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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  Okay Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By HeatB - March 24 - 12:50 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. It is a real attention getter. I have not had any mechanical problems, now at 36,500 miles. It still runs great. It has a good ride, but it is not so comfortable on long trips. I drove from Alabama to Orlando and on to North Carolina. There is not nearly enough room for people and luggage. My number one gripe is the lack of a center arm rest! The center mounted speedometer and gauges took some getting used to. I have to readjust when driving husbands truck.

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  Excellent! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Iris - March 13 - 9:36 pm

  I love this car, Ive had Toyotas in the past, this car exceeds them all, fun to drive, great looking small car, comfortable interior, great gas mileage. Would recomend it to anyone!

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  You ALMOST got it this time Toyota. - 2004 Scion xA
  By driverofscion - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was passing by the local Toyota dealer by my house and to my surprise I saw a Scion in front. This is a surprise because I live in Illinois and Scions are not being sold here yet. I test drove it and it is very unique (now at least); I was being stared at by the drivers of the tuned Hondas. This car definitely has style. I like the center-mounted speedometer; it has plenty of space in the back for three of my friends (no tall people welcome). I think this would be great as a first car for someone who wants style but is willing to sacrifice speed.

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  Made right purchase - 2005 Scion xA
  By Mark - February 17 - 9:40 am

  Purchased the XA for my wife since she was looking for a small reliable car with good rear visibility.We took the optional side and curtain air bags for added saftey. We are both seniors. I have a Camry but I find that I am driving this, fun to drive, car more frequently than I imagined. Immediately after purchase, I exchanged the original equipped Eagle LS tires for a set of Michelin Harmonies. This gave it a slightly softer and steady ride. A good car that I would recommend to anyone looking for low cost and what appears to be a quality built car.

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  Grandmas car - 2005 Scion xA
  By nancy riley - February 8 - 6:10 pm

  Fun to drive, just the right size for a single grandma and her dog. Back folds down for hauling plants. Now if I can just stop backing into my golf cart.

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  Scion Great buy - 2006 Scion xA
  By Smart99 - January 31 - 11:13 pm

  I have been impressed by the cars abilty to deliver of the dealerships promises. The car was the best investment I could have made. With the price of gas going up and I am averaging 39 miles on the hiway I could not be happier with my choice of cars.

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  I like it. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scott Schmidtke - January 9 - 1:26 am

  Im not in the target group (Im over 40). And Im not a small person. However, I found the Scion xA roomy and fun. Its mileage is better than advertised. The sound system is great.