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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  Awesome small UUV - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jonas Urba - July 11 - 9:43 am

  This is one awesome urban utility vehicle. As more people discover that Scion finally powered it with the Camry 2.4L engine (no longer a power plant that could not pull a dead bird off a fence), expanded the interior cabin space and polished the exterior lines a bit, it should be a huge hit for Scion. Love the black sand pearl paint job (looks like a small hearse) which fits my probate lawyer profession and personality to a tee. It is certainly a head turner in west central Florida. 3100 pounds really helps the ride and feel surpass a mint 420 SEL I once owned. Europe will have a tough time competing with this ride.

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  Over 100K Miles on My 2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Over 100K Miles - July 9 - 6:33 pm

  I am very happy with my 2005 xB and would buy another. There have been no problems in over 100,000 miles. I hope the next 100k miles are as good.

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  Has everything for 1 low price - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tony - July 7 - 10:43 pm

  This is by far the best auto Ive ever owned, based on price and standard features. Everything is power, windows locks, automatic, keyless entry, these are all standard features. Also has stablizers and many features only found on top end vehicles. These days one thing you look at is MPG and this car delivers on that as well. Very roomy interior, would fit a 6 footer no problem front or rear seat. Easy in and out for those with a bad back or putting child in and out of car seat. Being a Toyota and built entirely in Japan, you know the quality is there as well, (sorry American car mfgs, we have yet to beat the Japaneese in the auto world, truth be told...) Great Car at fair price!!!

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  Great car - 2008 Scion XB
  By michael - July 7 - 3:06 am

  I am 21, with a wife and a kid on the way, and was overjoyed to find a safe and reliable family car that is such a blast to drive, and very affordable on top of that. The pure price system left me knowing I got the best deal possible. And possibly the most important thing is that I know it was built by Toyota, and along with that comes a certain assurance of quality.

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  RELEASE SERIES - 2005 Scion XB
  By King of the Mountain - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the fuel economy as well as the space economy. They have utilized the space very well and have made what appears to be a small vehicle from the outside into a spacious vehicle on the inside. I am 64 240 and I actually have loads of leg room and mor importantly - head room!

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  I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By dallas, tx - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Good looks, super roomy inside. I can fold the seats completly flat and still fit a six or seven foot ladder in it. I drive about 500-700 miles a week, city and highway mileage (Im at 1500 miles after about two weeks of ownership). Im averaging about 28 mpg (a little less than I originally expected). Nit- picky complaints are that I wish the driver had an arm rest for their right arm, and that the tilt steering went down just a little bit further. Everywhere I go I get all kinds of inquiries and comments.

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  This little wagon kicks butt! - 2005 Scion XB
  By muzik man - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this XB after looking long and hard for something affordable,yet roomy enough to haul my music equipment.It can hold my small PA system and my keyboard, or my drumset.I had been driving a fullsize chevy van but the gas was starting to kill me. i have found a common ground with my XB!

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  great car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ricos - June 28 - 4:03 am

  Great car, good gas mileage, fun to drive Small turn radius. A great value for the money

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  So good had to buy two of them - 2008 Scion XB
  By BUSTER324 - June 25 - 12:40 am

  Recently purchased two 2008 xBs, one for me and one for my daugther. We are both very pleased with our new babies. Mine has the optional navigation in it. Hers has the deluxe Pioneer radio with XM. They are both white with automatic transmissions. Cannot believe the amount of stares we are getting from people as we drive. Overall I have only good things to say about the xB, but if there were any negatives, thus far for me it would be that the gas and brake pedals are a little to close together.

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  10k mile update - 2008 Scion XB
  By Pierce - June 23 - 12:53 am

  I reviewed this car back in 11/30/07 a couple weeks after I bought it. Now I have a little over 10k miles on it and I just finished a long road trip (600 miles each way). In mixed driving Im getting 27.5 mpg. On the long trip I averaged 30 mpg and wasnt tiptoeing.