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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  Sciontology - 2006 Scion xA
  By falsesmall - July 9 - 3:16 pm

  The Scion xA is a funky little "Mini Cooper"-like buggy that is a blast to drive. It has Toyota / Lexus quality with standard power windows, doors, mirrors, ABS, 15 inch wheels, and a kick butt 6 speaker stereo that will even play your MP3s. It is near the top in gas mileage and, unlike the Mini, runs on regular. Despite its size, the front seats are roomy and very comfortable. The driving position / view of the road is similar to driving a minivan or an SUV. It handles well. The ride is a little choppy on uneven surfaces though. The engine provides ample power, but is a bit anemic when the car loaded. For $14,070 out the door (plus tax/tags), how can you beat it?

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  Bad Gas Mileage/Frequent Visits to the Shop - 2006 Scion xA
  By igobye - June 26 - 1:53 pm

  At 28,000 miles the best mileage Ive gotten is 36 mpg once. Most of the time Im lucky to get 33 mpg highway. I commute 90 miles daily and Im not getting the mileage that I expected, which was one key factor in choosing the car. When I asked a Scion dealership about it, I was given the same excuse others have been - those are just estimates and there is not much they can do about it. On top of the gas mileage issue, my car has been in the shop three times. The first time was to to replace the radio that changed channels by itself. The second time to replace the Camhead assembly and the third time it was leaking between where the gas nozzle goes and the tank. It was all warranty work, but Im almost out of warranty - then what? At this rate Ill be broke.

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  Outstanding XA - 2005 Scion xA
  By Jojo Abaya - June 25 - 11:33 am

  Just bought the XA about a week ago and am very impressed with the ride. I commute 44 mins one way and needed a reliable and economical car and the XA was everything I needed. The XA has power everything and the 5 speed manual does great on the hills. Its a comfortable ride and has the Toyota reliability emanating from it. It handles well on curves and is pretty quiet (I almost stalled it twice because I kept on thinking it was an automatic due to the quiet engine!). Plenty of room, where I can put 3 car seats in the back if I needed to. I like all the aftermarket parts I can put on it to make it personal. The only bad things is that it didnt have floor mats, cruise control, or armrest.

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  Love It - 2006 Scion xA
  By Afaq Syed - June 24 - 6:53 am

  This car is incredible. I was working on a tight budget. After test driving three cars, the salesperson showed me this car. The long list of standard items was impressive. After taking it out for the test drive I found it to be very responsive and fun driving and decided to buy it. I bought a Toyota Camry 6 months back. I wish I had test driven this car before I had brought my Camry. I think this car is a true value down to every penny.

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  The Best By Far....... - 2004 Scion xA
  By cybergypsy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The best in its class...by far... This is a amazing car have had 35 cars in the the last 3 years..for the money this car is great...much better the the C class Benz 230..

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  my baby scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By rosibel - June 9 - 7:36 am

  I got a beautiful Scion who is the light of my days i never expect so much comfort in a car and the gas is $20.00 dollars to be full and it last for a week what a diference from the jeep a just to drive. Im really happy person now. And the 6 year warranty is a peace of mind for me. I dont regret my investment, is a great car.

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  Wonderful Little Car! - 2004 Scion xA
  By moonbeam - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for little over 2 months and I love it. Its my first car and Ive been learning how to drive with it so I can commute to work (90 miles daily). So far the only problems Ive had are the brakes squeaking occasionally and the light/flying feeling I get when Im on the highway (going 65mph)! It definately needs more power because its hard to go uphill-but other than that its a great first car, easy to park, and fun to drive. I get quite a few people looking at it and asking me what it is! I had to take the backseat headrests out because it was blocking my view-but since I dont ever sit in the back, its fine with me!

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  I love this little car. - 2004 Scion xA
  By Patella - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the xA for about a week now, and I am so impressed. Though the ride can be a tad bumpy, the car absolutly zips on the highway. The interior is comfortable and intuitive, and though never one for flash, I have to say the sound system is so much fun. Its amazing how small the car is from the outside, yet how tall and roomy it feels inside. I keep getting out and expecting to be standing next to a much larger car. Though not for everyone, I love the unusual dash layout, although I still am not quite used to looking center for my speed. In short, I love this little car!

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  Michigan to Alaska - 2006 Scion xA
  By rocknrollmormon - May 29 - 1:53 am

  We bought this car brand new, it now has 93,000 miles on it. At 62,000 miles the right rear wheel bearing had to be replaced but the dealer did that for free even though it wasnt under warranty anymore he said it shouldnt have happened on a Toyota, and at 78,000 miles I replaced the front brake pads. Other than that weve just done routine maintenance (spark plugs, oil, filters, belts) We bought this in Michigan and now live in Alaska and it does fine in the winter with studded tires. We drove through the mountains from Anchorage to Valdez and got 43 mpg on the highway. We get about 21-25mpg in the city. This car is really a great car, take care of it and it wont let you down.

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  Love my Scion! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Julianna - May 26 - 3:50 am

  My Scion has been fantastic! No mechanical problems at all, and it is a blast to drive. I love the way it looks, and we have plenty of interior room. My 60 yr old sister went out and bought one last month and she loves hers as well.