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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  Good people/stuff Hauler - 2010 Scion XB
  By Ollie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2009 Scion Xb for over 2 years and have driven mine for 44,000 miles. It is a good car but not a great car. I bought it for fun to drive, which it is very fun the way mine is equipped, but not a great commuter vehicle. Fit and finish are ok, not as good as other Toyotas and definitely not up to Honda/Subaru like quality. There are some rough plastics and some of the interior design elements are quirky(like the useless drivers armrest). Mine has the TRD lowering springs and 19" TRD alloy wheels which make it look killer. However, as a commuter vehicle it makes the ride extremely harsh. Honda Fit a better choice for a similar price or stretch the budget and get a VW Golf.

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  Great Car, Lots Of Fun To Drive - 2011 Scion XB
  By dkane1113 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I wanted an SUV or a minivan, but they were way too pricey. This car feels like an SUV when you are inside it. I feel higher up then a regular car which I love. It has a peppy engine, great handling and is fun looking. I also love the standard features that came with it (USB, AUX, power windows & locks, automatic door lock & unlock on key, etc.. The car also feels very sturdy & is not cheaply made. It feels spacious inside and I like the head and leg room too. It is a small car that feels bigger than it is and has plenty of room for my 2 kids, husband, dog and I. I just love it!

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  LOVE my XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By niftynails - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I am in love with this unique little/big car! Driving it is fun and spunky. Went from a gas guzzling Chevy gun boat to this little sipper. Love the attention it gets on the street. The expansive windows are wonderful. Entry and exit is very easy. Driving use to be a drudge but now I am loving it.

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  Foxy Boxy - 2005 Scion XB
  By apryl - November 29 - 8:56 am

  I traded in my Toyota RAV4 for my 2005 Scion xB. I really didnt like it at first because it looked wierd. After driving it for three months, I love it! It has much better handling than the RAV, it gets better gas mileage, and has much, much more room. I can easily fit two car seats in the back. I work at a box company, and I had someone say "just cause you work at a box company, doesnt mean you have to drive one," if they only knew! :) I love it. Mine has an awesome color, my subs sound way better in this than the RAV, and it is fun to stand out.

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  Love my XB! - 2006 Scion XB
  By LDB - November 24 - 9:50 pm

  We used to make fun of these cars, now we love em! Its fun to drive and is REALLY spacious on the inside. Its gas mileage is great. Plus its made by Toyota, you cant go wrong there. It has a great price for a new car. It is better suited for shorter distance driving. It is marketed toward the 20-something crowd, but it is actually bought by families and older adults. Dont let the marketing influence your decision, just test drive one.

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  Love my Toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By jeffieboy - November 19 - 11:23 pm

  From day one, I enjoyed owning this car. I got the Special Edition RS 3.0 in Envy Green and it turns heads. With the front and rear sway bars and cold air intake package installed, its performance seems to have increased and it handles very nicely. Everyone that rides in the rear seat remarks on how roomy it is. With the rear seats down it swallowed a 5,500 watt generator in the box with room to spare. At 9,500 miles, nothing has broken yet, and I do not expect any failures. So far 31.8 mpg I am getting on average and 34 on a 1,600 mile trip at highway speeds with the a/c on.

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  "MY SCION " WHATS NOT TO LOVE! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Lana T. - November 19 - 12:56 am

  I have driven alot of cars in my life time (Im 60 yrs old)and I have never been so excited as I am about my new Scion. Strangers are always asking me about my car when Im at a gas station or food shopping. I even nicked named my vehicle "Silver bullet" because it has lots of kick power for a 4 cylinder automibile. I also like the Large front windshield and the rear windows that go down all the way. This car is very affordable, comfortable and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Whats not to love!

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  Great for old folks too - 2005 Scion XB
  By David - November 16 - 6:43 am

  Apparently the xB is being marketed to buyers younger than my wife and myself, but we fell in love with its utility, price, standard features and ABS, so even though we have a daughter old enough to drive one, we bought it for ourselves. Have had it for about 2 months and continue to love it. Interior room is the signature of this car, but its standard features (including ABS) are a real plus, especially for the $14,100 price we paid in NJ. Gripes? The interior lighting could be better and brighter, and the ride could be smoother, but these are minor complaints. Though our suburban nieghbors have yet to adjust to seeing the xB in our driveway, we look out now and then just to admire it.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Lew - November 13 - 6:03 pm

  Its been a week of genuine fun. I am getting 27+ mpg. The ride is smooth, quiet, lively, and very comfortable. Sure it is not a sports car but then, I dont have to fold myself into contortions to get into it. Lots of room. Yes, its design is not for everyone, just someone who wants something well out of the mainstream. Some will think you are wacky. Hey, thats great in my book. In short it is a joy to drive! No regrets here of yet. It is one cool car, and I am not even close to Toyotas target under 30 year old.And what are people talking about, complaining about the center mounted guages. They are right there, easy to read.

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  i love my xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By big mike hrly rider - November 13 - 10:00 am

  my car gets all the looks and everybody wants to know about it..i lowered it and put 17" wheels on it..so very cool..yea baby