Scion xA research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The xA was one of the first Scions: a small, inexpensive, well-equipped hatchback with a simple Toyota 1.5L four and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It was known for low running costs and easy parking. Every xA is now more than 20 years old, so condition, rust and maintenance history matter far more than the model year; the 2006 got a light refresh.
Model years covered: 2004–2006. The xA was sold only for the 2004-2006 model years, entirely before the 2011-2026 window; it is kept for complete Scion coverage. There was no 2007 xA, and the Scion xD replaced it for 2008.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Simple proven toyota mechanicals
- Low running costs
- Easy to park hatchback
- Available 5 speed manual
- Toyota dealer service network
- Very low purchase price
Things to know before you buy
- Over 20 years old condition is everything
- No stability control
- Dated safety and technology
- Original EPA ratings use older method
- Rust check in snow belt states
- Predates the 2011 2026 window
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2004–2006)
Launched nationwide with the Scion brand for 2004, the xA was the U.S. version of the Toyota ist, with a 108-hp 1.5L four and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic in a single trim personalized with dealer accessories and numbered Release Series editions. The 2006 refresh revised the bumpers and side skirts and added mirror turn signals, steering-wheel audio controls and an available iPod input. Imports ended in December 2006.
Buyer takeaway: Only for buyers who want very cheap, basic transportation and accept an older car's risks. Buy the best-maintained, rust-free example after an independent inspection; a 2006 adds minor conveniences.
Scion xA by model year
2006 Scion xA
The 2006 xA is the final year, with refreshed bumpers and side skirts, mirror-mounted turn signals, steering-wheel audio controls and an available iPod input. The 1.5L four was re-rated to 103 hp and 101 lb-ft under a new measurement standard, not a mechanical change. It was replaced by the Scion xD for 2008; there was no 2007 xA.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 103 hp 101 lb ft revised rating
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Refreshed bumpers and side skirts
- Turn signals added to side mirrors
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Available ipod input with head unit display
- Power rating revised to 103 hp without mechanical change
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Engine oil level and leaks; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Cooling system and hoses; Suspension struts and bushings; Rust in snow belt states; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
2005 Scion xA
The 2005 xA carries over the 108-hp 1.5L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, originally rated about 31-33 mpg city and 38-39 highway under the older EPA method. Limited, numbered Release Series editions with unique colors began during this period. Like all xAs, it is now an old car, so rust, suspension and maintenance history matter most.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 108 hp 105 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2004
- Release series limited editions begin
- Same 1.5 liter and transmissions
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Engine oil level and leaks; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Cooling system and hoses; Suspension struts and bushings; Rust in snow belt states; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
2004 Scion xA
The 2004 xA was one of Scion's first models: a small five-door hatchback based on the Japanese Toyota ist, with a 108-hp, 105 lb-ft 1.5L four and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It was originally rated about 32/38 mpg under the older EPA method (lower on today's scale). Now more than 20 years old, it should be bought strictly on condition and records.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 108 hp 105 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Scion brand launch model sold nationwide from 2004
- Based on the japanese toyota ist
- Single well equipped trim with dealer installed accessories
- 1.5 liter shared with the echo and first xb
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Manual or automatic resolution by VIN; Engine oil level and leaks; Automatic transmission shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Cooling system and hoses; Suspension struts and bushings; Rust in snow belt states; Air conditioning operation; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Age-Related Wear on a 20-Plus-Year-Old Car (2004–2006)
Every xA is now more than 20 years old. Rubber parts (hoses, belts, engine and suspension mounts), struts, air conditioning, exhaust and rust in snow-belt states are the usual concerns, and the car's maintenance history matters far more than its original reputation.
What to do: Have an independent mechanic inspect any xA before you buy. - Engine Oil Consumption, Leaks, and Cooling (2004–2006)
The 1.5L four is simple and widely used in Toyotas of the era, but at this age, oil leaks, some oil consumption and cooling-system wear are common. Check the oil level and condition and watch the temperature gauge on a longer test drive.
What to do: Check the oil and coolant before and after a longer test drive. - Transmission and Clutch Check (2004–2006)
The xA came with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. On an older car, check the automatic for slipping or harsh shifts and the manual clutch for slip or a high engagement point.
What to do: Road test through all gears and check fluid condition on automatics. - Safety and Technology Expectations (2004–2006)
The xA was designed in the early 2000s. It lacks electronic stability control (which became standard on the later xD), backup cameras and modern driver aids, and its audio system predates Bluetooth streaming.
What to do: If modern safety features matter, consider a later small car such as a Scion xD or iA. - Fuel Economy Rating Context (2004–2006)
The xA's original window-sticker ratings (about 31-33 mpg city and 38-39 highway) used the pre-2008 EPA method. Revised ratings on fueleconomy.gov are lower, and real-world mileage on an older car also depends on its condition.
What to do: Use the revised EPA figures on fueleconomy.gov to compare fuel costs. - Scion Brand, Toyota Successor, and xA Identification (2004–2006)
The Scion xA (2004-2006) was based on the Japanese-market Toyota ist. It predates this repository's 2011-2026 window and is included for complete Scion coverage. Imports ended in December 2006, there was no 2007 xA, and its successor was the 1.8L Scion xD (2008-2014). The xA shares its 1.5L engine with the first-generation xB and Toyota Echo, but not its body.
What to do: Confirm the exact model year and transmission by VIN before comparing prices or specs; any Toyota dealer can service the car and perform recall work.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. Toyota dealers perform recall work on Scion vehicles.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota Echo
- Toyota Yaris
- Hyundai Accent
- Kia Rio
- Chevrolet Aveo
- Honda Fit
- Scion xD
- Scion xB
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does the Scion xA have?
- What is the difference between the xA, xB and xD?
- What changed on the 2006 xA?
- Why does the 2006 xA have less horsepower?
- What fuel economy does the xA really get?
- What should I inspect on a 20-year-old xA?
- Who services a Scion now?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar small cars should I consider?