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 frig on wheels! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Eli - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive thrown it into some high speed turns and it handles great. I like the overall look of the exterior and interior of the car, and have found the quality to be great. The leg rooms the best, but unfortunately since theres alot of leg room, storage space is tiny. One other thing is that I wish the engine had a bit mor umph to it. Oh well, even so I still love the car, and dont regret buying it.

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  my 09 xb - 2009 Scion XB
  By dennis pepper - November 22 - 7:43 am

  We love the xb. Inexpensive. Simple pricing. Comfortable. Excellent acceleration. Roomy and a blast to drive. Average mileage for the first 1500 miles is 25.9. Really like all the accessories that are available. Kind of like getting your 1st Harley and then start adding chrome etc. Im buying another one this week for myself.

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  Bought a 4 y/o Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert V - November 20 - 2:20 am

  I have been driving minivans for years. A few months ago, lost one because it was totaled. My wife was tired of mom-mobile and wanted something "cute." After reading a lot of reviews, we narrowed it down to used xB or a new Cube or Soul. I found a nice xB on Craigslist and bought it last week in Dallas, drove it home to Atlanta. First thing I love is the fuel mileage. In traffic, I got about 30MPG. Cruising at 70mph on highway, got 40MPG (240 miles/ 6.2 gals). Interior is roomy and comfy. Cool, or "cute" factor is incomparable. Yes, it is square shaped, and yes, wind noise is slightly louder than minivans-but, it is not bad.

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  My Scion Xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By Barbara Burgess - November 19 - 9:56 am

  I purchased my Scion Xb last April. I thought it was the weirdest car I had ever seen and I had to get it! I am not a kid. I am in my mid 50s. I really love the car. I am constantly being stopped on the street by people asking me about it. I am a great salesperson for the car. There are a couple of things that could use some changes inside, but they are minor. The worst thing is that you can not get cruise control factory installed, and the one they put in is absolutely horrible! My husband likes to drive it so much that I think he will get one for his next car.

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  quality car - 2013 Scion XB
  By Javier Jimenez - November 17 - 2:18 pm

  I love my XB. Reliable, smooth, powerful, everything I expected from my 4th Toyota.

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  2006 Scion XB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jorge - November 12 - 4:10 am

  The 2006 Scion xB is an outstanding vehicle for the money. It handles quite nicely and gets great gas mileage. I have been averaging 32 mpg. in the city and on the highway combined. I have no regrets in purchasing the vehicle and have heard countless positive comments from friends and others about the car. Many have told me that you get a lot of car of the money and since its made by Toyota, it will be a reliable car.

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  Old folks can drive the Box too! - 2006 Scion XB
  By TAX BOX - November 12 - 1:30 am

  We own 2004 Vovlo XC90 SUV as primary vehicle. Both vehicles have anti-lock brakes, roll-over control (VSC), and excellent, proven drivetrain/safety records (Toyota). Scion beats our Volvo SUV for; gas mileage (35 vs 21), comfort/room, standard features, visability, utility, and fun factor to drive. I can buy 3 of these for 1 Volvo SUV. Four older couples on a recent trip told me it reminds them of the VW bug when it first came out (a car ahead of its time). I bought this car for business travel. (Im in my 40s) My wife said she would rather drive the Scion than her $45,000 SUV. Its our family car of choice now. Thanks, Scion! Long live the Box!

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  Best car ever!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By CC Scion - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best. Lots of interior room, great gas mileage, 6- speaker Pioneer radio/MP3/cd, much much more....

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  Cool Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Big Jake - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Just recieved my Hot Lava XB and other than the gas milage being 28/31 not a complaint in the world. This car is the most fun Ive had in years. Its not a generation Y car its a generation E for everyone car.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion XB
  By the provinces - November 9 - 6:20 am

  Not only does this car have charming, if whimsical, looks, its also a tremendous gas saver. We traded in our Ford Explorer for it and couldnt be happier. While the initial attraction to the car was its great gas mileage and the excellent reports, we love its looks. We hear its a "toaster," but I think it looks like a little British Taxi Cab. We have the black standard 2006 with very few options (just the mats, cargo mat, IPod plug). So far (weve had it since 30 September 2005), its been dreamy. It was four-days-old and parked -- when someone first dinged it (parallel parking) and eight days old when a pebble kicked up and dinged the windshield. Were looking into a deflector.