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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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By randolph - August 18 - 10:16 pm

  WOW best describes the Scion xB. It has lots of room, sufficient get up and go for a 4-cylinder car, and you gotta love that gas mileage. I got 31 mpg on the first tank of gas.

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  Kids want to "pimp" our ride. - 2009 Scion XB
  By J&C Dillow - August 14 - 10:46 am

  Looking for a car to downsize from the family minivan. This little car caught our attention as soon as we drove onto the lot.Great looks, cool color (stingray). Test drive was impressive, roominess was impressive. Interior design is good. We have two almost teenagers, they think it is cool. Front and rear room was surprising. We didnt want anything we hit our heads on as we entered, this doesnt happen. We dont feel closed in, like the vehicle is touching us on all sides or laying on our head (our height 6 and 57"). Dont have to squat or fall into the seat. Seat height is good for entering and exiting. Completely satisfied so far.Owned the car one month.Kids want to "pimp" our ride.

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  2 ScionXB GREAT FOR THE $ - 2012 Scion XB
  By Roxanne - August 12 - 12:53 am

  This is my second Scion XB. POSITIVES . I loved the no barter sales What it was online was the price.Period . A great car for the practical person but i like the looks too.Not a muscle car peppy but good enough.Handles well. Scion XB comes with lots of great features as standard.I love the bkuevtoith which turns the radio sound off as you talk back on when done My First was a manual so bare bones but had everything i wanted and then some. .Second Scion XB i did opted for an automatic as they had them on the lot but not the manual.Auto was my only concession to how it came. Scion XB Has the biggest cargo area i could find for this price car. Main reason i bought one again. I have two 170 Mastiffs which fit well in this car. Str 22ndaw bales 50 lb feed bags building material.3X2 foot cage for chickens . everything fits with the back seat down plenty of extra room.and goes down with touch of a button top of each seat No hastle at all. Roomy seating decent gas mileage between 32 to 35 mpg I like the brightly lit instrument panel in the center although different Best.. It heats quickly to cozy hot and cools quickly to very cool as well. NEGATIVES.... RADIO....my 2010 had a mute button on the radio and steering wheel as well which the 2012 doesnt ..Better long distance reception MATERIAL...BIG sticking point with me is material and carpet are very hard to clean.. Debri gets stuck in the fibers and wont come out no matter what.Dog hair and straw mostly. Seat covers do clean up better than 2010 which were the worst ive ever had on a car but carpet is still just as bad. Terrible really.They should take a clue from Focus on easy maintainence seat and carpet material. Plus I wish id had a choice of color for floor and seat covering This black would NOT be my choice.! Best if no choice would be medium grey much more practical brighten and open the interior even more. CARGO LIGHT doesnt stay on long enough to get out my groceries but minor issue BLIND SPOT. My biggest criticism of this vehicle is the large blind spots on both sides.A real danger.Many times i have seen nobody in the mirrors but a car was there . FOR SURE LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER WISH LIST ... Id love an alarm to let you know sonethings behind you as the back windshield is pretty high . Better lighter color carpeting and bring back the radio mute button All and all i probably will buy this car a third time. .For the price the many standard features size roomy seats very roomy storage... just cant beat it with any other car .

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  Great little Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Tdelane - August 11 - 4:26 am

  Great around town car. The digital speedo is the best I have ever seen. The instrument panel has excellent visibility in bright sun or dark of night. The interior is very roomy. Great for "big" people. Plenty of head room. As much room as the old 60s cars. It come with all the important options, side airbags, cruise control, combo shift auto tranny, excellent radio, The 2.4L engine is a joy to drive very peppy. The under the hood quality is the best I have ever seen.. The rear seats are very roomy, even for big people. Rear Seats down lots of cargo room. The mileage meter shows 25 mpg around town, 30/35 freeway (meter included). Very Happy with car. My wife loves it.

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  the car I thought I would not buy... - 2005 Scion XB
  By hawaiiguy - August 1 - 2:16 pm

  a beatiful car in and out...present problem with my 05 (manufactured 11/04) concerning a/c (not cold enough), parts ordered, and have to wait 4 weeks until the next opening at my nearby Toyota service dealership! Easy to get into/out with no contortions necessary, a lot of people will appreciate this! Has a nice tone on the stock exhaust system not too quiet nor too loud... Hear that some people use the rear right side storage in the back as an ice cooler, though I have not tried it yet. better handling performance with a rear sway bar,,,if you intend to make any handling improvements, this may be the only one you *MAY* need. gas mileage is about 30-32 on average with my auto.

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  Traded from Rav4 - Surprised and Satisfied! - 2012 Scion XB
  By corolla_scion - August 1 - 3:43 am

  I had an 04 Rav4 that blew a head gasket with 120k miles. Unfortunate and unlikely, but it happened. This brought us to the dealer to repair the Rav4 or buy a new one. After considering a new Rav, and much deliberation, we decided on a 2012 Scion xB instead. I must say it was a good decision. Its hard to get the cargo, features, and quality for under $20K. We are very happy with our decision. Cargo is not much smaller than an SUV in the Rav4 class and the TCO is much lower. Smaller tires and engine, similar MPGs, cheaper oil changes, insurance rates, etc.

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  The shape of things to come - 2004 Scion XB
  By Ernest - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got this because I could no longer drag myself out of my sports car. I cant believe the ease of entry & exit. It is fun to drive and gets plenty of looks from fellow motorists. I love the mileage I get that I no longer need to buy premium.

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  08 Scion xB is Great! - 2008 Scion XB
  By N4SX - July 28 - 6:20 am

  I wanted a roomy car that was fun to drive and would stand out. My expectations were exceeded. Fit and finish are great, the interior is huge and works well for me and my tall friends. It carries a huge amount of stuff, and, with the manual transmission, I can flat tow it behind my RV.

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  I Want to Tow - 2005 Scion XB
  By scionking - July 27 - 5:00 am

  First off, if youre big and tall and sick of trying to fit in those little cars, this is your ride. Ive had my xB going on 1.5 years now and I really enjoy it. I drive in a lot of high traffic areas and Im positive no full size SUV can match it. Yeah sure, I cant tow stuff, but I can park anywhere and getting around 30 mpg is a life saver. Its great on lane changes and when you lay the seats down you have a lot of room to carry all sorts of goodies. Ive even slept in it twice, no not because Im a weirdo, but because the tent just isnt as fun as it once was. I had the cold air induction put on and the exhaust added but you really dont get much bang from those mods. At least it sounds kinda neat.

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  The Scion Xb - 2006 Scion XB
  By dada765 - July 26 - 9:06 pm

  I have had 2 Scion xBs. The first one I got was in August of 2004. I sold that one and took out all my little goodies and bought another brand new one. The reason I did this was because I got tired with a black car and always needing to wash it. So i got a silver one this time. The car is great. I would think more people my age would like the Scion xB then the old guys. Its a teenagers car.