2006 Scion xA Review
2006 Scion xA Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Handles well for an economy car, lengthy standard equipment list, comfortable seats, easy to load cargo, better deal than Toyota's Corolla.
Cons
- The cool stuff costs extra, modest passing power with automatic transmission, no cruise control.
What’s new
For 2006, the Scion xA gets a mild styling refresh that includes updated designs for the lower air intake, headlamps, taillamps, wheel covers and front grille. Inside, there is new seat fabric and the speedometer background is now white instead of last year's silver. The xA also receives a new steering wheel with audio controls, and the Pioneer audio system has a new head unit design and remote mini-jack port for portable music sources. Additionally, the xA offers dedicated Apple iPod connectivity, which delivers iPod display information and allows unit control and recharging through the audio system. Finally, the xA's horsepower rating drops from 108 to 103 due to new SAE testing procedures.
Edmunds says
Roomy and well equipped, the spunky Scion xA is one of the best buys for 2006 in the economy car segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Scion xA 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.57 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$148/mo for xA Base
xA Base
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
With the Scion car brand, Toyota is making a credible effort to understand the Generation Y market and give it what it wants without pushing it down its throat. Housed within Toyota dealerships, Scion salespeople are instructed to play it straight with consumers -- this means no-haggle pricing similar to Saturn dealers and the ability to get a car the way a customer wants it in about a week. And by offering over three dozen dealer-installed options, Scion hopes to give its buyers unprecedented opportunity to customize their cars on the front end.
Much has been made of the Scion xB, which looks like nothing else on the market, save for a passing resemblance to Honda's Element. In addition, it has tremendous passenger- and cargo-carrying capability for its size, making it an inexpensive way to lug about friends and gear. The smaller xA five-door hatchback, meanwhile, could almost pass for a regular Toyota. From some angles, it looks like a big-headed toddler version of the Matrix. And indeed both cars emphasize space efficiency through their tall seating positions and easy-folding rear seats. True, the Scion xA can't hold anywhere near as much stuff as the Matrix, nor does it have a wipe-clean load floor with cargo tracks, but with a base MSRP around 13 grand, we'll cut it some slack.
So what do you get for your money? Antilock brakes, air conditioning, a six-speaker Pioneer stereo with a CD player, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tachometer and power windows, locks, mirrors and steering -- in short, an impressive list for the lower end of the economy car segment. For comparison, most of this stuff is optional on the similarly sized Echo, and adding these items can quickly push its price above $15 grand. The only factory option on the Scion car is a set of side airbags for the front seat and full-length head curtain airbags (everything else is added a la carte at the dealership). Throw in a pleasant driving demeanor, and the well-equipped, reasonably priced 2006 Scion xA definitely begins to sound like a good car for someone under 30 -- and we daresay, someone of any age.
Performance & mpg
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder with variable valve timing. It's the same engine used in the Echo and xB, and it makes 103 horsepower. This isn't a lot by modern-day standards, and as the xA weighs almost 300 pounds more than the Echo, acceleration isn't as spirited. Still, the Scion xA has enough get-up-and-go for city driving, and it cruises along nicely on the highway. Passing maneuvers require a little more effort, particularly on cars with the four-speed automatic. A five-speed manual is the other transmission choice. Gas mileage is rated at 31 city, 37 highway with the automatic and 32/38 with the manual.
Safety
The Scion xA comes with antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, three-point belts in all five seating positions and a first aid kit. Side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are optional. An xA without side airbags earned four out of five stars in all government front- and side-impact crash tests.
Driving
Although the 2006 Scion xA is built on the same platform as the Echo (a car we've never considered a good handler), it's amazing what a set of 15-inch wheels and tires and a rear stabilizer bar can do. On the highway, the xA feels nicely connected to the road. Driven enthusiastically around a few twists and turns, the xA is more entertaining than its economy origins would suggest. While enthusiasts would be better served by a Mazda 3 or Civic, most drivers will be satisfied with the Scion's ride and handling.
Interior
Inside, the Scion xA is perfectly agreeable for an economy car. Various surfaces have been trimmed in faux aluminum that's more attractive than the stuff you'll find in some Toyotas. Lots of hard plastic is inevitable at this price, but most of it is low in gloss. The gauge cluster is mounted in the center of the dash and takes some getting used to. A tall cabin design yields a spacious feel and allows occupants to sit tall. Although the xA's backseat isn't as roomy as the xB's, its dimensions are on par with those of the larger Toyota Matrix. With the rear seats in use, there isn't much cargo space. Fold the seats and you'll have 32.8 cubic feet.
2006 Scion xA models
The Scion xA is sold as a single trim level. Each one comes with ABS; air conditioning; power windows, locks, mirrors and steering; a six-speaker Pioneer stereo with a CD player and remote mini-jack port; a rear wiper; rear defroster; a tachometer; and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. The only factory option is a side airbag package, but there are about 40 dealer-installed options. This list includes a CD changer, satellite radio, a subwoofer, alloy wheels, a roof rack, keyless entry and a lighting kit for the footwell, just to name a few. Those seeking to eke out a bit more performance can opt for a strut tower brace and/or a cold air intake.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Scion xA.
5 star(79%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
185 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best new driver car and more
mszo23, 10/09/2013
2006 Scion xA 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
I got this car in 2010 a few days after I passed my driving exam. This was the first car I drove on the highway, and it taught me everything I need to know about safety driving. I bought it with 40,000mi on it and now I'm up to 90,000. This car has taken 4 1300mi trips from Upstate NY to Florida, a trip to Myrtle Beach, monthly trips to NYC, weekly trips to Niagara Falls, and much MUCH … more. It has never failed on me and I only had a minor issue (around a hundred bucks in repairs) once. It's a fantastic car and I'm planning on driving it until it can take no more, which I know will not happen for another few years.
5 out of 5 stars
Still Excellent 2004/4 xA @ 248,000 miles !
xajohn, 07/31/2013
2006 Scion xA 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
After owning various small cars:
- '56 VW bus
- Ducati 160 Monza Jr
- 1956 Chevy Carryall (stovebolt 6 - $25 very used)
- '67 Fiat 1100 R - 2nd best car, Dunlop radials, non-syncro 1st led to next car (ex could not figure out non-synchro 1st)
- '72 Toyota Corolla (2TC hemi 1600) only lasted 439,000 miles!
- Plymouth Champ (8 speed 1600)
- '74 VW Bug
- '85 RX-7 (oh well - sports car … days)
- '91 Geo Metro - 56 mpg until vacuum lines died
- Now driving '04 Scion Xa - 5-speed manual transmission
8/23 Update (19 years owned) - Still running like a top - replaced headlight assemblies which started leaking - Ruff-Tuff faux leather drivers seat cover replaced after 6 years - some under hood bearing noise - 248,000 miles
2/21 update - Still going strong, no further repairs, fewer miles now with Covid\D - 235,000 miles
8/20 update - Sent original Pioneer radio for repair - would not eject CD, listened to Stanley Jordan for several years ; -) - 231,000 miles
2/20 update - Had front struts & rear shocks replaced @ 225,000 miles - much less body-roll now - like new handling
8/18 update - 211,000 miles & going strong
6/17 repaint in Dodge Charger brilliant metallic green, easy to spot in parking lot
7/17 had professional install of front faux leather seat covers, fabric @ driver worn thru
xA wonderful car , the best of the lot as to handling, seating, view out (although rear blind spots)
Optioned w/ rear anti-sway bar, front tower brace, handles like a go-cart, twice the power compared to the Metro
MR-2 engine dual overhead cam, 16 valve, variable timing, CHAIN (not belt) - Dan Gurney got 750+ HP from same basic engine
Have had to replace A/C compressor (150 K) rear wheel bearings (100 K + -) each bearing assembly cost $300 before installation ! Starter @ 196 K
Print shop nearby has 3 xA's w/ 320,000 to 450,000 miles - still going strong - their automatic transmissions & A/C's have all been replaced though.
With luck this car will not ever need to be replaced .....
5 out of 5 stars
Great little car
j, 11/15/2010
2006 Scion xA 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
This has been the BEST car I've owned. Yes, it's little. Yes, it's basic. But if you want something that is awesome on gas mileage--39-40 mpg mixed and extremely reliable, this is your car. I have put over 86,000 on my XA w/o any problems. It handles great in the snow w/ decent tires, you can park anywhere and it always started--even when it dipped around 30 below.
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Little Car
lowryder@bikerider.com, 05/22/2016
2006 Scion xA 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this 2005 Xa Scion in 2007 with 31,200 Miles.
I have driven it for nine years so far. Regular oil changes,tires, and spark plugs. It has been the best car I have ever own so far. Now at 315,000 miles I can not complaint. I have replaced the alternator once at 260k miles., One driver side rear bearing around 279k miles, the water pump at around 302k miles.Front brakes only one … time. Battery about 3 times. I have done the work myself so the cost of parts is the only expense. Most of my driving is freeway miles. I drive it about 100/150 miles a day. A/C works very good since I bought it no problems.
I love my Xa scion , I wonder how many more miles I can drive in this vehicle.
2006 xA Highlights
Base MSRP | $12,780 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $148/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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