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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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Larry D - June 1 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 months now and absolutely love it. Im 57 years old and have relatives in their 70s that have no problem getting in and out. One of my sons is 67" and can sit in the back seat without his knees touching the front seat even when its completely extended. Nobodys head touches the ceiling. Its amazing how much stuff I can haul from the building supply stores. In town Im getting a little over 29 mpg. On my last trip, one tankful that was soley freeway driving got 36.9 mpg. The ride is a little stiff but it corners like a sportscar. I love this car!

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  First brand new car - 2008 Scion XB
  By tonguetwiztid - May 31 - 10:40 pm

  My 08 Scion xB was the first vehicle I have ever bought new. I love the style of the vehicle. I wish it got a little better gas mileage though, I am avg like 25 mpg. And whats up with the 2 inch wide armrest??? That thing is ridiculous! And at least put one on the passenger side too. Other than that I love it. This is the first car I have driven where I could feel the transmission down shift when slowing down.

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  My New Cool Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Francine - May 31 - 1:46 pm

  This is my first Toyota vehicle and I just LOVE it. Its got so much style inside and outside. Even the base model that I have, still has lots of little extras including the iPod auxilary port, Pioneer radio/CD player which is sattellite radio compatible. Its a 4-cylinder car, so the initial pickup is not really fast. However, once the Scion xB gets going, it maintains a real nice even speed - none of that pulling back that other 4-cylinder cars seem to have. Also, the car maintains a nice even drive/speed even going up hills - doesnt seem to increase RPMs like my old 6-cylinder. Its just a great value for the money!

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  Rattles fixed/MPG gets better? - 2004 Scion XB
  By hgardiner - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Rattles from the dash took two visits to fix! CD player keeps skipping here and there for no apparant reason (audio cds). The rear bumper looks uneven, but I will worry about that later while under warranty.

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  Never Ever!! Judge a car by its shape - 2010 Scion XB
  By Steven - May 24 - 11:36 pm

  this car rocks! at first glance it was just another car and i even told my slef "im not getting this car", but when i actually sat in it, i was under a spell and couldnt stop thinking of it..the shape, the comfort, the feel..so i bought it and yes i bought it without even test driving it (am i nuts?!) no not at all. when i received my scion i jumped right in so excited, and then it happened i stepped on the peddle and ziiiiiiiip off i went like i was at "KA BLUE GO-KARTING" as a kid with my parents cheering me on. "go steven go!!"...this scion xb will take u for a ride and surprise you in every way..i never knew how something so simple can be so ...perfect.

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  One Year - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mark19 - May 24 - 6:06 pm

  After one year and 13,700 miles no Major issues. Nautical blue with 5 speed. Car runs great. Ipod hookup works well. Power is good. Minor issue of clutch. This is the 7th car I owned with a clutch and I still feel uncomfortable with it. Feels like it sticks or slow to release. Other minor issue was the radio tuner knob keeps falling off. I am getting 30-32 miles per gallon on regular no name gas. Breaks are excellant, steering is great. Radio is fantastic. Headlights are exceptional at night. Interior lighting is great. Back seat undershelfs are great. Can seat 5 adults without a problem. Side view mirrors with lights are great. Horn is very sensative. Steering wheel radio controls are easy to operate.

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  my trd scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By joe mack - May 23 - 7:00 am

  I have built custom cars for the past 10 years and I get more looks with this car stock than i did with any of my other projects. now that i have started tricking my xb out you would not believe the attention and stares I get.

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  love my box on wheels - 2005 Scion XB
  By caw - May 18 - 10:43 am

  Ive had my Scion Xb for a year now and still love it. I can pack it with people or things and get wonderful gas mileage (a real + these days!). Weve used it to carry everything from a full-sized door to enough Christmas packages and food for a large family. Its not the fastest car on the highway, but goes more than fast enough for me to travel comfortably ( and affordably) on the Interstate in the fast lane.

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  Very Fun!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Amealia - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun. It is quite a head turner as well. I would definitely recommend this car to those who are driving long distances to and from work and to those who like a different look.

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  I freekin love this car - 2005 Scion XB
  By vic - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to look at Camrys and saw the xb. My wife and kids fell in love with it. (13 year old son already called dibs when hes old enough to drive) I thought it was pretty neat looking, and decided to take a test drive. Handles very well, especially with the 17 inch wheels. Is comfortable for longer drives (I average 150 + miles a day) Gas mileage is good, and the cold air intake and exhaust are a must. Sound system is very good. I was impressed with the look of quality in the interior. Have had it a month, put 5600 miles on it, and only wish the engine had a few more horses to it and a middle arm rest.