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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  Love the Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By coachT - July 24 - 1:33 am

  The BOX is great! Ive had mine for two months now and am still amazed at the space. I have no problem toting people or STUFF! I dont miss my truck, nor the 19 MPG. Im easily getting 34 MPG city and 38 MPG highway in my Scion xB. The Box will not win any races, but who cares...its great handling will allow you to zip in and out of traffic, and has no problems cruising at 80 mph on the highway. My main problem with the box is that my wife and daughters grab every opportunity to take it. This vehicle is not just for the young crowd...Im 42. The only addition I made was the center armrest...I would have bought the 5-speed but none where available. The camo color rocks! Get the center armrest and cruise control.

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  Great compact car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Liwingard@gmail.com - July 22 - 1:11 am

  This car is so fast and reliable, great on gas, cheap to fix, beverages. Never breaks down

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  A fun step down to a smaller vehicle. - 2008 Scion XB
  By Paul M - July 21 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle after happily owning a series of Toyota 4Runners over the past 17 years. I wanted something that cost less and provided better mileage but I did not want to sacrifice Toyota quality or reliability. Ive been more than satisfied with the Xb. Its a fun car to drive with plenty of power and great handling with lots of room.

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  BEST DECISION I EVER MADE - 2004 Scion XB
  By POLARBOY83 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  BUYING THIS CAR WAS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I WAS LIMITED ON CASH BEING RECENTLY MARRIED AND BUYING A HOUSE SO I HAD A LIMITED MARKET. NO TO MENTION BOTH MY WIFE AND I ARE OVER 6 FEET TALL. WE BOTH FIT IN THIS VEHICLE WITH PLENTY, AND I MEAN PLENTY OF LEG ROOM. EVEN THE REAR SEAT HAS AMPLE LEG ROOM WITH FRONT SEATS ALL THE WAY BACK. GREAT FUEL ECONEMY, AWSOME PERFORMANCE EVEN WITH THE SMALLER MOTOR. A MUST HAVE FOR THE YOUNGER FAMILIES WITH NOT ALOT TO SPEND.

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  Solid car with lots of room - 2005 Scion XB
  By jkm - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car used. Its very solid and basic, much like the imports of the 70s and 80s. For a car with such little power, its surprisingly fun to drive. The interior room is simply amazing. Its like a theater with 6 screens. The car seems to grow magically when you get in. I always tell friends that its bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Driving position is comfortable but you have to get used to the position of the gauges. The engine is peppy and fun to rev on city streets but merging on the interstate can be a challenge. This is allot of car for the money. Ive found that its several thousand less than a comparable Honda Element, Fit, or Toyota Matrix.

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  Johns Review - 2009 Scion XB
  By John - July 5 - 6:53 am

  Ive only had it for 2 days now and I love it. I traded in a 2006 Xb that I was very happy with as well, and I have to say its definitely an improvement. I am very pleased with the exterior, and interior. It rides very smooth, and the electronic power steering is very responsive. Its a great vehicle.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jared Davis - July 4 - 5:56 pm

  I had a 2005 xB - it was a very fun car to drive. My only complaint was with the small engine. It accelerated fine - but revs at 4,000 - 5,000 RPM when doing 75 - 80 mph on the freeway. My wife and two children were in this car when they were hit from behind at about 50 mph on the freeway. The xB spun them sevral times without tipping and no major injuries. It surprisingly held up very well considering. I would buy another one, but I am going to wait till a larger engine is offered - the 2.2 would be nice.

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  wonderful car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Lisa - July 4 - 6:46 am

  This car is a wonderful car and I love mine .It gets so many look from all ages.It drives good and I feel Im driving a gocart in the India 500 .Its tight and drive great its fast and I love that .Several people in my family are considering purchasing a XB .The only thing I would like better is a map light in the front .We use this as our family car.We got rid of the Mini Van and got a XB. Thanks

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  Fun Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Agentorange - July 2 - 5:03 am

  Unique in styling, fun to drive, always get noticed, growing group of enthusiasts and supporters. A lot of room inside. Great for handicap access. performance is ok for MPG, but could use a bit more for spirited driving.

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  Fun in a Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By scionkid - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, lots of standard features, good gas mileage 35+. Lots of room for such a small looking car. Would recommend this car to anyone.