Scion xA

Price Paid:  $13795.00 from Broadway Toyota, Ore

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Scion xa

Summary:
Bought the car b/ was looking for a hatchback that got good gas mileage (wish it was better) and would be reliable. But since buying it, have had consistent problems with the alignment - car pulls to either side and doesn't hold its alignment. took it in 4 times and still not fixed. am pursuing with knot-in-stomach with the dealer. something to be aware of for other potential buyers

Strengths:
zippy to drive, 29-33 mpg.

Weaknesses:
see above. alignment problems from the start (no I didn't hit any bumps) and dealer not helpful (yet?) in fixing or replacing

Similar Products Used:
have been an owner of used toyotas for most of my life. this was first new car purchase.

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $17500.00 from Palmdale,

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 scion XA

Summary:
Air bags are an impressive feature. The car handles well and can make sharp turns. I bought it because of the gas mileage rating of 32 to 38 mpg.

Strengths:
It is easy to park and I feel safe driving the vehicle. I like the simplicity of the controls. The overall look of the vehicle is appealing to the eye (cute).

Weaknesses:
I had to replace front brakes at l0000 and again at 20000 miles. Mileage averages around 25 mpg. The tires need to be replaced at 21000 miles. The dash material is very difficult to clean as are the seats. The rearview mirror blocks a large part of the driver's view of the road.

Similar Products Used:
I drove a Scion xB for two years. It averaged 26 mpg and the brakes didn't have to be redone until 30000 miles. I preferred the head room in this model. Also there was better visibility and the feeling of being in a larger auto.

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $14000.00 from Beechwood Toyota

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Scion xA

Summary:
Great car if you are looking for something economical bordering on fun. In 2004 when I first got this car it was by far the most attractive of the super compact hatchbacks out there. Nowadays I might opt for something else based on looks alone. If you are wanting to have any fun at all in this car get the 5 speed manual, makes it seem MUCH more zippy from the start as well as on the highway. Only problem I have had so far is a disc error with the 6/cd changer that the dealership is fidgeting over fixing, the problem comes and goes always fixing itself before I get to the dealer with it. If you are looking for big interior space get the scion xB instead, this car is not cramped but I often find myself having to put the back seats down for things like laundry baskets / totes. All in all no serious complaints, it is a great first car for someone on a budget, though you will find yourself wanting something a little faster and tougher when your budget allows.

Summary: I like this car alot, but it's a starter car. If they offered a sport trim I would consider buying one again in the future, but as is this one will be my first and last.

Strengths:
Price is great
Stands out compared to peers
Toyota built
5 Speed manual feels zippy
Gas mileage

Weaknesses:
Interior quality and design is so/so, but to be expected at price.
Speedometer in center will be annoying after a few speeding tickets.
Somewhat rough ride over uneven ground.
Highway noise is pretty impressively loud, probably why pioneer sound system comes standard.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.33 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $14400.00 from O'Brien Toyota India

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 xA

Summary:
I am so thankful I waited to ordered the 2006 model. The '06 has turn signal lights in the sideview mirrors, and AUX hookup for an IPOD, a new steering wheel with radio controls (the steering wheel from the tC), painted side moldings, new front/rear bumpers, new interior materials, etc. Everything that was lacking on the '04-'05 is now 'refreshed.' I almost bought one in '04 then in '05, I knew there was something turning me off, and now they have covered all of my concerns--the '06 looks less like a 'throw-away car.' Although for the price you couldn't be the '04-'05 in this segment. I ordered mine with keyless entry, armrest, floormats, alum. wheels, tint, 5-spd manual, polar white paint, etc. The car has exceeded my expectations, as did my experience with O'brien Toyota/Scion in Indianapolis. I was a pain to deal with and they were there to help me every step of the way. (Not to mention the salesman was highly attractive!)

Strengths:
The car says "Toyota" all over it;literally. The engine has a Toyota Symbol on it, not Scion; which is somewhat reassuring. Alloy wheels are a must, keyless entry, tint and stereo. White paint/grey interior.

Weaknesses:
The armrest is somewhat intrusive when you are driving in the city with a manual, it is in the way. The interior color is very dark, showing every peice of link/dirt/pebbles.

Similar Products Used:
Honda Accord. Great car, but can you say "Boring!" Not to mention if I ever hear the words "You need a timing chain," again, I may just spit.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $13300.00 from Fiore Toyota

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Scion xA

Summary:
I purchased my Phantom Grey Pearl Scion xA back in February. Since Scion has a "no haggle, no hassle" policy, the price you see is what you pay. It came to just over 13300 with tax etc. (I opted for the manual 5speed with no accessories). I have approx. 4500 miles on the car and am pleased with it. If you are looking for a small compact car with excellent gas-mileage, a low price, and good looks (if you consider it good looking). I don't really see how you can go wrong with this one. My only complaints are the lack of trunk space when leaving the rear seats in their regular upright position. The somewhat poor interior lighting (need a center dome light) or similar. And the obviously lack of power. It takes quite a bit to get it up to 80mph on the highway, and passing is sometimes out of the question. Of course, the lack of power is probably a good indication of the excellent gas mileage that this car provides. Overall and excellent, inexpensive car and when you come right down to it... its a Toyota.

Strengths:
Looks Gas Mileage Tons of Optional Accessories

Weaknesses:
Lack of Power Cargo Area Interior Lighting

Similar Products Used:
Honda Civic