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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  jfuentes - 2004 Scion XB
  By john fuentes - August 20 - 4:20 am

  its a great car I love it and hope that the new t2b is great too.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Shawna - August 19 - 8:50 am

  This car is perfect for our family. It seems if you have kids, you must either have the gas guzzler SUV or the sooo suburban minivan. But the xB you get the ability to put your kids in the car without excessive reaching or knocking the kids heads on the doors, great gas mileage, and just enough room to carry their stroller and groceries in one trip. Not a great traveling car, but since I only use it in the city to cart my kids around, its perfect!!

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  scion kicks a** - 2004 Scion XB
  By the one - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, and it is phenomenal for city driving. It zips out of tight situations, and no parking space is too small for this car.

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  2006 xB is Great! - 2006 Scion XB
  By rod - August 17 - 7:16 pm

  From the start this car has been nothing short of great. We have had no problems whatsoever. Im 60" tall and have ample leg room. For the money I believe its the best deal in the car market right now.

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  Its aight.. - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mizzle - August 14 - 6:33 pm

  While the Scion xB isnt much to look at, its a good ride. Its smooth and comfortable, but I wish people wouldnt look at me all funny while Im driving around town...

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Paintbox - August 13 - 1:40 pm

  Let me say it again! I love this car. I paint and finish woodwork for a living 90 miles from home. I put on lots of miles! Everything that fit in the box of my F-150 fits in my new paintbox except for the 6 foot ladder. (I havent tried yet) I now pay a lot less for gas. The day I picked it up i had bought 5 old chairs, the salesman laughed. I said I haul lots of junk all the time might as well start the first day, they all fit with room to spare. You have lots of people stare, strangers want to know what it is, if they can look in it. It is a conversation piece. The only negative I have about the car is that on gravel roads it lets in a lot of real fine dust into the car.

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  awesome scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By jmacon - August 12 - 2:00 am

  great car, perfect for city driving. and it has more room in the back seat than any other car.

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  This is the one!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Richard - August 9 - 11:30 pm

  This car is simply said as, "Well Built". I love the overall package. My vehicle is white. I placed after-market 20" chrome rims. My ride is a definite eye catcher. Riding on rims will always make a little more noise over stock rims. But it is small sacrifice for large rewards. And best of all, its a Toyota. "Another one for the good guys". Enough said.

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  Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Fran Matik - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this auto. Design resembles small British taxi cab. I keep being stopped by people asking about this car. Its fun to drive,peppy,fuel friendly and I love the design. Inside room is unbelievable. Last car I owned was a Lexus. I could buy 3 Scions for 1 Lexus.

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  Great Drive!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Sly 1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car!!! Fun easy on the pocketbook and lots of looks...Has everything I could want with the exception of cruise control but...I can live with it...