2004-2006 Scion xA: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Cargo room
- Acceleration
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand launched for model-year 2004 with the xA 4-door hatchback and boxy xB wagon. These five-passenger compacts were underskin cousins, sharing a basic platform, a 108-hp 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, 5-speed manual transmission and optional 4-speed automatic. The main differences were external. The xA had conventional small-car styling and was visibly shorter and lower than the xB on a 5-inch trimmer wheelbase. Scion was created to liven up Toyota's rather staid image and to increase dealer profits. The target was younger, style-conscious buyers who would, presumably, become Toyota customers for life. Marketers decided this group wanted affordable but well-equipped compact cars that could be easily personalized with a wide range of accessories available from Toyota dealers and independent sources. As a result, the xA included features unexpected in cars priced around $13,000: antilock brakes, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, CD player, and 60/40 split folding rear seat. Options were fairly limited. The main one was a package bundling curtain side airbags with front torso side airbags. Satellite radio and in-dash CD changer were available, as were remote keyless entry, alloy wheels to replace steel rims, fog lights, and rear spoiler. Perhaps because it looked like just another small car, the xA was outsold by the more-distinctive xB by some 2 to 1. Still, there aren't that many used Scions of any kind on the market just yet. It's worth noting that Toyota's slightly larger Echo sedan was a kissin' cousin of the inaugural Scions, using identical powertrains and the same basic platform. Echo, however, was one of Toyota's rare sales duds, and was dropped after model-year 2005.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Scion xA Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2004-2006 Scion xA includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2006 Scion xA and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2006 Scion xA is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
It may be badged a Scion, but the xA is pure Toyota. That implies solid workmanship and long-lived reliability, plus strong resale values, though it's too early to tell how Scions fare on that score. Otherwise, the xA offers little that can't be found in rival compacts, many of which are usefully larger, faster, more refined and no less frugal with gas. What's more, few used xAs are on the market yet. We think Toyota's own Corolla is a better choice for value and all-around satisfaction. Shoppers should also consider a late-model Ford Focus, Honda Civic or Mazda 3, all of which have pluses of their own.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Scion xA Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $600 |
| Alternator | $610 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,600 |
| Brakes | $325 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $830 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $930 |
| Exhaust System | $420 |
| Radiator | $190 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $720 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $560 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2006 | |||
| xA | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| 2005 | |||
| xA | $8,700-9,700 | $7,800-8,700 | $4,500-5,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| xA | $7,700-8,600 | $6,900-7,700 | $3,900-4,300 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 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. | 32.8 | |
| 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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 108 | 105 | 5-speed manual: 32/38 4-speed automatic: 32/38 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 28 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2005 Scion xA |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, 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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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