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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Complete Review - 2004 Scion xA
By esavov - March 11 - 10:00 amThis is a great compact car. There are many features that I really Like: 1. Interior looks nice, not cheap and squeaky. 2. Ive noticed that my eyes dont get "bothered" while driving at night for a long distance. 3. The only thing I paid extra for was nice rims, power steering, and side/curtain airbags. Total of 15,400. 4. Vehicle comes with an excellent CD player (plays MP3 as well), power doors and windows, AC, etc. 5. Cargo area is actually great. When the seats are up the smaller area is still perfect for grocery shopping. 6. This car has plenty of power. I constantly find myself speeding without even trying.
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Scion xA, Purchased Recently - 2006 Scion xA
By George - March 7 - 11:50 pmThis car is fine. I got used to the center pod dashboard quickly. The ONLY thing I could wish for, would be a 6th gear. At 80 mph, with a 5-speed manual, the engine is turning 4,000 RPM. Thats fine, it has a 7,000 RPM redline, but theres no need to spin it so fast. There is no need to downshift on the highway. I drive in commuter traffic, 75-80 mph. In mixed driving, I get around 35 mpg.
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Amazing - 2004 Scion xA
By n2k2928 - March 6 - 10:00 amGreat! It is the best car in the world
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cindy loves her scion xa - 2005 Scion xA
By cynthia - February 12 - 5:26 pmI am 56 years old and not of part of the target market for this vehicle. I main reason I bought it is because it is a Toyota, and have experienced Toyotas reliabliliy. I needed a small, roomy, economical car and the Scion Xa fit the bill. Needless to say the price was right. I make regular trips to Lake Tahoe. I fill the car with my luggage and other items and have pulled all of the passes with no problem. It runs well at high altitudes. I have never experienced a reduction in horsepower or sluggish performance. I live in Southern California and its peppy on the freeways. It drives at 80 mph with no problem and handles well. All in all, I love it!!!
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Wheres the Mileage? - 2006 Scion xA
By DougK - January 28 - 7:06 pmI like most everything about the car, which I purchased for my daughter. I am at 1,000 miles on the break-in and my gas mileage has been astonishingly LOW! My first four tanks have averaged in the low 20 MPG range. I own three other vehicles with two to three times the engine size and all except my Suburban get better mileage. My dealer states that I have to get it broken in and nothings wrong. I have my doubts as to whether a few hundred miles more will do anything for this car. They may be getting this one back.
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a really good car - 2005 Scion xA
By tony - January 22 - 2:26 pmpurchased in 05 and the only thing I had to do to it is oil changes and I replaced the tires at 40,000, I am planning on a new battery come fall, other than that nothing serious very dependable car
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Getting It Right! - 2005 Scion xA
By Sr. Scion - January 16 - 2:00 amThis is my third new car and my favorite by far! I was on the hunt for a commuter car with good fuel economy. I got that and more! The list of standard features is excellent. Power everything! Building ones own Scion is a great merketing strategy. Add the accessories you want without having packages of unwanted features shoved down your throat. The interior styling is clean, functional and attractive. Very comfortable for such a small car. The exterior is sleek with a smart attitude - a true head turner. I had people get up off the bus bench and rush to see the nameplate and call out, "Nice car!!"
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ScinergyIA.com Scion Club - 2005 Scion xA
By Joe.H - January 16 - 2:00 amThe best cars ever made ! I love this car and i will continue to buy it! Check our club and more pictures at scinergyia dot com . I am recomending this car to everybody specialy tC i have both of them and really i didnt lost no money and have great NEW cars!!!!!
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My results - 2005 Scion xA
By Miles Morris - January 2 - 10:16 pmI have had my XA for a couple months now, just went over 5000 miles. I have to say i really like this car alot. I tried premium gas for a bit but it really runs better and gets much better milage with the regular.I drive 75 miles a day for work, got 490 miles in the last tank, thats what i had when i chickened out and bout gas after the little gas tank warning thing came on anyway, probably could have gone to 500 miles. Its mostly back road travel at 45 to 50 mph, it seems to love going that speed. Taking the highway at 65 mph was my first test, engine revved way high, was averaging about 35 mpg, less stop and go even, now im around 40 mpg average with more stop and go.
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Ms - 2005 Scion xA
By America Curl - December 17 - 10:00 amThis vehicle I origionally bought for my daughter, but because of the comfort of the ride, the interior design, and the space I went out and bought one of my own. This is a great family car, or for those that are active, and need room for you toys.
