2003 Scion xA 1.5 VVTi 4AT (105 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota introduced the Scion brand in 2003, and one of its first products was the xA, a model aimed at younger customers looking for their first car.

One of the first products introduced on the market under the Scion brand was the xA, which was a re-badged Toyota Ist made for Japan and the Middle East. The automaker considered that if the younger customers would get a box on wheels with a sound system, a climate control unit, and enough interior space for five, they would fall in love with it. Unfortunately, what the big brass in Toyota’s HQ thought didn’t match what Generation Y wanted, so the car didn’t enjoy too much success in the U.S., where the xA was sold.

The subcompact hatchback featured a pair of headlights flush to the bodywork, featuring its blinkers on the upper outer corners. The automaker created a two-slat design for the upper grille where the Scion badge took center stage. Lower, on the bumper, the designers added a second broad air intake flanked by round scoops for the fog lamps.

Toyota made the xA with a tall roof and a generous window area that started with a panoramic windshield that almost followed the same line as the steep hood. The flat roof extended towards the back of the car resembled the shape of the Toyota Matrix. Black B-, C-, and D-pillars created the image of a wrapped-around window surrounding the cabin. Only the A-pillars sported the body color. Thanks to the flared wheel arches, the xA looked sporty, even though it was mostly an excellent commuter car with no intentions of performing well on the quarter-mile run. At the back, the angular lines of the taillights flanked the wide tailgate for easy cargo access.

Inside, the xA greeted its customers with black materials for the door cards, dashboard, and seats. In addition, Scion installed light-gray trims with metallic accents. On top of the dashboard, the automaker placed the instrument cluster with black and white dials and needles. The high-mounted bucket seats at the front provided enough side bolstering for their occupants. At the same time, in the back, the split-folding bench seat was wide enough to carry three passengers. It could fold flat to extend the cargo area up to 32.8 cubic feet (929 liters), which was more than what a teenager needed.

Under the hood, the Scion xA featured a 1.5-liter gasoline engine shared with the Scion xB and the Toyota Echo. Thanks to its dual overhead camshaft and 16 valves, it provided 108 hp (109 PS), which it sent to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Standard ABS and ventilated front discs ensured parents that their teenagers should be safe while driving an xA.