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 it so far - 2004 Scion XB
  By tpat3 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Its a blast to drive and gets a whole lot of attention. Still dont know what magic Toyota performed to get so much space into such a small package, but its really incredible. I was worried about it being underpowered, but its plenty quick and very agile. I mostly use it for commuting and its great zipping through traffic: you can fit this car through some very small holes. Handles like a go-kart, ride is firm but harsh and brakes are pretty good, too. Only been on the highway once, but got to speed quickly and is stable.

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  The New Box - 2008 Scion XB
  By Brandon - February 16 - 1:33 pm

  The new xB is a very functional vehicle with amazing luggage space with the rear seat down. What else impresses me is the acceleration and the quiet ride. You really do feel isolated driving the xB which makes for a good road trip car.

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  Release 6.0 Only flaw is the NAV system - 2009 Scion XB
  By John N. - February 15 - 3:03 pm

  Ride is great, huge amount of interior room. Traction system is good in snow. Only issue is the NAV radio. I am on my third and still can not get one in which all the feature actually work. iPod function takes 5 minutes to load "VR dictionary" each time. Dealer just keeps ordering a new one and sticking it in. They say there is not much else they can do as it is not a Toyota product.

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  Now for Something Completely Different - 2006 Scion XB
  By wastedgorilla - February 11 - 11:16 pm

  I used to laugh at them until I drove one. I bought one about three weeks later and use it as a commuter car. My older kids fight for it on the weekend, as all thier friends, and stuff, fit comfortably. One of my favorite features, which I didnt quite appreciate at first, is the 360 degree visibility out the windows. No matter where you turn, you can see. Bonus, Im a big guy and fit comfortably. With the front seat all the way back and leaned, I can sit in the back seat with plenty of leg room. You cant believe how much room is in there until you get inside. I cant find anything to gripe about.

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  Hip to be square - 2012 Scion XB
  By stoutbrewer1 - February 11 - 4:58 pm

  Ive had my XB for a few weeks now after trading in an old Matrix. You cant beat the roomy interior of this small package. It really is a small SUV in my opinion. This years upgraded stereo includes bluetooth which works very well and is easy to set up. Driving around town, up and down hills, intercity or on the Freeways are pleasant. On my first few tanks of gas Im getting 22.5. I was hoping for 2012 the six speed transmission would be added to boost fuel economy. I like all the cubby holes the XB has for storage. The factory tinting looks dark yet at night it doesnt have a dark cavern feel. I found the gauges very logical mounted to the right instead of normal centered.

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  We love this vehicle - 2004 Scion XB
  By doomed - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We went to the dealership to look at the xA but when we took a closer look at the xB we fell in love. You wont believe the room inside the looks you will get on the street and just how much fun it is to drive.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2005 Scion XB
  By BIG MIKE - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I GOT MY XB IN JULY AND I LOVE IT..7 SPOKE 17" WHEELS AND YOKAHAMA TIRES MADE IT LOOK COOL, BUT THE TRD 2" LOWERING SPRINGS DID THE TRICK..MY CAR IS BLUE PEARL AND I PUT THE GRAY FLAME DECALS ON IT..THE CARBON FIBER DASH PILLARS GAS DOOR AND REAR SPOILER LOOK AWSOME.THE 6 DISC CD FROM PIONEER WORKS GREAT AND I ALSO GOT THE NEON BLUE LIGHTING PACKAGE AND SPORT PEDALS..HAD THE FRONT WINDOWS TINTED TO MATCH THE BACK..I GET MORE LOOKS AND THUMBS UP IN THIS CAR THAN ON MY 50K DOLLAR CHOPPER..THANKS TOYOTA FOR SUCH AN AWSOME CAR...BY THE WAY IM 46 YEARS OLD NOT A KID..THIS CAR MAKES ME ACT LIKE A KID THOUGH..

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  cool car - 2005 Scion XB
  By busdriver8 - January 31 - 6:54 am

  i purchased my 05 about a month ago. camaflage green cool color. i also own a civic hybrid but there was no trunk space for my wifes wheel chair so i went looking for a good used car for around $8000. there was the xB@ my local toyota. 37850 on the clock no dents dings just 1 small scratch. paid a little more but not only do i ave 36mpg plentu of room for the kids wheelchair but my leg and head room is superior. nice for a budget car. the only thing i miss is cruise control but hey cant have everything. and mommas happy with it. and if mommas happy we are all happy.

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  Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Theresa Brown - January 29 - 3:50 pm

  This is the greatest car I have ever had. It is good-looking and stands out from all the rest. I get a lot of looks and questions from bystanders. It is a great family car, with a whole lot of room. It drives and handles absolutely fantastic. I love this car.

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  Very cool car but in the end UNIMPRESSIVE - 2009 Scion XB
  By Big Daddy WC - January 25 - 5:00 am

  The Good: Huge interior. I am 63" and have plenty of headroom. Legroom for the driver is average. Front Seat passenger legroom is good. You can lay the back seats down and haul a bunch. Peppy engine and sound system is good. Handles really well. Toyota Camry engine so it is a reliable engine. The Bad: - The seats. Horrible. Arm rest for the driver is way to low and slender. Worthless. The passenger arm rest is... wait, there is NO armrest. Really?? Only 1 power adapter in the entire vehicle. The center console is tiny, too low and pretty much useless. The trim is cheap. The weather stripping on the drivers side window lost its felt (or whatever it is) and the window bound up on the stripping when lowering it. Car Max extended warranty would not cover. Had to take a razor and cut it out, else spend $500 for a new door panel. The ride is horrible. You feel every bump. If you are just using this for a trip here and there around town or for short commutes then it is ok. I am using for a daily commute and it is abysmal. There really is no intermittent wiper. The intermittent setting cant be adjusted so it is just a lower low setting. There is a horrible blind spot on the passenger side when backing out of parking spaces. The fenders, hood, etc will dent if a leaf falls on it. I barely leaned up against it and accidentally dented it. Overall: If you want a car for short commutes or a safe car for teen drivers then this is it. Otherwise buy a Camry or Corolla.