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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  My New Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By bailey - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive, and for the money, it is a great bargain. It needs a few more features to make it a truly great car - such as: a driver right side arm rest, an indoor light in the front of the car, and lighted mirrors on the flip side of the front window visors. A tiny bit more space in the back would be fabulous. Having said all this, I am in love with this car. Oh, a tiny bit more pick-up and speed wouldnt hurt either. Hope this is helpful information.

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  Smart Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By mildredmadigan - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We are a family of four and this car has been perfect. More than enough room for all of us and the groceries, too. Its not too big and not too small and was by far 100 times better than anything else in our price range. Its so affordable, easy to drive, comfortable and has so many awesome standard features. We also like that its fun and unique. I understand marketing to a younger, hipper crowd, but I think it would be a great middle ground/middle of the road, yet top of the line vehicle for just about anyone.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By rick g - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Great for the San Francisco Bay area. This car/truck is used in business and as a family run around. Interior large enough to pick up merchandise and deliver medium size aquariums with stands. Daughters take it most of the spare time. As a big man 280lbs 61" I finally fit into a small car and its great. cons: This is not a touring car and is not in the same class as Yukon or a Lincoln, extreme long trips are out. As a local business vehicle the Xb is that perfect fit bigger than a car but smaller than a minivan

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  Cookie - 2005 Scion XB
  By CarmelPine - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for my business. The cute design has really gotten me noticed.

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  Best 4 wheeled Vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Scion XB
  By Cleve Brown - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Scion has more room inside than my XL SUVs ever has. Its comfort exceeds SUVs litereally 3 to 4 times its price and it cost me half of what each of my Harleys cost. The style, comfor and efficiency has my friends who drive big expensive SUVs feel very stupid in their choice. If this is not a fluke, I will never waste money on a car again, I will always show greater intelligence for that chioce and I will mostlikely always have a Scion of a damn good immitator.

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  Shoe Box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dan - August 6 - 8:03 pm

  As a couple in our 40s with two small kids, we hardly fit Toyotas intended Gen-Y/first- time buyer profile. We wanted a fuel-efficient vehicle to haul said kids around town, and the xB fit the bill perfectly. Having visted Japan many times, Ive seen plenty of these small/tall vehicles, which are offered by all Japanese mfrs, not just Toyota. In a country where traffic and parking issues are far worse than the US, theyre quite popular. Kudos to Toyota for the foresight to export the xB. I bought ours in Oregon to avoid sales tax, and drove it 1200 miles back to Colorado. While its not ideal for long-distance travel, its comfortable (Im 64"), cruises all day at 80-85, and gets 32mpg.

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  FUN..FUN..FUN - 2005 Scion XB
  By CLATSOPMAMA - August 2 - 10:00 am

  GREAT LITTLE CAR!!! SAW ONE JUST HAD TO HAVE IT! THE MAIN REASON WAS ITS DIFFERENT THEN WHATS OUT THERE AND THAT REALLY APPEALED TO ME!!GREAT INTERIOR VERY COMFORTABLE, NICE STEREO, LOVE THE KEY LESS ENTRY NO SCRATCHES FROM MY KEYS ON THE DOOR! LOTS OF ROOM INSIDE, LOVE THE FOLD DOWN SEATS.REPLACED THE THE WHEELS WITH THE NEW SPINNERS..REALLY CATCHES EVERYONE EYE!NOT SURE ON GAS YET ONLY HAD FOR A WEEK!!! MADE FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART.. BOUGHT IT FOR MY 50TH BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO MY SELF!!!!!GREAT FEATURES FOR SUCH A LOW BASE PRICE!!!

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  Love the Bread Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By Richmond, Va - July 30 - 3:13 pm

  The Scion xB is comfortable, reliable, and fun.

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2009 Scion XB
  By BigDaddy - July 30 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the Scion because I was impressed with the standard features that came on it and the interior roominess. I am over 6 feet tall and about 300 lbs, and am comfortable in the front or back seats. Car is quick and nimble to drive, but a lot of road feel. Could get better, mileage, only about 28 ave. Most disappointed after driving less than 1,000 miles (less than 2 weeks) the check engine light came on. Took it to a dealer who "fixed" it and 4 days later had the same problem. Now they are replacing the transmission. Sure, its under warranty, but that does nothing for my time, lost work, and aggravation. Sadly disappointed at Toyota quality. Is in the shop more than my driveway.

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  Got a killer lease on an xB - 2009 Scion XB
  By b-in-mia - July 30 - 12:53 pm

  I was able to haggle the price to invoice AND lease for same money as the national offer thats available for the Corolla. Im a big guy and I find ingress excellent with great seating position. However, the seats are barely acceptable with limited adjustment and no lower back support. I should have paid more attention to this detail b4 purchase! Furthermore, the seating room is plentiful but the center console rubs my knee pretty hard. I may velcro on a little padding and solve this problem. Ride and handling are excellent. Car feels solid, wind noise is nil, engine is awesome. Although sheetmetal is flimsy, i think structure is solid and the complement of airbags make car pretty safe