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  I love my Scion Xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By Karen - July 10 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased a "black cherry" 2005 Scion Xa in January, and I love it. Its more roomy inside than many larger vehicles, the gas mileage is fantastic, and it handles well and is easy to drive. Its a cute little car and turns heads; strangers often approach me in parking lots and say they like my car and ask questions about it. I have often sat in restaurants and seen people out the window looking at it in the parking lot. The all-wheel drive makes it easy to handle in snow, and the rear defroster and wiper make it a good vehicle to have in bad weather. In these times of high gas prices, I have never spent more than $17 to fill it (even when the gage said it was almost empty).