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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  Wonderful commuter - 2005 Scion XB
  By vanhate - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I needed a new commuter car. I drive 90 miles roundtrip each day to/from work and wanted something that got good mileage and had space. This is the only car that met my needs and I love it. Wish it had just a little more power, but its tolerable as I wasnt looking for a speed demon of a ride. The dealership was awesome too. If youre buying in the Detroit, Michigan area, you have to go see Hugh and Marcelino at Suburban Scion.

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  THE BEST SCION xB ON THE ROAD - 2004 Scion XB
  By Andrew Secinore - September 11 - 8:10 am

  The scion xB is the best car to be today. The reason is because of the price, the fuel economy 31MPG city and 34MPG highway and the ways you can trick it out. Who would have thought that you could get a brand new vehicle for only $13,000 and trick it out and it would only cost you about $21,046. You can trick out the rims the exaust pipe and audio system to about 2000 watts of power. The name "Scion" is actually a low priced Toyota aimed ay young buyers. The scion xB also has 160HP V6 engine. The xB is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4-speed automatic tranmission can about $14,440.

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  Much improved xb for 2008 - 2008 Scion XB
  By JIM - September 8 - 2:03 am

  I upgraded from my 2007 "2006" xb. I could not achieve the 30-34 mpg. I averaged 26 mpg, so i went for the 2008 for the performance. It gets the claimed 23 mpg. It is a camry drivetrain and platform, and it rides like a camry. Good acceleration. Smooth ride. All the bells and whistles that were only options in the 06. Are present in the 08. Bigger rear storage area.

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  nypigeons review - 2005 Scion XB
  By nypigeons - September 5 - 2:13 pm

  This is an all-around fabulous vehicle, and the compliments just keep coming. Comfortable, cozy, and the size just makes me feel like royalty. All Toyota needs to do is turn this into a hybrid and ill be an XB owner for life.

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  The ultimate city car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Max - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Low maintenance and very simple in its layouts, technical features and style. I bough it in the sates cuz you cant buy them in Canada, and it had 80K mil on the meter and I noticed that the engine had been over worked by the looks of it but still it has excellent go and acceleration. If you live in a big city with narrow streets and dont drive on the high way or the freeway allot nothing over 120 km...um 70 mph I think, then this car will be perfect even as a family car but if you commute to work and drive allot on the highway then this car is not for you.

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  Love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leslie - August 27 - 3:23 pm

  I adore my XB- I have now taken it on a long trip as well as done a good amount of around the town driving in it and have decided that I could not have chosen a better car for me. Very roomy and comfortable- fun to drive. No cruise doesnt bother me but might be annoying for frequent long trips or commuters. I am over all extremely happy and would make the purchase all over again.

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  Older Folks Like It Too! - 2006 Scion XB
  By SonnyBoy - August 26 - 1:36 am

  My wife and I are in our 50s and we absolutely love this car. We were looking for something economical to buy, economical to operate, and fun to drive! We sure found it in the Scion Xb. Ive always liked small cars. The first car I ever bought was a 63 Volkswagon Beetle. Ive owned eveything from small pick-ups to a Porsche 914 and a Honda CR-V, but the xB is the most fun to drive. Even though it is marketed to younger people, I think a lot middle-aged and older people would really enjoy this car.

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  Comments - 2005 Scion XB
  By Scion xB - August 24 - 4:16 pm

  If you dont watch your speed, it can really go faster than what it feels. I have taken it on a couple of long trips and is very comfortable, whether in the front or back seat. I love my car. It should have cruise control. My husband and I have recomended it very highly to other people. We have even let them test drive ours or sit in it, to show them how much room it has.

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  Fantastic little gem - 2005 Scion XB
  By Love this baby - August 22 - 9:43 pm

  I cannot believe I found a used XB. We had looked for the last several years at the local car shows and fell in love with the XB. We were ready to buy a new one this year. We did not like the new design because it has really cut the gas mileage with the improvements. These cars never show up used here. No one wants to part with them. We got a great deal on a 2005 with only 40,000 plus on it. It is silver with a cute red thunder bolt along the sides & air scoop on the back. We love the room the handling and the gas mileage. We had cruise added it really enhances the over the road mileage. We are nearing 60 and enjoy the nice firm seats. Great for us and so much fun to drive.

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  Love All of It, but the Drivers Seat - 2006 Scion XB
  By Don Baldwin - August 20 - 10:50 am

  I am 68 and the xB is one of the few inexpensive dependable cars I could consider. So far so good. I get about 33 mpg in all driving. My problem is that the drivers seat is very uncomfortable. I would benefit from having a power seat that allows more adjustment. I would not recommend this car anyone over 64". The available arm rest is cheap and does no good for me. Otherwise the xB is a pleasure to drive and surprisingly quiet when driven in town.