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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Unique and Eclectic, Great for the City... - 2006 Scion XB
By The_Box - May 17 - 6:33 amI purchased my xB because I was attracted to its unique shape, efficiency, interior space, and low price. I bought it with the full intention of customizing it a bit to express my personal style. After a year of ownership my xB has served me well without a single hiccup. It delivers excellent gas mileage when its warm-around 32 mpg, however falls to a dismal 25/26 mpg when its cold out. I love the xBs funk factor and unique shape. The kids especially love it; once at a drive-in, a little boy called it a little limo. However, the xB suffers from lackluster materials, and is certainly not meant for highway driving. At high speeds (75+) the xBs engine is overwhelmed @ 3700 RMP and starts to suck gas.
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scion xb - 2005 Scion XB
By let - May 16 - 4:26 amgreat fun to drive. plenty of room. love the standard features
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Bang for the Buck!!! - 2005 Scion XB
By jimmy5150 - May 13 - 10:00 amWhen reseaching vehicles under $15,000, on paper the xB is the clear winner. After driving it for a week, "the box" delivers. All of the comforts I wanted...A/C, power locks, mirrors and windows...auto....the list goes on. While being a little tight in the "hip and shoulder department", the xB has got tons of leg and headroom. The leg room does come at a cost, very little cargo room with rear seats up. The ride is choppy and rough. The vehcile is underpowered, but sufficent for most driving. And it handles well...really well. Stick in a turn and keep the gas on..it might not go fast in straight line, but it makes a turn fun!!!
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The perfect vehicle! - 2005 Scion XB
By dancsontos - May 13 - 10:00 amI bought this for my wife and she loves it so much! And I do as well! She had a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport and she didnt think shed like as much, but she would never look back now. SO much space, adequate power, great gas mileage, and dependibilty combined with head-turning style will keep this car in our driveway for a long time.
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Happy with 08 - 2008 Scion XB
By mark mckee - May 12 - 5:10 pmOverall the car has good pickup for a 4 cylinder. I am getting 27.5 mpg driving 16 miles through 30 stoplights in a major us city. No one can believe the interior room the car has. Went out on a double date and fit 4 adults in the car comfortably. I do suggest upgrading the radio to the second upgrade pioneer if you want to enhance the sound quality in the future. I have added a bazooka subwoofer aftermarket and the audio installers could not believe the quality of stereo that came from the factory. The ride is smooth for a small size vehicle. Overall people like to ask me about the car. Everywhere you go someone will be looking at it wondering what it is.
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I am in Love with my X-Box - 2006 Scion XB
By jennifer - May 10 - 10:43 pmI get 35 mpg in my Scion xB! Thats right. I love it. It is so much fun to drive and I get major looks around town. The kids love it too. The standard features are awsome and the satilite radio is cool. My dealer gave me Sirus free for 9 months and threw in a free cruise control!
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Scion xB - The Best Deal Money Can Buy! - 2005 Scion XB
By Jeffrey A. - May 7 - 9:50 pmIve had my xB for two years and still love it the way I did when I brought it home. Its getting 33 mpg and still gets plenty of attention on the street and at shows. If you want a vehicle that dang near does it all the xB has you covered and then some.
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Scion Is Great - 2006 Scion XB
By amy - May 5 - 10:50 pmI think this is a great vehicle. The interior has plenty of room . My husband is 6 feet tall and has plenty of room in it. It gets great gas mileage.
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Best of both WORLDS - 2009 Scion XB
By YouthPastor - May 5 - 12:36 amIve had many new cars in the last 11-yrs. 2 Grand Prixs, Grand Am, Dakota, Colorado, Town & Country, Spectra, Ranger, Sable and now the Scion XB 09 So far, the Scion is THE BEST car Ive ever owned. My 3 kids (7,5,1) fit in the back seat with car seats. Only the Van has done that..and the GP but with denting the interior armrests. Has tether point for all back seats (lower & Upper). Tons of Trunk space. Every Safety feature, trac control, stability control, brake assist, anti-lock, 6 Airbags (that alone is worth half the value of the XB). A very powerful 4-cyl while being very fuel efficient! Getting 30 mpg avg. Head-turning style. Great ride. Fun to drive. GREAT resale value!
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The Best - 2006 Scion XB
By Jan Machado - May 3 - 3:40 pmI did a lot of research before I bought this car, and I have no regrets! I bought the 5-speed manual. We live in snow country and it handles like a dream with studded tires. There is a ton of room inside. I like the look of the car. I have averaged 32 mpg from the start. The only thing I missed was a center arm rest but hey, with the over all quality and gas mileage thats not a biggie. Yes I know I can buy a center arm rest, but thought it a bit pricey. I had a PT Cruiser for many years, and did not give it a second thought when I drove away in my xB. I dont feel this car lacks power but then, I dont feel the need to drive at 70 mph, 55 mph is just fine.
