New Car Review of the 2005 Toyota Scion xA Compact Wagon/Sedan

Description: Compact Wagon/Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $12,530 - $13,330
Invoice Price Range: $11,903 - $12,663
Where built: Japan

Scion xA is an eensy-weensy four-door with big glass up front and the tail squared for a hatchback door. Despite tiny proportions for a boxy four-door with hatchback-style back door, the xA looks progressive, even daring. It stands tall like a cubist bubble on wheels which seems to tip forward due to the high tail and low nose united by the arching roof line. Inside, the cabin floor dips low so you can step aboard easily, and the ceiling bows high to fit tall chair-like seats.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that reaches to 108-hp through a manual 5-speed shifter or optional 4-speed automatic.

Toyota offers multiple components to customize the exterior package -- fog lamps, a tail spoiler, roof rack and sports parts from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). More fun comes on the inside with a six-speaker audio system by Pioneer with digital sound processing and a CD deck capable of playing MP3 files. Custom goods include a six-disc CD changer with audio display illumination that changes among ten colors, subwoofer by Bazooka Mobile Audio, LED light kit by Luxaura and sport pedals by OBX Racing Sports. Also, the xA Release Series 1.0 special edition, painted in bright Absolutely Red, packs a sports grille, moonroof and vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC).