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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  Love It! - 2006 Scion xA
  By mikey - December 29 - 11:16 am

  I love my Scion xA. Not only is it cute, it defies the laws of physics: it is small on the outside but big inside. I am 6 tall and weigh 250 lbs. and am very comfortable in this car. The stereo is excellent. My driving is all city and I get about 30 mpg.

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  one down, another on the way - 2004 Scion xA
  By court - December 24 - 10:00 am

  just totalled mine on hwy 5. driving the speed limit, averted another drivers sudden brake slam, lost control and eventually flipped. pulled myself and my 90 lb dog through the passenger window. hes fine. i walked away with only a bruise on my knee. airbags didnt deploy but the car crushed around us like a cocoon, upside down. not even considering another car. soon as i can, its right back to the scion dealer. though i really do wish the car had u.s crash ratings/tests available...

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  new scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By 2005 scion xa - December 18 - 3:20 pm

  before this purchase we owned a 2000 toyata corolla. A great car but the scion xa is roomier and eaiser to get in and out of, as well as handles so well.

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Scion xA
  By Alex - December 8 - 8:03 pm

  I love my xA, its got a lot of room for the size and it gets 35 mpg. You cant beat that! I love my color, indigo ink pearl, awesome car, awesome buying experience.

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  Great for the Money - 2004 Scion xA
  By Pheon - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Well I bought an Xa today and its seems to be a tight little package. Try comparing it to Kia Sephia. lol. A great value. Whole car seems well rounded and hella space with the seats down. My only complaint, if I had one, is 108hp, but Im behond 0-60 at this point and this makes it there fast enough. :)For $12995 you cant beat the stuff this little car has on it. My favorite thing about this car is the fit and finish. Seems like a much more expensive car. And to top it off its a Toyata. Ill be lookin for a new car in 2015. :)

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  Only had it a week but... - 2005 Scion xA
  By Steve T - December 3 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this for the price and the MPG. I needed an inexpensive ride for 94 miles a day. I was/am surprised at how much I like it. Its got pretty good pick up for a 1.5L 4 cyl. I really cant comment on the reliabilty and quality yet. Ask me in 100,000 miles and if its still running, I got my moneys worth. Funny to look at but when youre on the inside of it, who cares what the outside looks like. And its loaded for the price. Only option was floor mats for me. It is probably the most economical car I ever bought.

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  Im happy with it! - 2005 Scion xA
  By ringdangdo - November 26 - 2:43 am

  In the four months Ive had my Scion xA it has been very enjoyable. I have been averaging 34 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Im 64" and have a surprising amount of room inside. I definitely am happy that I bought it. It makes a great commuter car, but still truns some heads.

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  Best Car Ive have Purchased - 2005 Scion xA
  By Jgadt3 - November 7 - 9:06 am

  It rides very smoothly. I love the comfort. Im a big guy and I have plenty of leg room. The only thing that bothers me about this car is that the rear view vision is a little impaired with the head rest design of the back seats. I would love to have a moonroof as well. The colors are great. I love it for many reasons, it is economical, looks great, and feels wonderful. I want to buy a second one.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By B - November 5 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this to be a commuter car to and from work 70 miles a day and I have never regretted my decision. This is a great car. I have driven it long distance a couple of times and the ride is comfortable. You will be amazed on how much you can pack in the car 1,2, or none of the seats folded down. I already have put 88K on it, and look forward to the next 88K. I still love how small it is because its so much easier and fun to weave thru traffic.

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  neatpackage - 2004 Scion xA
  By j. tarantino - October 16 - 10:00 am

  peppy at start but slow passing pickup on freeways.. neat little package and fun to drive. cool hi tech interior . car is a little on the light side. great toyota quality carried to the scion badge. good work.....