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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Box Rocket - 2008 Scion XB
By Mark - September 2 - 12:40 pmI am more than impressed after 2 months of quality time with my new 2008 xB. I highly recommend the rear sway bar, as you can take a corner with a $60,000 sports car (believe me, Ive done it). The ride is smooth and quiet, and the new Camry 4 cylinder engine gives the 2008 xB a good boost of power when needed. Add in sports stick on the automatic transmission, iPod/MP3 standard Pioneer deck, and a 50s gangster wagon exterior, and the 2008 xB is in a class of its own.
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Pierres xB - 2004 Scion XB
By Pierre - September 1 - 4:16 amThis car is fun to drive and turns heads in town. Although it is marketed to the young crowd it is a great car for people over 50 because it is very easy to get in and out. The legs room in the back is outstanding even for tall people. My father-in-law is 8 tall and he still has room before in knees. When the back seats are down the cargo volume is huge for a car this size.
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Best of Two worlds - 2004 Scion XB
By paulcat - August 31 - 9:36 amI have a 2004 Scion xB A/T. I recently took a 2,000 mile trip through the east, averaging 34.8 mpg at about 75 mph with the AC on. It rides according to the road surface, meaning, a good road = a good ride...jarring bumps, you get the picture. Im 61" and 230 lbs. and find it to be an easy drive. My mate is 50" and 135 pounds, and she gets excellent thigh support, but the pedals are far away, with the steering wheel very close, and the proximity of the A pillar and the outside mirror blocks her line of sight. I chose the xB because it was the BEST compromise between a van and a compact car, that suited my style.
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Fikret Cekic - 2004 Scion XB
By Fikret Cekic - August 30 - 2:00 amIt`s a Fun car to drive affordable pluse honda element look alike.
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Black 2010 Scion xB - 2010 Scion XB
By GFR17 - August 27 - 10:46 pmI got this car last week, and I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive, has more storage space than an SUV, and has some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. That being said, it is not perfect. I would prefer more ground clearance, as 5.1 inches is just a little too low for me. I also with that driver armrest and much of the center console was reconfigured.
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LUV IT - 2005 Scion XB
By Bill King - August 27 - 4:56 pmI bought it mainly to use it as a tow car for my motor home. I find any excuse to drive it now. Better than my 2004 Ford F-150 XLT.
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I love my Toaster on Wheels - 2005 Scion XB
By Dawn Z. - August 19 - 10:00 amI totally love my Scion!The gas mileage,the room,the attention,The price,the safety features, etc!!My daughter will get this when she drives and I will get a new one!The ONLY thing I miss is cruise control~!I always had 8 cylinders and I love the gas savings! I pass alot of gas staions!Fun!Fun!Fun!
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SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
By lbar25 - August 19 - 10:00 amThe Scion XB is an affordable vehicle that is easy to drive and there is ample leg and head room. It rides comfortably and I love the fact that the rear seats go down when more room is needed for carrying large items. And despite the fact that its only a 4 cylinder vehicle, it carried 4 average sized adults up a hill with no strain to the engine. And the automatic transmission is so good, you can barely feel it shifting gears.
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Awesome Car!! - 2005 Scion XB
By cathy riley - August 19 - 10:00 amI got rid of my high maintenance german car (a fully loaded 03 passat) to get this car. I have a five year old who plays every sport and is always making a mess of the car while I drive a TON of mileage around town...its fun to drive, handles well, gets great gas mileage, no expensive maintenance, etc. I added leather to mine and they even put it on the doors and it really dresses it up as well as my 6 spoke wheels. Its just a great solid car/truck.
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GOTTA LOVE IT - 2005 Scion XB
By SCION MAMA - August 19 - 10:00 amWE BOUGHT OUR SCION IN 2003, ONE OF THE FIRST, FRESH OFF THE FREIGHTS. THE MINUTE WE SAT IN IT, WE KNEW THIS WAS THE VEHICLE FOR US. YOU EITHER HATE IT OR GOTTA LOVE IT....WE LOVE IT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ON A LIMITED BUDGET, BUT IN NEED OF A NEW VEHICLE. IT MAY LOOK SMALL ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT VERY ROOMY ON THE INSIDE.
