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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Toaster Doesnt Waffle - 2004 Scion XB
By gbvideopro - May 12 - 2:56 amI first noticed on a business trip to Japan last year that many of the car were boxy looking "mini-vans" but they looked cool. I immediately upon seeing the xB here took one for a test drive and was very impressed that my 61" frame could fit comfortably in the back seat with the front seats positioned all the way back without touching my knees. The cargo space is very adequate for 90% of what I need to carry. Although the stock configuration is under powered, I have managed to make it acceptable by adding the optional Cold Air Intake. This is a mandatory option in my opinion. I have also added exhaust headers and a larger muffler to gain power. with no hit on gas MPG.
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Great Ride... - 2006 Scion XB
By Bo Whitley - May 3 - 9:40 amMy son talked me into buying an xB and this is one of the best built cars period that I have ever owned.
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I Love It! - 2008 Scion XB
By romster - April 25 - 8:56 amIf size matters this will do ya. This seemingly small car is so spacious and comfortable. I am a marketer, in my car all day and my husband is six foot five and has plenty of room. The power is suprising and it handles great. The interior is fun and stylish.
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Cute little car - 2005 Scion XB
By Ken - April 25 - 4:33 amI bought this car a year ago and love it and its definitely a head turner the first few months I had it. I took the car up to Toronto Canada after the first month and there was constant stares and questions about the car.
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Nice ride but with Fixable flaws - 2009 Scion XB
By GPituch - April 16 - 4:06 pmI am pleased but not super excited with my Scion so far. I have just under 5K on it and have a good feel for the ride. I, HONESTLY, could use more leg room and Im only 59". I find it difficult to get comfortable. The interior of my 05 Corolla has more width between the center console and the drivers door. Sort of weird considering how big the rest of the interior is. It has nice pick up and handling. Ive done two checks on the mileage thus far. One all around and one this past weekend for a highway trip of about 200 miles one way, 400 total. Mileage was much less that what I expected. All around was about 22 and Highway was only 24! (actually 23.5) Pretty bad if you ask me.
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I only paid $15k for all this?!? - 2005 Scion XB
By skyboybryan - April 15 - 8:53 pmI drive 2.5 hours per day to and from work, so I needed a car with good gas mileage to replace my 4WD Toyota truck. I didnt think that Id like this car so much, but I really do. Mine is green and it looks like nothing else on the road. I am getting a solid 35mpg and its so much fun to drive. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is tired of looking at all those other clones on the road. I am 61" and this car has more than enough room for me and everything I need to take. Even with my seat all the way back, there is still enough room for someone even taller than me in the back seat. I love this car. Dont forget to get the cruise control and the armrest. Love it love it love it.
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Fun to drive. - 2008 Scion XB
By Grrg! - April 15 - 4:16 amI took my new xB up around some nice curves from the Rose Garden to the Arboretum in Portland, OR. This baby really rocks around the curves, and that 0-30 really helps. The xB is extremely stable, staying mostly flat with very little twisting - Id like to see what the rear sway and front strut bars would do! Add a supercharger from TRD and were talking head-to-head with a 328i that costs $12,000 more. Add a TRD CAI and sport muffler, and were talking bout beating that German engineering. Replace the OEM speakers, though. These things sound bad as in flat.
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Great Little Hauler - 2005 Scion XB
By Karl - April 11 - 8:03 pmIm a potter. The Scion xB hauls a 1/2 ton of pottery with ease. Theres plenty of room for my two growing teenage sons in the back. We get from 30 to 36 mpg, usually about 34 average. I love the way it handles on the curves and its got plenty of zip for me. Its really fun to drive. The seats are very comfortable and on a recent trip from Oregon to San Diego my bad back held up great. On the down side, the interior lighting is terrible. When you lift the back hatch at night you can hardly see whats there and as far as reading a map in the front seats? Forget it. The tiltwheel doesnt swing enough and the location of the lever is annoying. It could stand to be a few inches wider.
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Still needs some work - 2006 Scion XB
By karmabad - April 8 - 7:06 pmI have to be honest, you cannot beat the price, and its made by Toyota! You will not believe the amount of space this thing has, not to mention an amazing panoramic style windshield.
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I LOVE my new Scion Xb !!!!! - 2004 Scion XB
By dianeunicorn - April 1 - 10:00 amI just got my new Xb. It is everything and more than i expected. I even got 34 mph with my first take of gas. It is so comfortable and fun to drive! Lots of room, handles great for such a high vehicle. You cant beat this car for the price!!
