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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  Feels like a bigger car - 2004 Scion xA
  By jotape - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the xA for two weeks now. Its a small car that feels like bigger car. The room inside, plus the height of the seats makes you feel like youre driving something bigger than most other cars on the road. Yet, you can squeeze into those small spots and save tons of money on gas. The performance has been good and consistent. The controls are good except for those of the stereo (which sounds great). Ive driven it both in the city and on the highway and the performance is very good. It responds very well. I got used to the speedometer location very quickly and honestly prefer it over it being behind the steering wheel.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Scion xA
  By SilverRarity - January 22 - 2:00 am

  After doing on-line reviews of small cars with standard features I kept finding that the Scion xA was the best car overall. I ordered the car, without test driving it, and when it came in and drove it I found it was more than I ever expected. I have a 1999 5 speed Corvette (summer car) and wanted a reliable, fun to drive winter car and man Ive found it! Its practical, great to drive, great to look at and have already have recommended it to two friends who are definately going to purchase it. The fit and finish of the car is top notch and I was shocked at the power this small 4 cylinder has. For the price and standard features it cant be beaten.

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  they should do a comercial about me - 2004 Scion xA
  By jy - January 5 - 11:36 pm

  Had a Toyota echo. Put over 200k miles on it with only changing the brakes and exhaust manifold gasket. Wanted a newer car. The xa has the same power train as the echo. So bought it.$11.9k . Same as the echo. Great mileage (I drive 90% highway. At least 38+mpg). Ive loaded it up with lumber (strapped qty 16 16 1x8s on the roof), cement, you name it, Ive loaded it. No probs. I consider ti a throw way car so Im not concerned about the roof or scratching it. Thats why I load it to the max when I do my home depot runs. Cant beat it. The only thing Ive done on it is new brakes/rotors in the front and exhaust gasket. (90k miles on it at that point)

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  It is a Very Good Deal - 2005 Scion xA
  By JS - December 30 - 6:03 am

  This is an excellent economy car. Has good mileage and handles well. It has decent accelaration and a cool sound system. It is a great commuter car, especially in California where gas is $2+ a gallon. Its great forfor stop and go traffic. Where can you find a car for $13,000 that gives you ABS, AC, power windows, and doors. It has a Pioneer stereo system with 160w speakers. The Scion Xa has it all! Did I mention a Toyota VVTI engine and RELIABILITY!!

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  Great value - 2004 Scion xA
  By JP - December 23 - 12:13 am

  It has been three and a half years since we got our xA and we have been very pleased. We have had no problems with the car; havent had anything fixed yet. We still get >30mpg, even with city driving. The car is great for the city: easy to zip around and park in tight spaces. It still looks great outside and inside, although the audio controls are not very good. It is a capable vehicle for the highway, but you will feel when tractor trailers pass you. While it looks small it has a lot of room inside and is very flexible. You wouldnt believe the amount of stuff you can fit in.

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  The Little Car that is Often Overlooked - 2006 Scion xA
  By bryan - December 19 - 4:56 am

  I absolutly love the Scion xA. It runs a bit rich from the factory so changing to iridium spark plugs and a performance filter will increase fuel mileage to over the EPA rating. This car has kyb shocks and will carve a curvy road like a knife with the TRD upgrade springs. The interior takes a bit to get used to but once you do you find it extremely convient. This is the finest Japanese engineering I have seen in along time. The engine internals are forged including cast iron sleeved cylinders. I find the automatic to be more fun then the manual, we have one of each. The automatic has more top end and goes through the gears better giving you better gas mileage. I cannot think of a better car to recommend.

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  No More Chevys - 2006 Scion xA
  By SCION ROCKS!!!! - December 19 - 1:16 am

  The wife and I just got OUR 2006 Scion aX for me to drive at work. This car is THE BEST! I have been a hardcore Chevy man all of my life UNTIL I drove this car! Ours has cruise control, an arm rest, he red LED Package, upgraded Pioneer stereo, floor mat pkg., keyless doors, and a factory alarm. It is the BEAUTIFUL Salsa Red Pearl color. I average about 42 to 45 MPG! I would suggest getting the options that we ordered to really complete YOUR Scion xA. These options make it even more fun to drive. It has good power, awesome gas mileage, and the options are sweet! We highly recommend the scion xA to anybody!

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  dynamite car.... - 2005 Scion xA
  By Tim - December 11 - 12:53 am

  My Scion xA is the most fun car that I have owned. it is well made, easy on gas, has a great design, and is practical.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion Shark - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a month and I am very happy. It has been reliable and good on fuel. Averaging 40mpg on mostly highway driving. Its cute gets lots of looks and still unique in my area.

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  I love my Scion! - 2005 Scion xA
  By CareOLynn - December 5 - 5:53 pm

  I have had my Scion xA for 1 year now and have loved every minute of it! In minnesota, it even started when it was -30 degrees! Granted, it sounded a little funny but let it run a few minutes, then she was off!