Overview & Reviews

Attracting the coveted 18-to-34-year-old age group is job one for Scion, the youth-oriented division of Toyota, and its xB wagon is the fashion centerpiece of the brand. Although the Scion xB has the body of a miniature delivery truck, even in its second generation this box still casts a distinctive silhouette.

We liked the first-generation xB for its distinctiveness; after all, it was little more than a rebadged version of a Japanese-market Toyota. Scion had the American market specifically in mind when it made the second-generation model bigger and more powerful, though some of the original's character was lost in the process. But overall, a new or used xB is a fine pick for a small and stylish wagon.

Current Scion xB
The Scion xB is offered in two trim levels: base and limited-production Release Series 10.0 (or RS 10.0). Standard features include air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker Pioneer sound system (with a CD player, HD radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an RCA output). The RS 10.0 adds unique exterior and interior trim, a rearview camera and wireless charging of applicable smartphones. Options are limited to transmission choice and dealer-installed items such as upgraded audio systems, a navigation system and different wheel designs.

Every xB sports a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy is disappointing, however, as it is similar to that of many compact SUVs.

Inside, the xB's boxy lines translate to a surprisingly roomy interior that allows you to transport three to four friends with no complaints from the backseat. It's so roomy that some cities even employ xBs as taxi cabs. When the time comes to haul stuff rather than people, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, revealing an impressive 70 cubic feet of space. That's actually bigger than many compact SUVs.

In road tests of the current xB, we found it feels fairly stable at highway speeds, although its slab-sided styling makes it vulnerable to crosswinds. The xB is responsive and confident at lower speeds, though over rough surfaces the ride can get a bit bumpy. We've never liked the centrally mounted primary gauges, but the climate controls couldn't be any easier to use and the standard touchscreen interface is fairly user-friendly – especially if you belong to Scion's younger, target demographic.

Used Scion xB Models
The present Scion xB was introduced for 2008, featuring larger dimensions and more power than the first generation. In its first two years, the steering wheel featured only a tilt adjustment, meaning taller drivers had an uncomfortable reach when driving. The later addition of a telescoping adjustment helped somewhat. Besides minor styling tweaks for 2013, the main difference points were the frequent changes, updates and additions to radio faceplates. The ones produced for 2010-'13 could be fairly complicated, but provided iPod control at a time when many other cars in its price range did not. Throughout the years there were also so-called "Release Series" models that featured special paint and interior trim.

The first-generation Scion xB was sold from 2004-'07. Initially it was sold only in California, and Scion gradually rolled it out to other big markets like Florida, New York and Texas. Nationwide sales began for the 2005 model year.

Standard equipment was better than average for a low-priced economy car, as every xB came with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks. Fifteen-inch steel wheels with your choice of plastic wheel covers were also standard, but you could get alloy wheels as a low-cost accessory. Side and head curtain airbags were optional.

The power source in every first-generation Scion xB was a 1.5-liter, inline-4-cylinder engine. In 2004 and '05, it was rated for 108 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. For the 2006 model year, new SAE certification procedures dropped the ratings to 103 hp and 101 lb-ft, although actual performance was unchanged. We recommend sticking with the five-speed manual transmission if you can, as it gives this xB respectable point-and-shoot capability in freeway traffic. With the four-speed automatic, acceleration can be sluggish.

For the 2006 model year, the xB's stereo head unit was redesigned to incorporate an MP3 player jack. Additionally, dedicated iPod owners had the option of purchasing a specialized unit that allowed for player control and recharging through the xB's stereo controls. Other accessories included a subwoofer, satellite radio, sport pedals and shift knob, and for the truly bored, backlit footwells and cupholders (in a variety of colors). A limited-edition Release Series 3.0 package for 2006 even provided a rear entertainment system with dual 7-inch LCD screens mounted in the front headrests.

User Reviews:

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  New Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By max&katy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The ride in this vehicle is exceptionally smooth. It has good pick- up speed and handles well around corners: really grips the road. They are accurate about the mileage, too. My first tank averaged 30 mpg, and that was with a week of city and highway driving. The interior is VERY roomy. Even when the front seats are all the way back, there is still plenty of leg room for the back seat passengers.

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  Good Little Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By JC3 - January 14 - 9:53 am

  Very well thought out car. We really like it. Fuel economy is a little less than I would like (real world) 24 city. We like it enough that we are going to buy a 2nd one!

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  PICK UP ONE SOON!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By JEMES - January 10 - 10:00 am

  ME AND MY WIFE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN APRIL OF 04. AT FIRST WE WERE SKEPTIC ABOUT PURCHASING THIS "SHOE BOX" AS PEOPLE REFERE TO IT. IN ALL ODDS THIS PURCHASE WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOVES WE MADE, THE CAR IS AMAZING! SPACIOUS, GOOD ON GAS,VERY STYLISH WE NOW CUSTOMIZED IT TO FIT OUR STYLE OFCOURSE. I REALY DO RECOMEND ONE.

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  So far so good! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Shu Box - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the heck out of it and for a little car with a ton of room inside, it has taken all I can give it, stuff in it, and still get me to work and back cheaply...

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  Toybox - 2005 Scion XB
  By Toybox6 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  First of all the dealership was great there was no pressure and the transaction was very fast and smooth.At first i though the car was ugly but upon futher investigation i fell in love and the rest is history

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  My Yellow Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Charles higgins - January 7 - 2:40 am

  As an owner of a 2005 Yellow Scion xB, when you leave the house you need to be dressed and have your hair in place. You will be waatched at red lights and when you pass people or park by someone at the mall. Their first question is who makes it and what sort of gas mileage does it get and, my god I cant believe how much room it has. Do you like it? YES.

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  OH WHAT A FEELING! - 2005 Scion XB
  By SCSCION - January 5 - 6:46 pm

  My wife and I bought our XB to replace an ageing Ford Probe GT, yes big difference in power, handling etc. but Oh the reliability. At the amazing price of $14,733 the car handles well gets good mileage (29MPG around town in stop & go traffic etc.) can move much more cargo and people than we ever could in our Probe. Ive got 800 miles on it now and expect it to "loosen-up" a little and return better mileage soon, who knows? Keep an eye on the paint up front, its prone to chips, after all it is a verticle slab your driving. All in all we both enjoy our XBs room, comfort, ease of entry, safety features etc. and see ourselves driving it for a LONG time as we only put on about 10,000K/yr.

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  best car i ever bought - 2004 Scion XB
  By alyiecat - January 5 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best car i ever bought, if you are thing about one.... get it !!!! traded in my explorer for this and im not sorry i did... the gas millage is great!!

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  Glad I got it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kevin2424 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. A head turner. Only issue I had was the keyless entry remotes were missing and had to go back to dealership twice to get it programmed. But fun car! I recommend it highly! Get the manual, Automatic is a dog!

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  Gotta Love the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By trek777 - December 18 - 10:03 am

  I find the Scion xB to be quite roomy. I was going to buy an xA untill I drove the xB and I wanted the extra room that the xB provides. It handles great, its fun to drive and it begs to be customized. I spent over three months researching and agonizing on what car to buy before I came to this decision and I feel you cant go wrong with an xB. It has everything I could ask for: reasonable fuel economy, seating for five, and cargo space when I need it.