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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  WOW! What fun!!! - 2009 Scion XB
  By momsxb - July 24 - 3:30 pm

  Talk about one fun little ride!! This car feels more like an SUV. I love the style and room that this little jewel has. You can not go wrong with the price or the gas mileage. I traded in my 4 door toyota yaris and so glad I did! The yaris is great for the money but has nothing to offer as extras like this great ride. The yaris had no power windows, locks or keyless entry and not to mention the cheap carpet in it. I bought a black 5 speed manual and had the dealership put a hot pink stripe on the side. I am a 38 year old mother of 2 teenagers who also love my car. Cant wait to add the hot pink wheels for the final touch. I am still young at heart and this car makes me feel it!

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  08 Scion XB - 2008 Scion XB
  By marnie - July 24 - 11:26 am

  Love the interior room, looks and over all choice of this car. It is noisy in regards to road noise and it is fairly uncomfortable on long trips. The 08 did get a bit of a blind spot when it gained the extra length. Good car in general. Great for hauling. Just totaled ours. Will be replacing it with something a little more comfortable.

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  My Toasty is the Best! - 2006 Scion XB
  By mimilou - July 24 - 4:33 am

  Ive had my Toasty for a week now, but have wanted her for a year. I test drove Scions (as well as other vehicles) and researched them extensively. I LOVE driving her. Shes Salsa Red Pearl. The gas mileage is unbelievable and the room she has is awesome as well. I love how these cars come equipped with really cool standard features that you have to pay extra for on other vehicles. She is so much fun to drive and I love how other Scion xB drivers always wave to me. I wanted to get the Yakima racks as an option but the dealer told me the racks had to be port-installed. I installed them myself and it was a bit tricky but I recommend it for the savings vs. financing them with Scion.

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  Solid as a rock... - 2008 Scion XB
  By kenwid1988 - July 21 - 7:12 am

  My mother bought the Scion XB brand new in Nov. 2007. It was a random choice I admit. She wanted me to test drive it before she bought it. I thought it would be sluggish, BOY WAS I WRONG! This car has pep in its step. Drives better than a V6, I think. 99% of new cars nowadays feels like a temporary car. The quality of the XB feels like 10+ years of ownership. The drive and flow feel tight and sturdy. People giving it crap for its drive needs to STHU. This car is under $20K, what do you expect? Interior room is shockingly roomy. I dont like all the crap my mom put on it. I would have liked it as the base model.

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  Fabulous 40,000 Miles So Far - 2004 Scion XB
  By Charlie SJC - July 21 - 1:40 am

  The Scion xB has more head and leg room for four tall people than most SUVs. The gas mileage with the stick shift has improved from year to year. I never get less that 32 mpg now and sometimes get 35 mpg.

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  Fun, reliable and cheap - 2008 Scion XB
  By Paul - July 20 - 2:06 am

  Bought new and now have 50,000 miles. Have not had a single problem. Does not burn any oil. Ive used synthetic since 5K. Does well in snow. AC works well and iPod hookup is nice. Lots of room is nice. I knew I would be putting a lot of miles on this car and I wanted something practical that would deliver with no hassles, thats just what the XB does.

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  Very good buy for the price... - 2009 Scion XB
  By ZoomZoom - July 19 - 11:23 pm

  I have put about 1,500 miles on my XB and feel that I have driven it enough to write a review. I have had absolutely no problems with it, so far so good. I went to the dealership after reading reviews about the XD and felt it was a little too small. I didnt particularly like the look of the XB until I drove it. I was in love! And still am. I get alot more positive comments on it than I had expected. Its fun to drive and can get up and go if you need it to. Bottom line: If you are looking for a fun, reliable car under $20K; the XB is the right car for you!

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  I LOVE This BOX! - 2006 Scion XB
  By FoxNBox - July 19 - 6:20 pm

  I wanted a car with more space for hauling and something that would get good gas mileage too. My Scion xB has exceeded all my dreams. My car is getting 35 mpg in the city! It is fun to drive; it handles great, and its visibility is amazing. Its litte on the outside (a dream to park!) and huge on the inside. I dont know how they do it but glad they did. I had a sunroof installed and love it, with the satelite XM radio, or my iPod playing through the speakers, sunroof open...it just doesnt get any better! Also, this car is SO easy to get in and out of. Senior passengers LOVE it! If you want a fun, zippy, roomy, inexpensive car for running around, I highly recommend it! I love this car. :-)

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  Love it but C-pillar has blindspot - 2008 Scion XB
  By Love it but blindspt - July 16 - 2:30 am

  Love it but C-pillar is 2-feet wide so theres a blindspot which caused me to hit a pole when I backed up. Luckily, the bumper was real steel, not plastic so damage was minimal and I only needed a new bumper cover and light.

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  New Surprises Every Day - 2006 Scion XB
  By Frank - July 15 - 2:40 pm

  This car is a bargain for the price. It has many standard features and the one I purchased (thankfully) had factory cruise and arm rest (definite necessities). I bought this solely as a commuter car that is also spacious enough to get kids in and out of the car seats. There is ample room for both driver and passengers. I can average 32 mpg without a lead foot and do a lot of gliding to stops and about 28 mpg if at full throttle all the time. This doubles the gas mileage compared to my previous truck. The handling is superb and unfortunately you would expect it matched with a much peppier engine. But a larger engine would kill the gas mimleage, so thats an expected trade off.