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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  LOVE my box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By denjb - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Its FUN to drive, looks cute, commands attention. The gas mileage attracted me to it, then the unique look sealed the deal. I love it as-is. The only addition I plan to make to it is get some alloy wheels for it. Its the most original vehicle on the market. Scion did right where Honda went wrong with the Element. Its so incredibly roomy inside and I can carry four adults with PLENTY of room. Its cavernous for such a small car! Ive got NO complaints about it at all, so far its lived up to and beyond all of my expectations.

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  its weird but neat :) - 2004 Scion XB
  By Rex Scates - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I am just gettign it but am laready impressed. more to follow in a few months. but so far so good.

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  2008 Scion xB(2nd gen) - 2008 Scion XB
  By Tj2008 - September 24 - 7:23 pm

  I got this car after trading in my 2007 Honda civic and I love the xb it is way more fun to drive! And there is a lot more passenger space and its great that it came with the first two recommended services free! I never fell like I dont have a lot of power the engine has great get up and go, and this car is easy to park and everyone is suprised by how much room it has on the inside. Though not as much as the first generation xb (really boxy one) you still get a lot of people staring there is nothing quite like it one the road and that makes it so great! The automatic trans. Even though a four speed it gets decent mpgs. My best mpg I got was on a trip to the beach hwy and it was 33.3 mpg!

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  impressed owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By rusell palmer - September 21 - 6:13 am

  getting in/out a pleasure..plenty of zip

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  I Like It! - 2006 Scion XB
  By MYNEWCAR - September 17 - 4:00 am

  Im a professional photographer and I do a lot of intown driving and sometimes hit the road for business as well. The Scion xB is going to be one of my better buying dicissions. Its really roomy for my equipment and my Bassett Hound. The sound system is awesome. It has a really smooth ride, too. Its so roomy to drive in. Im 50 years old and I think that its great!

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  Love the Box - 2008 Scion XB
  By ronhawk62 - September 16 - 10:23 am

  Ive put about 1500 miles on the box in two weeks and it has been excellent, so far. Ive been getting over 32 mpg on trips and about 27 in everyday commuting, way better than expected. Im 63" and have plenty of room and the ride is surprisingly quiet on the highway. The engine has excellent power and the transmission works seemlessly. It handles very well and Im more than pleased with my purchase. I like this car better than my previous car, a 2002 Lexus ES 300, and I really liked it.

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  Almost glowing - 2009 Scion XB
  By PA Deerhunter - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  I like this car a lot but I find the suspension to be a little "bouncy" for my taste. Acceleration is surprisingly good and I find it to be exceptionally maneuverable. Biggest gripe: No Daytime Running Lights, not even as an option. Lights are required in work zones here, so thats annoying. My wife is petite, so she has to use a cushion because the side mirrors are in an awkward spot in her field of view. Other than that, its a real crowd-pleaser. Lots of people come up and want to talk about it.

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  I love my toaster - 2008 Scion XB
  By Dan - September 2 - 12:36 am

  I love my toaster. Despite being razzed about it at work, it really is a well built car. Great functionality, a ton of room on the inside, great value. You can really soup it up, or leave it bare - youre choice! Tons of available aftermarket and TRD accessories. You cant beat this car!!!

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  love the xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By Cohpro - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned my xb for a few weeks, but love it. grand children love it also. Lots of room had intake system put on it for a bit more power and am having 2 sunroofs installed and it will be great. Looked at alot of cars fell totally in love with this one. wouldnt trade for anything.

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  Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By LVBoxman - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I find the Scion xB a great vehicle to own its attention grabbing style are great,some like it some dont, but like it or not it will get your attention. The interior is very roomy with room for 5 it a good vehicle for a small family, just about power everything windows,door locks,outside mirrors, keyless remote entry. this vehicle comes standard equipped with lots of things that would be an option on many vehicles at this price range. but with many dealer installed available options the price of the car can go up very fast. With that said I think Ill be very happy with my purchase for many years to come.