2005 Scion xA: Road Test
Archived Review
2005 Scion xA ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $12,530 -$13,330
- Invoice: $11,903 -$12,663
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Scion xA
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2005 Scion xA includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Scion xA from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Scion xA, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Scion xA help you decide if a 2005 Scion xA is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
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 more sprightly; offer better passing response.
FUEL ECONOMY
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test xA with manual averaged a laudable 33.3 mpg in mostly city driving. Automatic model averaged 28.0-30.5 mpg in mixed driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
High-profile body comfortably positions occupants 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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Scion aspires to appeal to Generation-Y buyers, and the xA 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, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 45 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
