I went up to Scion of Lake City to check out the new 2006 Scion xA. From the pictures, I was quite unsure from the changes that have been made. Rest assured when I saw the car, Black Sand Pearl, in the flesh. I was quite surprised by the look of it. Now this is solely my opinion on the car. Please leave the bad evil comments elsewhere as I am only giving my thoughts on the car.

The Front:

Now from the pictures, the Scion emblem looks to be smaller. I will say this now that it isn't... or if it is, it isn't that noticable of a change. The new bumper has a agressive look to it, especially if one was to add the new fog lights to the car. While I do like the 2005 bumper, now seeing it in person made me a big fan of the 2006.

The new headlight isn't much of a real change in the '05... a slightly different shape, but that's all.

The new Grille is totally AWESOME I was very hesitant about this and I will say it looks ALOT better in person than the photos that was posted on the Toyota Press Release website. It really brings out the car, but it does now resemble most or less a "bulldog" look...when looking at it from the ground.

Mirror Turn Signals - Now this was something that I am still somewhat unsure of. Overall from a side angle I like it, but from the front it's kinda bland until you lower it and again, look at it from the ground up.... But I do like the addition of it for those that are into the safety end of it.

The Side:

Now for those that the now painted side skirts say it takes away from it... it does somewhat, but in another way it enhances the car. It's really going to depend on the person and what they expect from the car when they see it in person.

The Rear:

Well, as you guessed it, the rear bumper on this car totally and is utterly sucks. It looks like it is something that should belong on a truck or a old school Caddy... The rear bumper in Black, White and Blue really really takes away from what little shape and angle the bumper is. The only way I could tell there was any lines at all in the bumper was from the parking lot line on the ground. That was all. It looks very very lifeless back there and screams "grandma" vs what should be more towards "lets haul ___..." (couldn't think of anything catchy )

The new taillights are very nice. I would probably grade this more or less a tie between the cars. I really like the clear lens on it for the turn signal, but the TYC lights would still look and fit much better on the car.

Finally, the interior:

The interior is still the same, but it felt a bit softer than what it is in the 05's it could be just me and the fact I was in a 97 Ford Escort for an hour getting up to the dealership in the first place. I really like the new gauge color, kinda gives it more of a "racing" feel. The steering wheel controls are nicely placed as well and the iPod radio is a very nice touch. Add Sirius in it and you have the total package.

All and all I give the 2006 Scion xA a B.

Hot:
New front bumper and grille is a great addition to the car.
New taillights
Turn Signal Mirror covers
Gauges
Steering Wheel Audio Controls

Not:
REAR BUMPER... self explained above
Could have probably put the Aux and power supply in a better location. Those that want to get a armrest *boomerang to be more specific* may find this a turn off.
"New" headlights really aren't that "new"

On a personal note, I do look forward to getting my 2006 xA later on this month, however my first mod will be to track down a 2005 bumper and put it on the 06...

 

And btw, here is a link for the pictures to the 2006 xA

http://64.143.116.30/photo_library/d...t&kw=06ScionxA

 

I also went to check out and test drove the 2006 xA today at North County Scion in Anaheim, Ca. From the pictures i saw online of the new 06, i was a bit up in the air about the styling and it's changes. But those feelings completely vanished when i saw a 2006 Flint Mica xA. I instantly fell in love with it. The color is so nice on the xA, i'll probably get this color rather than the color i was gonna get, indigo ink pearl. Anyways, the painted side skirts, i must say, i completely love. It seriously does enhance the car. The mirror turn signals adds some personality to the car. The new grille looks way better in person, gives it a much more aggressive look to it. The front bumper, very nice, love it. From the pictures, i thought the back bumper sucked the life outta the xA's look but when i saw it today it didn't affect me in a negative way, i actually saw it and said to myself, "wow, this doesnt look too bad, hm." The new tail lights are really good lookin. To me they made the car look sporty but at the same time making it look elegant(but in non-boring way). The interior's fabric you could notice the difference of how much softer it is for the 06. The steering wheel controls are easy to use while driving and seriously what other car are you gonna find this feature at 14k? The new look for the guages isn't too much of a difference but it does add a less plain look to the dash. The ipod connection and AUX i think is placed perfectly, because its close to the passenger seat and cup holders, where people usually place their mp3 players at anyways. Overall the car to me, felt a lot more solid and sexy I have fallen in love with the xA in Flint Mica, such a beautiful color. After I test drivie a few other cars, im almost positive my conclusion will end up with the 06 xA.

 

Thanks for the review!

Actually, now that I thought about the aux and power... I forgot that the iPod has that cup holder accessory heh.

 

I test drove my new '06 Scion xA today. Its "Salsa Red", but when I drove it they just got it off the truck... So it didn't have the mirrors on it or anything (there was a box where the radio would go), but I am going to pick it up tomorrow when they have it put together. I liked it, it looks nice, the interior is good, and I am lovin' the 38 miles to the gallon! (the car had one mile on it when I took it out... That was kind of weird.)

However, I do have some questions. Does anyone know if the lowering springs void the warrenty in any way? I am just a bit confused by the language that is used on the website. Also, does anyone have any information on the little iPod jack? The seller guy had no clue, and I was just wondering how difficult one of those would be to put in.

 

Anything, and everything, can void the warrenty, if not done with the dealer. That simple.

See, the dealer holds the cards, and you got to deal with what they deal you.

So lower it with TRD springs. The dealer sells them, and you get your car covered that way.

It's what I did.

 

So, just pay the $189 and make the dealer do it... Thanks.

 

you are partly correct with your statement, but doing modifications do not void the warranty on your car. lets say you lowered your car by yourself with non trd springs and you end up blowing your struts... you have no argument with a dealer. now on the other hand, if you lower your car and lets say part of your engine farks up (completely unrelated to the suspension) he still has to accept your warranty. as long as you explain to him... "sir, the suspension in no way has affected my engine, and that is completely obvious" he cannot say "well because you have non factory parts on the car, your warranty is completely void". there has been an act passed that allows people to mod their cars and not void the cars overall warranty. its only if the dealer can prove that the mod youve installed has affected the broken part in question then he doesnt have to honor your warranty.

btw if you want a mild drop, trd is not a bad choice- but there are better choices still for a mild/midrange drop (better ride quality & comfort)

now... as to not be a thread jacker... hearing these opinions of the 06 strengthen my idea to change out the 05 taillights with that of the 06 (and definitely the head unit- if possible!.. still torn btw that and the tyc... hmmm

jon

 

i chatted with a scion rep named rob and he said the new head unit is not compatible with the old ones . as far as swapping tail lights on the new '06 xa, he has no info on it yet

so did you notice the tail lights look similar to the old ones???

 

Well, maybe in the Fairy Dealer Land...but take it from me; I have heard the dealer try to weasal out of warranty work, just because some one did aftermarket tricks to their Box.

Even un-related to the repair. Now, the smart person, won't stand for it, but the average nit, just does not know any better.

Heck, I was there one day, and this guy rolls in with his aftermarket rims on his Box. His problem? The front clip on the fender was loose; all he wanted was to have it replaced. The service guy started to tell him how his aftermarket rims affected the warranty, and would void it.

I was there, and stepped up, saying, 'How can RIMS affect the clip on the fender?'

He was taken aback. He replaced the clip. It was like a five minute install.

I have also heard how if you put any other CAI on the engine other then the one SCION approves of, you will face hassles from them, when it comes to engine warranty issues...

Not all dealers are like that, I am sure. But a lot are. Heck, I could not even get my dealer to replace my worn out mats. Nine months, and they wear out? I did not feel like fighting him on it, so I bought new ones, but still, on such a cheap item, you would think they would have just gave them to me...