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 little used car - 2008 Scion XB
By jjjjjohnson - October 29 - 11:21 pmHappy with it PROS: great little short distance commuter. nice simple interior. simple easy to clean exterior. smooth auto trans. nice strong 2.4 engine. very reliable once you replace or update its weak cooling system and weak brakes. strong a/c system. CONS: cheaply built car. cheap interior pieces. mpg is only so so. paint and exterior trim is weak. suspension is a little bumpy. not a long distance freeway car. cant take abuse got this for about 6800.00 cash. the cheaper you get it the better. then upgrade the weak cooling system and braking system. runs about 600.00. if you can afford it. move up to a 2010 and up used model. they were more reliable cars.
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xB is FUNctional! - 2004 Scion XB
By Debralynn - October 26 - 4:30 pmI fell for the xB at first sight. I needed a reliable car for a long commute, am as happy as can be with my little black box today as I was the day I drove it off the lot. Its FUNky, its FUNctional, its just plain FUN.
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Go speed racer - 2006 Scion XB
By Frighteningly good - October 25 - 9:00 amMy Scion xB is silver with a stick. It is a very slow car, but its so sweet. I cant stand myself. Its love. I have the blue light in the footwells, and the armrest which is essential. This is a very dark car on the inside, so get a light. Im getting 32 MPG combined. Again, this car is extremely slow. The back phony lowrider tail section is falling off because I cracked it on a curb. You need to be careful. Buy this car immediately. It doesnt get any better. The dealer will have nothing to do with haggling. Get them on the interest rate of the loan you will pay. They will go into the other room, their face will turn red, and theyll make the deal - sort of. Good luck, and happy driving.
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Ugly but GREAT - 2006 Scion XB
By Mark - October 21 - 9:56 pmOk, the 2006 xb is ugly but because of that design the interior space is amazing! My wife averages 31 mpg in daily commuter driving including stop-and-go traffic. The interior feels cheap and the ride is stiff. You sit very high for a small car which improves visibility. Not much power from the 1.5 liter engine but who cares with that gas mileage. Very cheap to purchase new, only costing $15,000 with the optional cruise and armrest. The rear liftgate is the entire height of the car so its a bit awkward to open. The cruise control is awful to use as it drops 3 to 5 mpg before engaging, but once it does it works fine. This is the best car for the money and thats why the resale is so high
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Perfect for a Big Person - 2006 Scion XB
By Robster - October 21 - 4:50 amI just purchased the 2006 xB today and I love it! I am a large man at 64" and 285 lbs and this car is unbelievable. If you are on the bigger side and would like to have a car with great gas mileage, but can never fit in one, this is YOUR CAR! Even in full-size SUVs I sometimes have difficulty with headroom. The xB gives me as much leg room as my Suburban (just sold) and 6 inches of clearance above my head. It drives and handles like a small sports car. The stereo is fantastic, and I got 31.8 MPG on my first tank of gas! Frankly, I would drive it all night if I didnt have things to do tomorrow. Please dont buy before driving this vehicle. The quality and features are astounding.
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Great except the gas mileage - 2004 Scion XB
By Don - October 15 - 4:56 pmMy car is phenomenal. It is sensible, practical and fun. My only issue is that gas mileage is poor. On the highway I typically attain 28 miles per gallon. Not great for a tiny 4 cylinder. Both dealer and Scion of America insist that I am the issue. Apparently all others do get the mileage rated on the window sticker. Very disappointing to an almost perfect car in every other way.
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Trd is a must - 2009 Scion XB
By STEVE - October 14 - 3:33 pmLooking for a car/SUV this is a great pic with a Toyota build. My was bought for $17,091. Always go with a credit union for the best deal. Sticker was 20k included upgraded radio tint and fog lights. I had the dealer add trd air intake, lowering springs, grill, rear wind deflector, cargo box. It rides well with near 50/50 weight transfer with very little body roll. Floor it and it sounds like a turbo. The ride is quick for a 167.3 inch ride. Next is a trd supercharger duel borla exhaust, this will hit just over 300 hp.
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Excellent car - 2005 Scion XB
By Andrew - October 13 - 7:06 amThis is a great little car. You only need to step inside to see why its such a good deal for $15k - its huge inside. Being a box makes it very space efficient; awkwardly tall friends will appreciate the rear leg and head room. However, the car is still narrow and short enough that its easy to park anywhere, and the sitting position is surprisingly high. Handling and road noise are decent considering its a box with wheels, and the standard traction and stability control do wonderfully in bad weather. A bigger engine would be nice at times, but it usually feels plenty peppy and gets great gas milage. Toyota quality for this price makes this car hard to resist.
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Great Family Car - 2008 Scion XB
By Krystal - October 13 - 1:56 amI love my car. Easy for moms to get kids in and out. The headlights are a pain. It has a distinct line in your vision where it all the sudden goes from light to pitch black. Not good for traveling to places youve never been cause you cant see road names until you are right up on them. But for everyday around the town driving its great.
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Proud Owner - 2004 Scion XB
By karae3 - October 12 - 10:00 amI Love My Scion! This car is the best value on the market for a fully loaded vehicle. Its so fun to be able to bulid your own car.
