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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  Thrill Ride - 2008 Scion XB
  By 08xBthrill - September 26 - 1:46 pm

  What a trill to drive. The Nypnotic Teal Mica gets many stares, particularly with the black and polished aluminum wheels that I added immediately. I travel frequently for long distances, so having cruise control is a ticket saver. I discovered that you can be doing 80 mhp and not realize it. One of the main reasons for my decision to purchase the 08 xB was the ability to make it a very personal vehicle, its hard to beat the value for your dollar ratio. Shape, weight and power were my second reasons.

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  Even better than the first generation! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Oscar - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  Although my fiance is the owner of this vehicle, I drive it a heck of a lot, and I am giving serious consideration to trading my `05 tC for one of these. My family has two first-gen xBs, and while they are what put Scion on the map, and are still cool, the gen2 xB is a dramatic improvement over the first generation, albeit a little less funky-looking. The xB purists may not like it, but I do. In the Stingray Metallic color, this little wagon looks great. the only accessories ordered at delivery were fog lights, overhead console, and rear bumper applique. My fiance traded in a 2001 Taurus for this vehicle, and she doesnt regret it. This is her first non-Ford vehicle.

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  I love this car - 2005 Scion XB
  By ScionLover - September 17 - 4:03 am

  I bought an xB about a month ago and absolutly LOVE it. I get so much attention from it and everyone wants to know what it is. I have never had more stangers want to get into the front seat of my car that I have with this vehicle. The gas milage is amazing compared to the Chevy blazer that I had prior to this car.

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  Love My Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By Debbie - September 16 - 8:23 pm

  I love my Scion! It is so much fun to drive! This little toaster is roomy too, it fits both my husband and son in the back seat and they are over 6 feet tall! My model has leather seats and a sunroof. Its fabulous!

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  Its Cool to be Square - 2006 Scion XB
  By xbman - September 10 - 3:36 am

  I have had my xB for a year now with 12,000 miles on it, so this review has substance. So far the car has been flawless as far as reliability and nothing breaking even with a 5 and 16 year olds jumping all over the back. Here are some of the highlights of this car: 1) MPG of course averaging 33 combine daily commuting and weekend driving. 2) commanding view with comfortable seating. Can see traffic ahead. 3) room for 4 teenagers that needs to be driven everywhere. 4) Agile (sporty) handling. For the price there is no complaint if you are looking for a commuter car and trips to the local grocery and malls this is all you need. I wish I could take it on a cross country trip with my family.

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  VW Van Fun, but Cheaper - 2006 Scion XB
  By Klyde57 - September 9 - 11:46 pm

  I have been told that my car is ugly but I love it inside and out. It gets 30 mpg in town and 35 mpg on the road usually, which equates to about 33 to 34 mpg average. This car reminds me of the VW van I drove for years with the view and the roomy feeling inside. It runs quietly and has plenty of get up and go power to pass when I need too.

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  engine stopped going to vegas - 2010 Scion XB
  By milodog - September 9 - 3:56 am

  I was fairly happy with car until this week. Seats arent comfy, but I can live with it. Driving to Vegas, car all of a sudden comes out of gear, check engine and oil lights come on and I coast to the side of road. I turn it off for a minute, and it starts right up. took to dealer and cleared codes. still in process of what really went wrong. Thought potential buyers might be interested. Have Toyota problems gone to scion ?

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  Love that Box ! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mike - September 6 - 12:56 am

  I was looking for something different and economical, and I hit the nail right on the head with the xB. It has a crazy amount of interior room. I love the center instrument cluster and storage that is available everywhere. It gets great gas mileage, has plenty of "pep" and handles well for a small vehicle. All of the standard features it has were a surprise. The price is an even bigger surprise.

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  Thinking Outside the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By belawrence - September 4 - 7:06 pm

  This is the best small car Ive ever owned. It handles like a sports car, and Ive owned many. With the rear seats folded down the cargo area is huge for a car this size. The front and rear seat confort is also great even for a guy my size - Im not short and skinny. The engine has a fair amount of pull for only being 1.5 litres and I havent had a problem passing on the freeway using the solid feeling manual transmission. I also like how it looks like nothing else on the road today. I also own an 01 Mustang GT and an 05 Nissan Armada - great vehicles but they both consume copious amounts of gas.

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  Very Cool Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By NorthernBerksPA - September 2 - 6:33 pm

  This car is great! I love all the room inside. It is much easier to get get in and out of than other cars. Its got enough power to get ya going, but it could be better. It has a solid ride and it handles well. It gets very good gas mileage. Once you get used to it, that speedometer is really at a good place. You dont have to look too far away from the road, to see how fast youre going. Nice idea!