hi-mpg.org Ratings for
2004-2006 Scion xA
| Price: | $12,000
(in 2004) |
| Style: | 5 |
| Performance: | 4 |
| Luxury: | 6 |
| Utility: | 8 |
| Fun: | 5 |
| Value: | 7 |
| Overall: |
5.83 |
| | Ratings scale: 1-10; 10 = best |
The xA was one of the original products from Toyota's new division, Scion.
Scion was conceived to fill the small-car void left by Toyota which, over the years,
were making their cars larger, more powerful, and seemingly able to attract
primarily older people to their showrooms.
Toyota has done a commendable job with its new brand and its success has helped
propel Toyota past Ford as the world's #2 largest automaker. There are several
things we like about all Scions: 1) They dare to be different, without being
gaudy, whether it be the interior and exterior styling or having an instrument
cluster that is situated in the middle of the dash. 2) They unabashedly
use low-displacement, high fuel-economy engines, such as a 1.5-liter 4-banger
that is sporty and relatively smooth. 3) They are exceptionally roomy for
cars of their length, and are especially generous with headroom and cargo
space. 4) They exude higher-quality fit, finish, and materials than
one might expect of cars of their price. 5) Speaking of price, they
are some of the lowest-priced new cars on the market, with high resale value.
6) Despite exceeding sales expectations they are still unique and not nearly
as ubiquitous as, say, Honda Civics.
Of Scion's original models, the xA is our favorite mainly because of how handsome
it is, while its boxy xB sibling still does not look quite right in the
eyes of the staff at hi-mpg.org. From the interestingly-shaped taillights
to the Gen-X--but not cheap-looking--dash, the car can be described as
both elegant and chic. Its driving dynamics are sporty enough and though
not quite up to the uber-sports standard of the Mini,
we sometimes think of the xA as "a four-door Mini". The proportions are not
too different, fuel economy about the same, and risks have been taken
with the styling of both the interior and exterior.
In addition, it's fun to drive,
pleasing to look at, all while providing great fuel economy, making it a
certified hi-mpg.org Hot Green Machine.
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