2004 Scion xA Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Scion is Toyota's new youth-oriented line and the xA is its 4-dr hatchback entry. Also available is a boxy wagon called the xB and a coupe called the tC (see separate reports). All are small front-wheel-driver models sold through Toyota dealers. The xA borrows from Toyota's Echo its 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, manual and optional automatic transmissions, and other underskin components. Curtain side airbags bundled with front torso side airbags are available as the xA's only other major factory option. Standard equipment includes ABS, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, single-disc CD stereo, and 60/40 split folding rear seat. Dealers offer a variety of factory-approved functional upgrades and dress-up accessories.

News

Scion came to the East Coast, Southeast and Gulf states in March. It adds the remainder of the nation in June, along with a third model, the sporty tC midsize coupe. This blends a European Toyota platform with unique 2-dr styling and a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Scion says the "well under $20,000" price will include air conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, and power windows/locks/mirrors.

As for the xA, Toyota is said to be debating whether to redesign it or replace it with something completely different. The latter plan fits Scion's aim of being the newest and coolest with what a Toyota exec calls "quick-hit, fast-turnaround products." But it's also a spendthrift approach that could tax even Toyota's deep pockets, and some analysts think here-today gone-tomorrow models could confuse or even turn off some buyers. Whatever Toyota decides, the xA should continue through model-year 2006 with only limited-edition trim-and-equipment packages in an effort to keep the brand buzz going. Scion is taking a similar tack with its boxy xB mini-minivan.

2004 Scion xA Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Cargo room

	Acceleration

	Rear-seat room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

xA, auto.	Class Average
3	4

Automatic-transmission test xA took 10.6 sec 0-60 mph vs. 9.8 for like-equipped test Echo. Midrange power marginal for passing and hill climbing. Somewhat balky shifting manual-transmission models feel slightly more sprightly; offer better passing response. Expect around 9.8 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

xA, auto.	Class Average
7	6.6

Test xA averaged a thrifty 28.0 mpg in city/freeway driving, including gas-eating performance tests. Uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

xA, auto.	Class Average
4	4.4

Annoying small-car chop on expansion joints and broken pavement at highway speeds, but soft chassis settings cope well with bumps and ruts at city speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

xA, auto.	Class Average
5	5.3

Typical front-drive small car, with early, marked cornering lean, modest grip from skinny tires. Tidy size and quick, responsive steering ease parking, but lightweight xA wanders in gusty crosswinds and in wakes from big trucks. Test car showed modest nosedive in simulated panic stop, but also longish distances. Good routine braking.

Quietness

xA, auto.	Class Average
5	4

Engine emits moderate boom above about 4000 rpm, but xA cruises comfortably at 60-70 mph. Stout-feeling structure with seemingly ample sound-deadening minimizes coarse-pavement tire thrum. Wind noise modest, too.

Controls

xA, auto.	Class Average
5	5.6

Gauges and warning lights are in a central dashtop pod; where they're too small and distant for some testers and are not angled toward driver. Toyota-typical steering-column stalks, simple climate controls. Rich-sounding Pioneer-brand audio unit suffers all-button controls with small labels, but it's handy and up high.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

xA, auto.	Class Average
6	5.1

High-profile body positions occupants comfortably upright, but leaves 6-footers with only OK head and leg space. Seats better shaped than the small-car norm, but seem a bit thin on padding and have limited rearward travel. Tilt steering wheel may not rise high enough to clear some drivers' legs. Good sight lines, though rear headrests narrow the view directly astern and over-the-shoulder.

Room/Comfort (rear)

xA, auto.	Class Average
3	3.9

Narrow bench with short cushion and backrest is cozy for two adults, especially with front seats set far back. But it's OK for shorter trips, thanks to fine under-seat foot room. Entry/exit demands some twisting but little crouching.

Cargo Room

xA, auto.	Class Average
2	3.9

Not much without dropping the rear seatbacks, which fold fairly flat but require removing headrests. Otherwise, about six grocery sacks is the limit. Cabin storage comprised of modest-size glovebox, small front-door map pockets, and two dashboard cubbies, one of which lights up behind a translucent cover.

Value within Class

xA, auto.	Class Average
6	5.6

Scion aspires to appeal to Generation-Y buyers and the xA basically wraps the usual Toyota virtues in a fresh package. That means good workmanship and the promise of good reliability and solid resale value. Standard ABS and available side airbags are added xA lures, as is keen pricing. But larger rivals such as the Ford Focus are more likely to be discounted, thus matching or beating xA for outright dollar value.

Total Score

xA, auto.	Class Average
46	48.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		64

2004 Scion xA Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/29/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door hatchback, manual	$12,480	$11,855	$485

Base 4-door hatchback, automatic	$13,280	$12,615	$485

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

1.5-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, cargo cover, rear wiper.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

185/60R15 tires, wheel covers.

Optional Equipment

Safety	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Curtain side airbags and front side airbags
Base	$650	$559


Comfort and Convenience Features
Remote keyless entry
Base	$499	$359


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base	$395	$305


Satellite radio
Base	$695	$600
Requires monthly fee.

Bazooka tube subwoofer
Base	$429	$309


Cupholder illumination
Base	$299	$199


Sport pedal covers
Base	$79	$49


Special shift knob
Base	$49	$31


LED interior lights
Base	$280	$200


Cargo net
Base	$49	$34


Cargo tote
Base	$49	$30


Floormats
Base	$120	$83
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Base	$350	$245


B-pillar applique
Base	$189	$129


Carbon-fiber fuel door cover
Base	$35	$23


Mud guards
Base	$108	$75


Rear spoiler
Base	$385	$285


Door sill enhancement
Base	$139	$89


Front strut bar tie
Base	$225	$159


Wheel locks
Base	$59	$37


Alloy wheels
Base	$665	$529

2004 Scion xA Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Scion xA 4-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	93.3

Overall Length, in.	154.1

Overall Width, in.	66.7

Overall Height, in.	60.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	2340

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	11.9

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.5 /91

Horsepower @ rpm.	108 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	105 @ 4200

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	32/38

4-speed automatic	32/38

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Scion xA 4-door hatchback

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	--/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	--/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2004 Scion xA Photos

Also in the 2004 Scion xA Review:

Scion xA

Scion xA Road Test

Scion xA Prices & Equipment

Scion xA Specs & Safety

Scion xA Photos

Scion xA Full Review

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