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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  Best decision I ever made - 2005 Scion xA
  By PatNC - October 29 - 4:10 am

  All this for a car for around $13,000. I love mine. In mostly city driving I am now getting 23 mpg with the manual. Havent had it out on all hwy. yet. Its not just the young people buying it. Im over 45 and was looking for a comfortable, economical car and this was it. After much research, this was by far the best choice.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Scion xA
  By scruffy - October 25 - 2:06 am

  I have had my car 3yrs and have been completely satisfied. The seats are comfortable and sit high for good visibility. The gas mileage is decent. And I like the looks. I hope to have this car a long time.

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  My Little Rollerskate - 2006 Scion xA
  By marji - October 1 - 4:16 am

  I really like my Scion xAs good gas mileage, Its leg room equals or is better than the Toyota Siennas. I am tall, it is becoming my favorite.

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  The BEST car for the $$$! - 2005 Scion xA
  By B.Jones - September 28 - 10:03 pm

  I had been in desperate need of a new car, and was looking for something economical. I was considering the Mazda3, Corolla, Golf, etc. and stumbled a review on the new Scion by Toyota. All the reviews (including this site) had nothing but favorable things to say, and when I compared the options that came standard with Scion vs. the "others", I thought this sounds great! I ordered one without ever driving one and figured it is what it is, I just need something basic to get me around. I couldnt have been more surprised and pleased with a vehicle such as the xA. It handles very well and Im currently averaging 40 mpg on the highway and I couldnt be happier!

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  Cheap to maintain, joy to park - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dmitry - September 10 - 4:33 pm

  I used to drive a Mercedes C230, but when my job got relocated, I had to get an economical car that is cheap and does not depreciate much. I highly recommend the Scion xA. It may not have the performance one would desire for or the sporty styling but over the life of the car or 25,000 miles, the only money I spent not counting oil change was spark plugs and belts. This is a dream for somebody who travels to work on long distances, wants a car with very low maintenance, utilitarian and easy to park. Four people sit comfortably in this Scion. Moreover, the resale value holds. I bought it in Dec 08 for $7,950 with 57K miles. Price has not changed at all during the year. Toyota did A+ job

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  Absolutley Red and Happy! - 2005 Scion xA
  By marie stiles - August 28 - 3:43 am

  It was love at first site! It is absolutely red, roomy, cute, peppy and handles like a dream!

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  A Must Drive for Cost Concious - 2004 Scion xA
  By AET - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We reasearched this car and decided to take a gamble based on its Toyota "heritage". This is a great fun little car. Over sticker price options with other cars are "Standard features" in the XA. It was cheaper to insure than some of its competitors as well. Money was a big factor in decision making. I wish I had the money to buy another XA for my wifes running around town errands. The back seat has the added security of the hooks for the "latch systems" on todays child car seats. Its fun to drive. I love it, and my kids love it. It feels like having the best new toy on the block, without breaking the piggy bank.

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  This Scion is so much fun - 2005 Scion xA
  By Lysiana - July 22 - 8:10 am

  I purchased my Scion Xa in July of 2004. The interior design, where speedometer and all is placed, has reduced nighttime driving glare, resulting in less eye strain. After 40,000 miles, I have had to spend only $30 in maintanance. My highway mileage has reached up to 42 mpg. The stock stereo is better then most premium stereos.

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  W-O-W spells wow - 2004 Scion xA
  By Greg78945602 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Reallly Great is the words i would use to describe it. I travel alot in it

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  If I couldnt have a MINI. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Poulsen - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Was pleasantly surprised with all the standard features for such a low price plus the excellent gas mileage. CD, power windows, power mirror, interior lights that shut-off after closing the door, etc. Advertised at 32/37 mpg and actually getting combined of 36.5 mpg. Enjoy the somewhat unique exterior styling, similar to a Matrix. Who wants a Honda or VW they all have the same bland styling. Again, for 13K cant beat it.