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:
Showing 1051 through 1060 of 1,427.00-
Toyota Should Rethink - 2006 Scion XB
By Mattie - June 27 - 7:33 amWhen I first bought the car it was a smooth, quiet ride. Now, that I have put 13,000 miles on it, it shakes, rattles, and rolls. There is so much interior noise and the interior is made with cheap looking plastic. It gets good gas mileage but, is terrible on the highway and has no acceleration and the throttle hesitates. I love the fact that the whole car has a lot of space especially in the back seat. I do a lot of highway driving and its a comfortable ride. If youre looking for a car with high performance, this is not your car. Get the tC instead. If youre looking for a car to drive around town to get you from point A to point B then this is the car for you!
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car from heaven - 2004 Scion XB
By toofastXB - June 26 - 10:00 amthis car has exquisit handling and performance i enjoy picking up the chicks as i drive by in my sweet little car
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LUV IT - 2005 Scion XB
By SQUAREPANTS - June 26 - 10:00 amIF YOU LIKE SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND WILD,THEN YOU SHOULD PURCHASE THE XB.IT IS SO FUN TO DRIVE, YOU WILL ALWAYS GET LOOKS, MOST OF THE TIME THEY ARE CONFUSED LOOKS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS.
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xB has hit the spot! - 2008 Scion XB
By Lee - June 25 - 8:33 amGreat car and has all the safety features.
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Who Can Be A Scion? - 2005 Scion XB
By Xb OwNeR - June 19 - 1:46 pmThe Scion XB is a very cool car to drive. We added about $5,000 worth of "the cool stuff" like neon lighting and a 6 disc CD changer. The ride is smooth and very comfortable. This vehicle has a whole lot of room. If you are into cars and you are the kind of people who will put money in your car for amps and subs, THIS is the car to get. Its square, its amps are square, and you could get square subs so its all good in the Scion. Go to a Scion dealer near you to check out an XB!
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My Two Cents - 2004 Scion XB
By RBOXROX - June 19 - 10:00 amIf you want a fun ride and what to turn heads, here it is! THE SCION XB. I have own many cars but the XB is the best by far. The cool look, low price and the more then enough room for an army is what sold my wife and I. A newly married couple wanting a car that will fit our on going moving life style it was the best car for us. Fitting everything we need for mountain biking, camping or what ever life throw our way The XB has room for it. My wife and I love to drive it, its a very smooth ride. The Big front wind shield and placment of the speedometer keeps everything in plan view. You dont even have to take your eyes from the road. But out of all of it.
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Love my Scion... - 2005 Scion XB
By George and Pat - June 19 - 10:00 amWe purchased this car primarily for a light weight vehicle to tow behind a motor home. Blue OX makes an excellent base plate for the Scion. We like it so much we have found we drive it all the time and let our other vehicles sit in the garage. Great little car!
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I just love it - 2005 Scion XB
By Ruschel - June 19 - 10:00 amI am a custom window decorator. I pack 5 boxes of sample on and under back- seat. Its easy to get to my samples. Backdoor is easy to use. Lots of headroom. Just perfect for day to day in-city driving and maneuvering. The gasmileage is fantastic. No complains.
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Aseome Lava Orange Car! - 2005 Scion XB
By Steenger - June 19 - 10:00 amWe love our Scion XB! We have three children and two dogs. Our entire family fits comfortably and stylishly in our lava colored scion. People are so curious about the car - they love to ask questions and we get a great deal of "lovin it" feedback.
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I LOVE MY BOX! - 2005 Scion XB
By Khalif - June 19 - 10:00 amWeak in power but for a kid like me, whos not into the fast and the furious, its a fun car to cruise along the beach with or even the highway. I love the attention that it brings from the ladies. This car is great!
