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2006 Scion xA Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Scion xA Review:
2006 Scion xA Review
The 2006 xA continues into the 2007 model year pending a replacement due as a 2008 model. The least-expensive model in Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line, this 4-dr hatchback has a 103-hp 4-cyl engine with manual or optional automatic transmission. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are optional. Standard equipment includes ABS, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Toyota dealers offer numerous factory-approved functional upgrades and dress-up accessories. A CD player with digial media player plug-in is standard. A newly optional stereo adds dashboard control and program display for Apple iPod players. Both stereos include steering wheel audio controls.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
News
Scion says xA's replacement is coming in early calendar 2007 as an '08 model. What replaces it is anyone's guess. It could be another small hatchback, likely based on parent Toyota's new Yaris, or an entirely different car with a different name. We'll let you know as soon as we get any hard news.
2006 Scion xA Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Cargo room |
| Acceleration | |
| Rear-seat room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Automatic-transmission test car took a leisurely 10.6 sec 0-60 mph, showed marginal midrange power for passing and hill climbing. Manual-transmission xA feels a tad livelier, offers better passing response, but shift action rubbery.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Automatic-transmission test car took a leisurely 10.6 sec 0-60 mph, showed marginal midrange power for passing and hill climbing. Manual-transmission xA feels a tad livelier, offers better passing response, but shift action rubbery.
Fuel Economy
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.
| 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.
Ride Quality
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.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
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
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. Braking good in normal driving, but test car's simulated emergency stops not impressively short.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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. Braking good in normal driving, but test car's simulated emergency stops not impressively short.
Quietness
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.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
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
Gauges and warning lights in central dashtop pod aren't angled toward driver; may be too small and distant for some eyes. Toyota-typical steering-column stalks, simple climate controls. Audio units easy to adjust while driving.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Gauges and warning lights in central dashtop pod aren't angled toward driver; may be too small and distant for some eyes. Toyota-typical steering-column stalks, simple climate controls. Audio units easy to adjust while driving.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
High-profile body positions occupants comfortably upright, but leaves six-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 views directly aft and over the shoulder.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
High-profile body positions occupants comfortably upright, but leaves six-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 views directly aft and over the shoulder.
Room/Comfort (rear)
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.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 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
Not much without dropping the rear seatbacks, which fold fairly flat but require removing headrests. Otherwise, about six grocery bags is the limit. Cabin storage comprises modest-size glovebox, small front-door map pockets, and two dashboard cubbies, one of which lights up behind a translucent cover.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Not much without dropping the rear seatbacks, which fold fairly flat but require removing headrests. Otherwise, about six grocery bags is the limit. Cabin storage comprises modest-size glovebox, small front-door map pockets, and two dashboard cubbies, one of which lights up behind a translucent cover.
Value within Class
The Scion brand is Toyota's youth-oriented offspring, and the xA has been its least-popular model. Standard antilock brakes and available side airbags are laudable safety bonuses in this class. But Scions are seldom discounted, while larger rivals like Ford Focus are, thus matching or beating xA for outright dollar value.
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The Scion brand is Toyota's youth-oriented offspring, and the xA has been its least-popular model. Standard antilock brakes and available side airbags are laudable safety bonuses in this class. But Scions are seldom discounted, while larger rivals like Ford Focus are, thus matching or beating xA for outright dollar value.
Total Score
| xA, man. | xA, auto. | Class Average |
| 47 | 45 | 52 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2006 Scion xA Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door hatchback, manual | $12,780 | $12,140 | $580 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door hatchback, automatic | $13,580 | $12,900 | $580 |
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 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, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
185/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Release Series 3.0
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,840
|
$1,730
|
|
Satellite radio, body cladding, unique interior and exterior trim.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
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
|
$260
|
$183
|
|
Includes iPod connection.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$449
|
$359
|
|
Bazooka tube subwoofer
|
||
|
Base
|
$429
|
$309
|
|
Interior light kit
|
||
|
Base
|
$275
|
$185
|
|
Sport pedal covers
|
||
|
Base
|
$79
|
$49
|
|
Special shift knob
|
||
|
Base
|
$49
|
$31
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
Base
|
$49
|
$34
|
|
Cargo tote
|
||
|
Base
|
$40
|
$25
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$120
|
$83
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
Base
|
$350
|
$245
|
|
B-pillar applique
|
||
|
Base
|
$189
|
$129
|
|
Mud guards
|
||
|
Base
|
$62
|
$43
|
|
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
|
$459
|
|
18-inch alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,999
|
$1,661
|
|
|
||
2006 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. | 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 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.5 /91 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 103 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 101 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 32/37 |
| 4-speed automatic | 31/38 |
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 |
| Rollover Resistance | 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
Also in the 2006 Scion xA Review:
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