2005 Scion xA Review

The oddly named xA hatchback sedan is the least expensive car from Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line. That should give this model an advantage over some rivals because the words "low-priced'' and "youth-oriented'' go together well.

The largely unchanged 2005 Scion line is comprised of the functional -- and rather funky looking -- xA, boxy-but-roomy xB and sleek tC coupe. The xA starts at $12,480, while the xB begins at $13,680 and the tC starts at $15,950. All three are different enough to provide Scion buyers with significantly different choices.

I found while testing these small models that they have Toyota's typical solid construction, tight body panel fits and attractive interiors. It can be safely assumed that they have Toyota's solid reputation for reliability.

Resale value is a question mark because the Scion line is too new to get a reading on depreciation. But there should be no worries in that regard because Toyotas have high resale value and everyone will know Scions are a Toyota product when they hit the used-car market in significant numbers.

The front-drive xA uses the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from Toyota's small, efficient Echo sedan. The Echo, which starts at $10,355, was designed to be a youth-market car, but it's been largely ignored by young buyers. That's partly because it looks like an awkwardly scaled-down version of a larger Toyota and faces competition from less quirky looking entry level competitors.

The xA engine has 108 horsepower and provides lively acceleration to 60 mph. But it's too small to provide anything but marginal punch above that speed. The Echo has livelier acceleration because it weighs 2,035 pounds, compared to 2,340 for the xA.

While smooth, the short gearing of the xA lets the engine register a high 3,000 rpm on its tachometer at 60 mph in fifth gear, while most small cars settle around 2,500 rpm at that speed. The engine calls for lots of revs to generate good power and torque.

There's a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. The automatic transmission increases the xA price to $13,280 and reduces acceleration a bit.

The xA is a fuel-miser with either transmission: It provides an estimated 32 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway with the manual gearbox and approximately the same figures with the automatic. Only regular-grade fuel is required.

The xA is the most fun with the manual gearbox, which has slick shifter action and works with an easily used short-throw clutch. The xA hits 60 mph from a standing start in a decent 8.8 seconds with the manual transmission if the car is driven hard.

The power rack-and-pinion steering is quick, and a soft suspension provides a smooth ride. However, the suspension and rather narrow tires result in average handling, with pronounced cornering lean. Braking is good, with nice pedal action.

Unlike some low-buck cars, the xA is very well equipped -- in fact, too well equipped for Toyota to make money on a built-in-Japan car without cashing in on options for it.

Standard are air conditioning; an impressive, high-mounted AM/FM/CD six-speaker sound system; rear defogger and wiper; intermittent wipers; 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and power door locks, windows and dual color-keyed mirrors. The mirrors go with color-keyed bumpers and door handles to help give the xA an upscale look.

Major options include $499 remote keyless entry, a $395 AM/FM radio with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and $695 satellite radio.

Best ignored are the $299 cup holder lighting, $280 footwell lighting, $79 aluminum "sport'' pedal covers and $385 rear spoiler, which looks rather silly.

Some might want to spring for the handsome $665 10-spoke alloy wheels, but it'd be no fun keeping them clean on salted Chicago area winter roads.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution for surer panic stops. Optional are $650 front torso side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.

Upright seating helps allow room for four 6-footers, although a tall passenger will find leg room tight behind a driver who moves his seat back a lot. The front bucket seats offer good support, but the rear seat has a short cushion that doesn't provide much thigh support. Rear door openings are narrow, and the back windows don't roll down all the way.

Gauges and warning lights are in a small center dashboard pod that isn't angled toward the driver. Front cupholders invite spills because they're set low at the front of the console. Front doors have small storage pockets, and the glove compartment is small -- as are sun visors, radio controls and inside door handles. However, outside door handles are easily grasped.

The hatchback design is convenient when loading cargo, although there isn't much cargo space without flipping forward the rear seatbacks, which fold fairly flat.

Being a Toyota, the xA should be reliable and hold up well.

2005 SCION XA

PRICES
$12,480-$13,280

LIKES
Roomy. Nice ride. Quick steering. Good fuel economy.

DISLIKES
Lazy passing at highway speeds. Short rear seat cushion. Center gauge cluster.