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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  Great except for the windshields - 2006 Scion XB
  By DUCricket - December 28 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years. I loved the unique design and interior room. The interior design looks a little cheap, but better than the TC. I still love the vehicle, except for the fact that I am going onto my third windshield in two years. I just replaced the windshield three months ago and the new windshield is cracked already. Theres a whole section on this site about the windshields always cracking. Great car except for the windshields. Be prepared to pay money for replacements.

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  Exterior Design Flaw - 2006 Scion XB
  By OneDriver - November 13 - 2:56 pm

  The front and back end designs are poor. The front end drags on anything too high, pulls the front end bumper and grill off very easily. Then, the plastic fasteners break, leaving the front end hanging. Pushed back in, even the wind can pull it off. Dangerous. Should be a recall.

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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By nzl - August 9 - 8:03 am

  It can be a fun car and for most people it probably is, but the construction is POOR. If I had to do it over again I wouldnt buy it. If you want a car that is fuel efficient and performs reasonably well on the freeway, this car is it. But it is really noisy. All the doors and dashboard rattle so loudly that you can hear it over the radio, unless you set the volume high all the time. Its been to dealer three times, the first two times they fixed it, now they claim they dont hear any unusual noise. If you dont mind loud rattling noise they buy this piece of junk. Note: the dealers loaners with less than 10,000 miles were extremely bad with rattling noise as well, so this is a pattern is all their cars.

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  Dont buy it for the gas mileage!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mrchet - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Pros. It turns a lot of heads. It has great interior room especially in the back seats. Hold 4 adults with easy, but not their luggage. Cons. Underpowered, poor mileage. 25mpg low with a high of 28mpg and thats combined. Rougher ride than it needs to be. Softer springs and stiffer sway bars would help. Short wheelbase makes it choppy going over freeway slabs. Steering wheel position is left of center and too low. It really needs a center arm rest. Transmits road noise into the cabin easily. Dynamat in all the doors helped. Bottom Line: I wouldnt buy one again!

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  owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By rBell - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Poorly made for a Toyota but thats why they didnt put the Toyota name on it.

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  only (2) weeks - 2008 Scion XB
  By tom - October 22 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased this car for several reasons. My 06 HHR had 70K miles and was starting to FALL APART! I needed a wagon type for business giving good mileage. I purchased a Black XB and added 18" X 8.5 Enkei wheels with 225/40 tires. Tinted the front windows to match rears. So far the car is good, few complaints, cant see the radio during day light is Big issue. Arm rest is useless, trying to get dealer to install one on pass. side. Mileage about 24 average, hope it gets better. I put so many miles on a car in just a few years, I hope resale and reliability is better then HHR.

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  Not so Happy - 2006 Scion XB
  By dee - October 2 - 5:56 pm

  My 2006 Scion xB has a bumpy ride. Ive only had it since May 2005. I thought it was a fun car in the beginning but it has no pickup upon take off. Is anybody else having the same problem?

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  Im sorry, I have buyers remorse - 2006 Scion XB
  By Marian - December 15 - 7:00 am

  I have almost 5,000 miles on my 2006 XB. So far the windshield wiper rubber part came off of the metal causing theit to stick up and scrape the paint off my car. It is now rusting. The windshield is so straight that rocks chip it VERY easy (4 times already)! I need a new one. The radio sounds horrible and when I turn volume up. When I turn sharp corners the radio station changes. Ive lived at beach for years never had problems with door parts getting bent due to the wind!! A "little" peice of metal is bent and I have to slam door shut to close it and now the window only rolls down 3 inches! Also the interior lighting is bad. Its seats are VERY uncomfortable. And it drives like a go cart. If you are used to small cars this wont be a problem for you.

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  fun but not comfortable - 2009 Scion XB
  By waw - May 27 - 9:56 am

  This is by far the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven. The seat bottom is short and offers little support. The steering wheel is too far away. The armrest is too low and the sill is too high. My knee hits the console at a very uncomfortable spot. The trans shifts at the slightest incline. The brakes are sensitive as well as the gas pedal.

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  Toyota quality slipping - 2004 Scion XB
  By Steven41 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Scion Xb about three weeks ago and for the most part its a good car/wagon/whatever. It has tonsof room inside yet it is so small on the outside. The 6-disc stereo is far better than the BOSE stereo in my Audi A4. The bad --rear bumper is already loose and looks like its coming off. Rubber trim coming off, rattles in dash. Rotten MPG