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:

• 

  Still Love my Black Box! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Kelley - October 6 - 8:00 pm

  Ive had my Scion xB since February 2004 and still love everything about it. The gas milage is great and I havent had any trouble of any kind at all. I travel a lot and find it comfortable and easy running. I saw a white xB on a Tuesday and bought my black one the very next Saturday. I have lots of room for my grandson and my dog!

• 

  Excellent Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By rdcd - October 6 - 12:31 pm

  I cant believe these neg comments about this Scion XB. They must work for the UAW in Detroit? The 2.4 ltr 4 cyl is the best 4 cyl on the market. I had that same engine in my 2004 Toyota Solara and my daughter is now driveing it with over 200k mi and not one problem. My 08 XB has been 100% no problem. I have the 5speed trans, and average 27 city and 32 highway. I put Michelin MXV4 tires on and the ride is perfect. Love the car and dont believe these neg comments. I Dont!!

• 

  love it so far - 2004 Scion XB
  By andergtr - October 6 - 10:00 am

  i picked up the xB as a second car. my main car is a 2002 BMW 325ci, but i drive 30K miles a year and have some big cargo requirements, too. so far it has been great, with one, hopefully isolated, exception, and that was when the car power-stalled on different occasions coming off the freeway. the problem was checked out by the dealer (no problems found) and has not occurred since. well, one more gripe...the gas mileage is nowhere near their claimed levels. ive been averaging 28 mpg on mixed city/highway driving.

• 

  Scion xB Long Term - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tim Haupt - October 5 - 9:36 am

  My car has been problem free for 53,000 miles. It gets an honest 33 MPG in mixed driving. Its a great run-about vehicle. Its engine and auto transmission are a great combination - good drivability and nice compromise between performance and gas mileage. It handles well and is not as bad in side winds as the body style might suggest. The ride is a bit stiff and a little bouncy, especially when new. This improves after several thousand miles, however they should really soften up the suspension just a little, especially in the rear. The traction control and electronic stability control (standard equipment) result in a secure feeling drive, even in moderate snow. Buy the Konig Helium wheels - their light weight improves acceleration.

• 

  Best Value! - 2010 Scion XB
  By Sparkberry - October 3 - 8:23 am

  I cant believe that this car doesnt cost more. Its spacious, safe, comfortable, has great interior features, and has great style. This is definitely the best value for your money. I love it!

• 

  What a great car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Bubba K - October 2 - 9:36 pm

  So glad I bought this thing before the new one came out (yuck!). Its the best car Ive ever had. Fun to drive, gets good mileage, extremely useful to haul large objects, I could go on and on. You can even push the front seat to connect the back and take a nap. This is not a performance vehicle, so dont expect much of that. With the stick, it merges just fine on the freeway. My only gripe is the cheap plastic faux-lowrider crap around the outside of the car. If you want a great little car thats a blast to drive, this is a good choice.

• 

  I AM FINALLY IN LOVE! - 2004 Scion XB
  By JEN - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This XB is simply COOL. Not only does it kinda look funkY, feel comfortable and sturdy, but its nice and cheap. Just take a drive and feel for yourself. If you are a person that enjoys personal space, good music (6 speakers are smooth & come standard!)...just take a test drive. Youll see. You could add in a few lights and some cup holders and youre set. Almost everything else was thought of. Im really enjoying my camoflauge funk.

• 

  SCION Xb 5speed - 2005 Scion XB
  By CBP - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mini SUV for urban driving. The close ratio 5 speed manual transmission is smooth and the brakes are incredible. It has enormous amounts of room inside and gets great gas mileage - 31 mpg combined in my experience. The car handles like a sports car and is dependable and inexpensive.

• 

  Rough Drivers beware - 2004 Scion XB
  By Ranstar - September 13 - 9:50 pm

  I loved it, then I hit a bump lightly , the curve lightly and snow bank not so lightly. Things seem to snap, crack and split on this car very easily. I am probably too aggressive of a driver but be aware that the grille, grates and bumpers are not strong or well secured. But what a great car for performance if you have the 5 speed manual. It is fun and fast. The head room and leg room are incredible. I am 63" and I fit in this car great. I have moved some many things inside this car, its as good as van.

• 

  Excellent, Reliable, Economical Vehicle - 2008 Scion XB
  By nicest2 - September 13 - 11:06 am

  Purchased a 2008 Scion XB with 48000 miles in 3/2009 and have put 195000 miles on it in just under 5 years. I have not had any problems with this car and it is still driving like new. The key to this longevity is to keep up on the maintenance and to take care of the car. I drive over 50000 highway miles per year and get an average of 25 to 28 mpg. Good job XB.