Used 2006 Scion xA Consumer Reviews
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Best Deal for the Price
I did a lot of research on all the new sub-compact cars on the market and found the Scion xA to be the best for the price. I especially like the fixed pricing where you don't have to deal with sales price haggling. I got the extended warranty that covers me for 7 years or 100,000 miles for an extra $1,100. This car really zips around town. I find no problems with the limited horsepower. It would be nice to have a larger fifth gear for the freeway maybe to push it over 40 mpg. The middle console was no problem getting used to. I think there is plenty of cargo room with the seats down. I was also able to get a lot of stuff (tools, jumper cables, blanket, towels) in the spare tire well. This car an A+.
I Love My xA.
This is the first car i've ever bought. It's fun, it does what I need, and it's a good start if you're going to upgrade your ride.
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,9905 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,29987 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,699141 mi away
Good Bang for the Buck
The Scion xA is a great little car with a few minor exceptions. Its gas mileage has been around 35 mpg, with mostly city miles. I have found the center mounted guage cluster better than traditional driver side. Its ride is smooth with very easy to reach control locations (audio, heat/AC, shifter knob, windows). I am 5'9" and sit just right inside. It has clear 360 degree views with little to no blind spots. It is perfect for scooting around town where performance is not an issue. I could see how large people could find it a bit cramped in leg/steering area. It has lots of head room though! I WOULD NOT take this on an extended road trip. Its RPM's do get into the 3,000's above 55 mph and gas goes fast with sluggish passing power.
Love It!
I really like getting behind the wheel of my '06 Scion xA. I have to get used to the front wheel drive. The only thing that I am missing is there is no space for beverage containers and no cruise control. The fuel mileage is very, very good.
Good Deal for an Inexpensive Car
This car is solid for an economy car. It handles extremely well, and the gas mileage is good. I drive mostly interstate miles, and I am getting between 34-35 MPG with the 5-speed manual transmission. The front seating is comfortable, the back seat is adequate, but not for longer trips. The extras that come as standard equipment (stereo, ABS, AC, etc.) really make this an outstanding deal. The only negative - it is a bit loud at interstate speeds, the engine is pushing 3,500 RPM at 70 mph.
Very Poor Gas Mileage
I am not sure if this car has ever been able to get above 30 mpg. Everyone I know that has one gets about 27 mpg. The only reason I bought this thing is its supposed good mileage. I am selling it in the summer.
Would Buy It Again
I have never regretted buying my 2004 xA and look forward to trading for a new one. I moved down from an SUV to a sub-compact and I drove them all. The xA was the only one that surpassed my expectations for its ride and drive. I never care what gas costs. It has had no problems and it's finally ready for new tires at just over 41,000 miles. I don't miss my SUV as the xA has plenty of cargo space. It is a great value for the money.
Scion Xa - Little to Complain About
I love this car and have only one thing I would improve on it , the power. It takes too long to warm up and change gears. It handles great and is extremely easy to park. I've had other compacts with the same engine specs. that seemed to be a little more powerful. The interior fits a short person comfortably, and tall people don't feel closed in. The exterior and style are attractive and eye-catching. The accessories are impressive - only one thing is needed there, someway to fit in a console. All-in-all, I will buy another one if they are around when I need my next car.
Scion xA Rocks!
My Scion xA is just GREAT! At 31/38 mpg, I can drive, drive, drive!
Excelent Car
Driving the car is very fun and very economical. I have not had any problems with it and people are usually impressed when they get inside, surprised with the space when compared with the size of the exterior.
Amazing!
I love my car!! It's so adorable and fun, everyone says it suits me perfectly. There's only a handful around town and we all recognize each other and wave. The car is fairly fuel efficient, but not as high as I'd been hoping for. It's so roomy inside, especially compared to other cars of it's type that ARE bigger, but feel smaller. Comes with some great standard features, I love the stereo. I recommend this car to anyone who wants to stand out a little while still having a functional and fun car.
WHERE'S 6TH GEAR?
I love my Scion. It's roomy, sporty, handles well, is a breeze to park, and, when driven properly (with the 5spd), gets good mileage and is comfortable on long trips. I am 6' and have plenty of head and leg room. I installed the better xB armrest that actually has storage and it fit perfectly. With the back seats down, there's plenty of room for my two huge labs and they love to ride with their heads out the window. It comes nicely equipped, and mine has no options but for the armrest. I like the iPod connect as well as the standard CD player. If you are single or childless, the xA will handle about 95% of your driving/transportation needs. Not just a kid's car; I'm 36 and love it.
I Love My Scion
It is so easy to shift. It has a lot of power, unlike the automatic. I can zoom zoom. This car is just amazing, I'm so in love with my car. All the things in the reviews that downgraded this car are the reason I love the car, such as where the gauges are located. Mine has more power than I need. I frequently find myself doing over the speed limit before I even get on the freeway as I merge onto the interstate. It has so much room inside I can fit camping gear and go on shopping trips and fill it to the brim and the car still has power to zoom zoom. Also not a problem for my heavy family inside. It is just too perfect for me.
Fun to Drive, Great on Gas Needs Cruise
I bought this as a commuter car for my husband to replace his truck. Car is great, zippy and fun to drive. RPM at 60 MPH is 3000 and feels like it needs a 6th gear. Otherwise, make sure you order cruise. My 22 year old loves this car. Nice MP3 connection as well. Very comfy back seat, and versatile layout for storing groceries and cargo. Buy it, you'll like it!!
We love our xA
Have approximately 2000 miles so far. Primarily used on the highway at 65-75 mph. Vehicle tacs between 3300-3700 rpm at those speeds but still rides quiet and smooth. A 6th gear would be great. Vehicle handles sweet. Very much please with all aspects so far. Highway/city mpg combined average nets us 36-39, just what I wanted. I know on a long road trip (mostly highway) I will exceed 40 mpg. Stereo and standard pw and doorlocks are great. For the price Scion had more options than the 4dr Yaris. Very pleased again with our decision. Had to minimize the gas and oil companies impact on my wallet. It is just transportation to and from work. Time for all to change!
Good car for long commutes
While it doesn't have the power of my last car, a V6 Mercury Cougar, I knew I would have to make a trade-off for the better gas mileage. Mostly picked this car for the promised fuel efficiency but am a little disappointed in that area. Hoping the lower cost of upkeep will make up for the lack of fuel savings. Also, was a little concerned about the safety of such a small car, but had my first accident in it last month. After being side-swiped by a much larger truck, I was amazed at how little damage was done to the car. Mostly cosmetic. Not even a bump or bruise on me. Would definitely recommend it to anyone in any age group who wants something economical and still fun to drive.
Scion xA
The Scion xA is reliable, but has some disappointments. For instance, the pick-up is not that good, even for a small car, and the fuel efficiency isn't anywhere near what it is supposed to be. It only gets about 31 mpg highway and 28 mpg city (supposed to get 37 highway and 32 city) and this is without using the heat or air conditioning. Other than that it is cute, fun, and easy to drive. It's great for parallel parking and has great standard features for a low price.
One Word - AWESOME!
Purchased this vehicle in March 07 with 26000 miles on it. Got a great deal! At first was a little skeptical about spacing, moving down from a Toyota Matrix, but now we love it. My wife and I carry stuff all the time and that does not hinder its performance. Gas mileage is not as rated, but great anyway. Toyota hit it right on the money when they designed this line. This car is awesome in every way. Roomy interior, comfortable seats, best stock sound system I have heard in a vehicle. This car can handle anything and I have the most fun driving it of any other vehicle.
Great Car
Going on two years with my xA and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Sporty for what it is, great traction in snow and saves money at the pump. Rear seat could use a tad more leg room and fuel tank placement limits space for storage. I do regularly haul two 11' kayaks on a roof rack, and have transported my share of 8' 2x4s with the rear hatch fully closed. Everyone who has ever ridden with me has fallen in love with it, even if their initial reaction was negative. In my opinion the xA is better than a hybrid. Cheaper, less complex, no batteries, and with combined driving it easily gets 40 MPG in an automatic. Great car.
Sciontology!
After 18 months of ownership, this car still pleases and rewards on a daily basis. Gas mileage is a rock solid 35 in town and 40.5 on the highway. It's nimble, quiet and can take on almost any parking space. Seats are supportive. Driving position is upright and commanding. Radio sound quality is great. And with the optional side-curtain airbags and ABS, I have a measure of security.
Scion xA
I have owned my Scion xA for only a few months and I love it. It some time gets more mileage than what they say so I think you can imagine how much I like it.
Better than the minivan for gas!
The great thing about this car was that it had a lot of features for the small price. I read in this review how many are able to get great gas mileage but unfortunately I am not really able to come close to many of these. For example, just city driving alone I get 25-26 mpg. When I make 1 freeway trip at least once a week, that will jump to 29-30 mpg, so I know the potential is there for greater mpg. Now, even with its "low" mpg, it's still a great car. I am almost 200 lbs, plus the local street I take to work, you really can't "take it easy" with the gas otherwise you could get a lot of people mad at you. So it is with semi- to aggressive driving that I get this mpg.
Love the xA
I wasn't sure about the xA when we first looked at it since it was so small. Worried about lack of trunk space and comfort with 4 people. Wife loved the look and feel. Once we got it home, I started driving it instead of my Toyota Camry! It's really fun to drive, the car really does have enough room for 4 to be comfortable. "Trunk space" good enough for groceries, no problems with space in any situation so far. A comment on previous posts about gas mileage. The sticker mileage is EPA rated and is always at least a few MPG higher than what you actually get. We have auto transmission which has overdrive button, tachs about 2700 at 65 mph, helps reduce engine noise and improve MPG.
I love this car!!
I bought mine in 02/2006, and as of 10/2007, I've put 42,000 miles on it. I love my xA. I have it decorated and always get looks and nice comments. It's been cross-country several times, and it's perfect for a 3 to 4 week roadtrip for 2 of us. The front is very roomy, though the backseat can get tight for adults. With rear seats folded down, the cargo space is huge. I get 32 to 34 mpg, doing lots of highway driving, but frankly, it can vary wildly depending on the quality of gas. I once got 10% ethanol in Illinois, and only got 26 mpg on that tank, but that's very unusual. I'm bummed that they've discontinued the xA in favor of the xD. I was planning on buying another xA in a couple years.
My 1st new car
I love my xa. It can be a little uncomfortable on 1400 mile trips but for the most part it's uncomfortable. I get great gas mileage and the stereo is great. I only wish it had a little better looking dash and was a little faster. But what it lacks in power it makes up for in gas mileage.
Parking in Boston? HA! no problem!!
I don't understand why some owners are getting less than 35 mpg on the highway. I visit my mom in NY every other weekend; exactly 250 miles. It has a 10.9 gallon tank. On average I get there with half a tank left. It breaks down to 38+ mpg. I purchased the xA because of the price. At first I was deeply concerned about it's size. That's no longer a problem. As an average college student, there's plenty of room for friends, laundry, computer parts, etc. Should you need more drop one of the seats. Another concern was its engine. Since its only 1.5 liter, I feared it will be too small for a car. Again its not a problem. It's a very nimble car for me and...a date. 4 adults is a different story
Most fun to drive car ever!
This car, aka: "Little Car", hasn't been back to the dealer for anything. It's blast to drive has plenty of get up and go for a normal person, no it's not a hot rod. I get 38-39 mpg without even trying with a 90% highway 10% city driving commute. My last tank produced an impressive 42.9 mpg but that took some real attention to laying off the gas pedal. I'm running reg. Castrol GTX in it. The sound system is awesome, sounds like it has small subwoofers in it. It's a definite keeper!
Love it but what's up with the brakes?
I bought the car brand new and have had it for over 2 years. I love the car, but am wondering whether anyone has had problems with their brakes. At 20,000 I had all the pads replaced. Now at 45,000 I had to have the rotors replaced. I'm not a braking type of driver. Also, I used to get over 35 mpg now I'm down to about 26 mpg. What could be the problem? Other than that, the car has been wonderful.
My xA rocks your face!
I love driving my vehicle. It's cute and extremely efficient. I've had it for over 2 years and I take great care of my car. I'm currently modding out my car and it's worth it! I've added an intake and exhaust and really cool diamond plate floor mats and I've even joined a Scion club!
best little car ever !!! 163999 miles now. 9-2022
Mini cargo hauler. ....bought it march 2020 almost dead 154000 miles. new wheel bearing full tune up battery tires radio door handle wipers pass mirror 2020. 2021 ac died. new comp and evap. ac now fixed and great. 30 mpg city with ac blasting 39mpg ac off long roads. seats down can load alot of stuff. i put 195 65 15 alloy mags on it. comfy seats good handling better then my echo or yaris sedan. only other car i liked driving better was 2005 tc 5spd. but cant load anything in a tc. cant sell it too good to let go. can go another 150000 miles with proper services easy. i would drive it any distance in any weather. Timing chain not belt so just change oil on time and keep going.
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Still in love after 18 years!!!
Bought my Scion XA new in 2006. Test-drove it on impulse on the way to a Mini Cooper dealership, and never looked at a Mini again. Expected a cheesy little tin can, and BOY did I get a surprise! Next question: "Got one with a stick shift?" OH YEAH! First time in my life I ever impulse-bought a car like a pair of shoes, and 18 years and 81,000 miles later I love it more than ever. One set of new tires, meticulous oil changes, think they did the brakes once or twice. Several cosmetic dings give "character," but realizing this is now a classic, thinking in terms of restoration body work if the parts are obtainable. This is a keeper FOREVER! On the basis of this experience, my 2nd vehicle for farm work is a Toyota Tundra, 10 years this fall and the biggest problem that has had is mice living in the air intake system, easily solved. Given the unwanted tech crap they put on new cars, frankly with these two I do not expect to buy again. I want to see how far my XA can go, and this review column promises decades of fun yet to come!
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Love my xA! Shipped it to Catalonia with us!
I love this car. I've owned and driven probably upwards of 35 cars over the years. Peppy, amazingly reliable, gets great gas mileage, handles like a dream, cold A/C, hot heat, I put my sound system in this, tinted the windows. Back seats fold all the way down for a flat cargo space.Front seats very comfortable. Car is basic, but I just love it. Huge wild boar T-boned us in the middle of the night. Car got dented, but held its ground (hitting a boar is like hitting brick wall). So glad we shipped it to Europe. Automatic, A/C, sounds. Park it anywhere. Dude: what else do you want?
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Scion
I was hesitant to buy such a small car. Howerver, it has a really sporty ride and I feel comfortable and safe in it. My wife is from England where small cars are necessary. She loves the vehicle as well.
Speaker Upgrade Door & Cold Air
The Scion xA is a cute little car, some of the add ons where done at the dealer, so we had to wait to add this and that. We got the cold air intake, you won't get the extra boost, but the engine runs smoother. I did not like the door stereo upgrade, for what they charge I expected better. I told them I wanted my money back, and they just laughed.
Fun car to drive, but not at night.
I like this little car. I enjoy driving it, but not at night. It feels weird driving at night because you don't see the steering that well with the dark interior.
Where's the Mileage?
I like most everything about the car, which I purchased for my daughter. I am at 1,000 miles on the break-in and my gas mileage has been astonishingly LOW! My first four tanks have averaged in the low 20 MPG range. I own three other vehicles with two to three times the engine size and all except my Suburban get better mileage. My dealer states that I have to get it broken in and nothing's wrong. I have my doubts as to whether a few hundred miles more will do anything for this car. They may be getting this one back.