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:

• 

  I love this car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Christy - January 4 - 2:16 pm

  After owning a Volkswagen Eurovan that was so heavy I needed to change brakes (and rotors beause thats how theyre designed!) every six months, and needing to use premium gas on a low fuel economy vehicle, I am in heaven in my Scion xB! I was attracted to the spacious interior since I spend half my life hauling kids around, and they were all used to the van. Once they got inside, all the kids loved it, and they loved the sound system as well. The manual transmission and smaller size makes me feel as if I am driving a sports car. Its handling is great, and the manual transmission is crisp and easy to shift, it almost feels automatic.

• 

  the xB IS golden - 2008 Scion XB
  By AerBer - January 3 - 4:50 pm

  We bought our first xB in 2003 manual transmission, it works we have over 150,000 miles on it. We needed a 2nd car with a little more room and an automatic...The answer was golden - the 2008 xB with the moonroof. It is just the right size, fun to drive, with the larger engine, the gas mileage not too bad. However, it does need some noiseproofing... Nevertheless we love our new goldmember. Now were going to bring it to Lombards (the Car Stereo Store) in San Luis Obispo for serious Dynamat.

• 

  The It Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By mabu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Predict that more cars will be built to include Scion Xb features such as small exterior,large interior,good gas mileage,much standard equipment,funky styling with encouraged ability to transform it into your own ride. How sweet the concept and the result.It is the car version of a Harley.

• 

  A neat boxy beast - 2005 Scion XB
  By wb8wsf - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Scion xB for 10 days, but I really like it so far. It has a lot of room inside, such that my son can fir in it without slouching. The sound system is great, and the XM radio is fantastic. Add the MP3 player and Ill never have to listen to standard am/fm crud again... All in all, I would say that this is a lot of car for the money. It seems to be marketed towards younger people, but thats a little foolish: a good value is just that, good. My last Toyota lasted till 273K miles; I have every hope that this one can do that as well. It isnt boxy, its cute... --STeve Andre (wb8wsf)

• 

  Love car, hate front seats - 2005 Scion XB
  By julie - December 29 - 11:10 am

  Bought car 1 month ago. Former car Toyota tercel 4wdr which I loved but it got rear-ended. Love the look & mileage. Have a stick and do not have any power problems. Daughter and friends love all the room in the back. 1 BIG COMPLAINT: My husband & I both have backaches after riding more than 1 hr in either front seat (we are 56" and 510"). Nobody else has written about this and it worries us. Any suggestions?

• 

  Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By StevenR510 - December 28 - 4:13 am

  This car is great in town. We have never taken it on a long road trip. It is a little sluggist on hills though. It has lots of interior room. It is fun to drive and attracts lots of attention.

• 

  Terrific Vehicle for the Money - 2009 Scion XB
  By Perry - December 26 - 6:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle after extended research on comparable vehicles; there really is no other that offers this kind of space/efficiency for the price. On the first test drive I was smitten with the overall feel and build quality and decided to purchase then (of course no mention of this to the salesman). The car handles just like a small car, the power is much better than expected and the noise levels during driving are very low. It feels as though this is a more expensive car than the sticker indicates and that itself is very impressive. The manual transmission is silky smooth and engagement of the gears is quite accurate with a solid high quality feel. Sound system is great, buy it!

• 

  gotta love scion xbs - 2005 Scion XB
  By chester - December 15 - 4:40 pm

  ive had my scion for 2 months and have been following since it was a concept car from toyota... it drives wonderfully and its appearance speaks for it self. plus the no hassle buying program is amazing. in 6 months im getting my wife a scion tc cause i love what this company is doing so much plus its toyota so how can you go wrong!!

• 

  Outside the demographic - 2008 Scion XB
  By oldman - December 14 - 8:20 am

  Although I am outside the standard age demographic, they let me buy an Xb anyway. After years of driving a fairly large SUV, I was looking to go smaller and more fuel-efficient. I looked at a handful of other sedans/wagons and the Scion Xb was the only car in which I felt comfortable (I am fairly tall). In the others cars, I was either staring into the sun-visor or hunching over to see out of the front window. The Xb also has enough back seat and cargo room for traveling with my kids, a worry I had in giving up the SUV. On a recent trip, we fit four suitcases and three bags of golf clubs in the back. No more worries on space. I also got 31 MPG on that trip.

• 

  Scionized - 2004 Scion XB
  By playrawkstar - December 12 - 10:00 am

  My Scion XB has provided an awesome driving experience. Its spacious interior and great gas mileage make it an A+ automobile. Its fun on the road - handles well and has a good amount of pep considering its small engine size. Its definitely a city car, but runs just fine on the freeway...