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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  Scion sets high standards at low cost. - 2005 Scion XB
  By Allen Cooper - November 8 - 3:16 pm

  Do not buy if you dont like people staring or asking a lot of questions.I bought it for my wife but since gas prices have been so high my super crew sets in the driveway and I use the xBox to get around.We went to the GulfCoast and it performed great.WE averaged over 30 mpg and drove OVER the 70 mph speed limit!With 4 adults it was a comfortable trip.

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  Love It - 2004 Scion XB
  By Stephanie - October 28 - 1:16 am

  I love my 2004 Scion xB. At first my husband had to do some convincing but it paid out in the end! With gas prices the way they are you cant go wrong with this little car and you still have the room to haul things. It is a different car but its also fun to drive and watch the other people give you a weird look because it is so new to Minnesota.

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  My xBox; I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By bkc - October 20 - 7:10 am

  I knew I wanted a Scion Xb before I ever saw or drove one! The design is the coolest; sort of a cross between a Mini Cooper and a Hummer! The handling is great. Its get up and go is very good for such a small engine. The head and leg room are phenomenal (its bigger on the inside than it is on the outside!) The cargo space has not been a problem. Its not a luxury car, but you have to drive it!

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  scion xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By scion lover - October 18 - 3:20 am

  Fun and different. Either you love it or hate. I love it, mY teenage boys hate it. I didnt get any of the thrills- -only leather seats. Lots of room for 6ft boys. Could use more interior lighting. There is only one light in the middle of the car and its hard to see in the trunk area at nite.The xb handles very well and gas mileage is great. Price is very good.

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  Love to cube-it! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Steve - October 11 - 2:56 pm

  We got our Box in August 2003. It has been a great ride. Big inside, small outside -- howd they do it? Best features are reliability, fit & finish, thoughtful design, overall quality & its cheap to get, cheap to run. Plus, its fun to drive! Wish list: cruise control, side curtain airbags.

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  You owe it to yourself to drive this car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Tony B - October 6 - 6:23 pm

  We are new empty nesters and I wanted to trade my minivan on something fun. Im 54, but still have a pulse and a zest for life. I took my wife to the Toyota dealer to show her the Tacoma I had picked out. The xB caught her eye instantly. As much as I wanted a truck, she convinced me to test drive the Scion. Why are women always right? This thing is so cool and so much fun to drive. Its responsive, the ride is unbelievably tight and quiet, and it has plenty of passenger room and cargo space. The standard features are great, and I like the no hassle pricing. Were picking it up tomorrow.

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  Fast sleeper - 2009 Scion XB
  By Autocrosser - September 25 - 3:36 am

  I love this vehicle. I replaced a gas guzzler, 18 mpg, with this 27+ mpg, 80% hiway use car. I towed my race car with the replaced suv, and now I am autocrossing the xb. Ive finished first in every event this year, 12. I load up my overnight gear; sleeping bag, mattress, food, cooler, clothes, and helmet, and off I go. She rides smooth and quick, plenty of power.

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  What is it?!? - 2004 Scion XB
  By Teri B - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this upgraded golf cart/Toaster and love it. I own the hunter green color and put a darker tint on the front driver/passenger windows and glad I did. I am getting around town mileage 27 and hwy 39 if I keep it below 70!!! I bought this car in S CA and now I have moved to KY and the farmers are all scratching their heads when I drive around town.

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  URBAN DESTROYER VEHICLE - 2004 Scion XB
  By SPLOCK - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Over-all...this thing is an URBAN DESTROYER VEHICLE...UDV! All you self- esteem dropouts that need that MONSTER TRUCK/SUV to make you feel big, safe and important, well watch me make you feel like a pig that has just been zapped by a Tarantula Killer! Fast, smooth and incredibly well handling. By the time you FAT SUVs get onto the FWY, I am home and having a cold one...A true ZIPPEN MACHINE!

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  doodles review - 2005 Scion XB
  By doodles - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, great conversation starter and exceptional on gas