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:

• 

  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!

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  this is a drivers car - 2009 Scion XB
  By vb xb - June 22 - 11:16 am

  I purchased my 2009 xb last year and I love it. This car is great on gas despite what the critics say, I average 28 mpg with the 5 speed manual. I needed something bigger than a car to carry my tools but still got good gas millage and was sporty. I get compliments all the time on its looks and back seat space. I want to add the trd clutch, shifter and maybe the intercooler eventually but I am really happy I bought this wagon. The cd player upgrade is a must for any die hard music lover, I got mine upgraded for free! Thanks checkerd flag Toyota. All in all this is one bad a$$ little toaster and I know it will last me for years to come.

• 

  just got one! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Krystof Andres - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Xb, I love the styling, the fuel economy, and its a ball to drive. I only have 50 miles on it so far but its been a fun 50 miles. Looking forward for future "hop-ups" to modify the vehicle.

• 

  XB stands for xceptional buy - 2005 Scion XB
  By pitchaman - June 5 - 10:00 am

  when i first saw it i thought it was very unattractive but once i took it on a test drive,then stretched out in the roomy backseat area with plenty of head room i was sold.i receive so many stares from passerbys its crazy.they all are impressed want to know what is it, who makes it,how much is it,they are floored when i give them their answers.i drove it to kentucky and it was an enjoyable trip,6 disc cd changer is the bomb.the l.e.d. lighting at night inside the vehicle is romantic.i cant wait to join a scion club i"ll be a member for life.

• 

  Proud Owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dorrial - June 3 - 9:56 am

  I purchased my Scion new and plan on keeping this model for many years. It is fun to drive, the visibility is exceptionally good, my mileage is anywhere between 30 and 35 MPG depending on how many people are in the car or, what I am transporting to college. Compared to the 2008, which is larger and not as pretty am mine, Ill stick to my 2005 XB.

• 

  Surprisingly awesome - 2011 Scion XB
  By Carolina T - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to test drive the Toyota Matrix, and saw the XB sitting there. After test driving the Matrix and being unimpressed with the handling, I asked the dealer if I could test the Scion. I was amazed at how zippy this car is, especially for its size. I fell in love with the car right away, and bought it, and now I am a total convert. The car handles like a sportier, smaller car, but it has all the room in the world, and its got personality. Win.

• 

  Great Car! Great Price! Well Equipped. G - 2004 Scion XB
  By Dick1234 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ill write a review later after Ive had it for a longer period of time. I was delighted that this car was just becoming available as I started shopping for a new car.