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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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Scion xA
  By albanyscion - September 26 - 4:53 am

  If you do you homework, this car is a 10. If you want more HP, buy something else. I have a 2006 automatic Scion xA with 2,300 miles on it. In nearly a 50/50 split between city and highway driving I am getting 30/37 mpg in real world driving. Its fun to drive, very comfortable and extremely roomy in front seat and acceptable in back seat. this car is exceptionally quality.

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  Wonderful xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By StarWine - September 22 - 11:03 pm

  I have had my 2005 Scion xA for over a year now and am still in love with it. Actually, I love my car so much that I convinced my mom to buy one (exact same color, too) when she totaled her Jeep. This car gets terrific gas mileage, turns heads at every stop light, can zip in and out of traffic like a Mini, and is fun to drive. I always wish for a little more power, but who could really ask for more with this set of features? I put in my own stereo system, but even the standard MP3 setup impressed this stereo snob : ) .

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  Most Fun one Can Have While Driving - 2005 Scion xA
  By Jessica - September 16 - 6:23 am

  Was looking for an inexpensive, reliable car that would last me 10-15 years. The moment I saw the Scion I knew I wanted one. Almost a year to the day later I bought one. Situations had changed wasnt in the market for a car but all of a sudden found myself needing one quick. The Scion pure - pricing concept really helped out here.

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  Scion xA - 2004 Scion xA
  By KillerBunny84 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  We bought one after our Neon was totalled. Despite being smaller on the outside (and cheaper), it has more features (MP3 capability), is fun to drive, is quiet, is RELIABLE (the Neon is NOT), and can still hold 5 people without too much complaint. I think that it is the best buy in the small car market. And 38 mpg on the freeway (with the 5-speed) isnt bad either.

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  Scion xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Marbot - September 14 - 6:26 am

  The Scion xA is reliable, but has some disappointments. For instance, the pick-up is not that good, even for a small car, and the fuel efficiency isnt anywhere near what it is supposed to be. It only gets about 31 mpg highway and 28 mpg city (supposed to get 37 highway and 32 city) and this is without using the heat or air conditioning. Other than that it is cute, fun, and easy to drive. Its great for parallel parking and has great standard features for a low price.

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  Does the job - 2005 Scion xA
  By bblhed - September 14 - 3:03 am

  I bought this car to be a commuter car, driving 60 miles round trip is never fun! The mileage is great, and the car handles a bit better than expected for an econo-car. They probably could have put a little more paint on the car than they did but overall, it has held up well with the abuse of commuting. All options are "a la cart" so if you decide later that you want to add something, the dealer or you can do it, no problem. I got mine with some dealer goodies, then added some personal touches myself. I was even able to add a tow plate so I can tow the car with an RV and it only took 2 hours.

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  Xa maniac. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Xa - September 2 - 6:46 pm

  I love this car!!!

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  Still love this car - 2005 Scion xA
  By janamg - August 30 - 6:16 pm

  I drive this car 70 miles round trip three times a week commuting to work. She has also taken me and one or two passengers on trips of up to 1000 miles a time or two. I average 36 MPG, but occasionally get over 40. There is nothing to dislike about "Jolene" She gets all scheduled maintenance and I have had absolutely no problems with her. Shes on the original battery and still starts right up unless I forget the headlights. Even then a jump and 5 minutes run time is enough to "rejuice" her. Shes small, so changing a flat is almost easy. Her pick up is sufficient and she has absolutely NO problems holding her own on the highway with the big boys. She does not act like a little car.

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  I love this CAR - 2006 Scion xA
  By ohnnyj - August 20 - 3:36 am

  This is my first new car and I am loving it. After hearing hundreds of horror stories about the whole car buying process, I was genuinely surprised at how fast and easy it was to buy a Scion. The dealership was amazing and they took care of everything. I love driving this little titan around. I always get the same reaction when I show it off; first, people usually chuckle at how small it is, but once inside, they always say the same thing "wow." The interior is stylish and roomy (it makes grocery shopping and laundry days a cinch). It handles well and drives smoothly. And it just looks so cool!

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  Has to be a Best Buy in Small Cars - 2006 Scion xA
  By Matthew - August 16 - 5:00 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a new 06 Scion xA in Silver. This is a great little car for the money. The car comes with many more standard features than its competitors including ABS, Automatic, a great stereo, lots of leg room, etc.. This car also gets great gas mileage...38MPG! Heres the only problem with Scion. Their website makes it seem like you can build it online, and just pop into a local dealer and within about a week, you get your car the way you want it. Well it doesnt work like that. These cars are so hard to find, that you basically have to take whatever is on the lot. Also, why doesnt the xA comes with a remote door unlock thing?