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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  Best car ever! - 2005 Scion XB
  By alton_yo - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Got my 05 XB late august. I always thought it was a pretty cool car since I saw a photo of its Japanese version, the bB. I had a Jeep Wrangler TJ I used as my commuter. Gas mileage was killing me on my work commute of 80s miles a day. Since selling my jeep, I have no regrets at all. NONE! This is THE coolest looking, most fun car Ive owned ever! I find myself driving it just fo the sake of driving. All at a fuel sipping 30+mpg. My 1st fill up was 9 gallons, or $15, amazing!

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  ITS AMAZING!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Chopra - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This car, is pound for pound the best thing on the market. Its a toyota, so you know it reliable, and it has GREAT fuel economy, not to mention hot looking.

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  I Love My Box! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Damon - November 12 - 1:00 pm

  This is the car to own, I love it! I bought it to have a reliable car to get back and forth to work with. Now that I have it I dont think I will ever want to get rid of it. For the price and standard features you get, I was simply amazed. $15,200 out the door (thats tax tags and everything!) I do not recommend getting options from the dealer. The extras are so overpriced (armrest, leather steering wheel..etc) unless you want them rolled up in the loan amount, get them off eBay from a reputable seller. Ive done a lot of things to my box to personalize it, but just the standard car is great! I didnt like these when I first saw them, but once I went to the dealership I feel in love!

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  Driving fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By van - November 10 - 4:53 am

  This is the most fun car (out of 8) Ive ever owned. It is perfect for city driving due to its short length, handling, and cargo capacity. Its styling makes it almost hugable. What a relief to drive a car that, so far, has had zero problems. Every time (literally) I get in it, Im glad I bought it.

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  scooter review - 2009 Scion XB
  By davew - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After a lot of research, I traded my 2007 4 door Silvarado for my dream 2009 Stingray Metallic xb Auto. Looks like the best $17000 auto on the market. Wanted headroom, upright seating, all necessary features as standard, 25 mpg, and yeah, something different. I love it and the extra room in the garage. have aerodynimcs are overrated and its hip to be square decals. 5000 miles and no problems.

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  Best Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By dess - November 1 - 6:43 am

  This is the best car ever! I love it! The driving is great, the steering, the mileage.. just everything about it is great. I cant think of any drawbacks on the car. Plus, this is a great car to accessorize with different little things Scion offers.

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  What a car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Barb - October 31 - 5:50 am

  I love this car. We got it for our son to drive but I have fallen for it and would much rather drive it than my Honda Mini-Van. It handles very well, zips in and out of tight places and has an amazing amount of room inside. Also, you range of vision is excellent driving this car. I know it is marketed to the Gen Xers, but Toyota got this one right! Love the funky look too!

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  Inland Northwest Toaster - 2005 Scion XB
  By Mikey - October 29 - 2:10 am

  i went looking for "something that gets a lot of MPGs" without much hope of being able to afford anything cool or fun. i was thinking hyundai, kia, or chevy aveo and was blown away when i found out i could have a scion for about the same (comparably equipped) price. i love my toaster! it can be thrown into corners like a sports car, is comfy on long trips, comfortably seats four fullsize american adults, and still gets 35 mpg! american car companies oughtta be taking notes!!

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  Ive waited 13 years!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ouistorm - October 21 - 10:43 pm

  Just purchase a 2005 Scion xB. I hesitated since Im 36 years old and it seemed a little "young" for me. Been driving the same 92 Toyota Truck for 13 years and it was time to buy. For the price I expected a cheaper vehicle in terms of build quality & materials. Its sooo quality, even the manual tranny shifts well, no lugging. Drove from LA to Riv and got like 36 mpg! Also in wind, its really weird, but it does great! Some road noise, but not "fatiguing" on long drives as the Consumer Reports review stated. (Consumer Reports actually recommends this car). With the Low TCO (true cost to own) and edmunds awards and the Consumer Reports thumbs up, it was an obvious choice. Also suuuuuper roomy

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  Fantastic - 2006 Scion XB
  By uribails - October 15 - 12:30 pm

  I recently purchased a new 2006 Scion xB. I love the style, way it handles, its standard features, and all the possibilities there are to customize it. I bought mine with only the standard features. I found that a lot of the addons through Scion were costly. I purchased things like floor mats, a cargo net, and arm rest for half the price on-line. It came standard with a 6 speaker pioneer stereo with CD and an auxilary jack for my MP3 player. It has remote keyless entry and it gets great gas mileage. This summer its been great to take to the beach. I just put the back seats down and through the cooler, chairs, umbrella, boogy boards all in the back and off to the beach I went.