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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  FUN, FUN AND MORE FUN!!!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Buffman - July 8 - 10:43 am

  Had my new xB for a month and love it. This is a love/hate car. You will love it or hate it. It is very unique to say the least. It is quicker than I thought it would be. When I read up to buy this car I thought it looks great as is, but who drive something that slow. Yes, it is slow but not anywhere near as bad as you may think. The gas mileage is great, there is more than enough room for a family of 4 (the kids cant kick the back of your seat when driving, HUGE PLUS), and storage space is more ample than I thought it would be. We have had a very windy fall here and this "little box" has been unaffected by it. Overall it has been lots of fun, not just a car!!

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  Fantabulous - 2008 Scion XB
  By BigRigDriver - July 7 - 6:20 pm

  This car comes loaded with everything and its cheaper than most popular cars out there. Fun to drive, great gas mileage and very comfy. Road noise is much better than others in its class. Very roomy, young couples with a kid or two will love it. Big folks will find lots of room. Car made in Japan which is a big plus since my confidence in domestic made products has declined to low levels. Do yourself a favor and get a GPS if you do buy one, you gonna need it for all the fun driving you gonna be doing in it.

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  fun economical ride - 2005 Scion XB
  By wynn - July 7 - 10:00 am

  if you can get past the fact that it looks like a freezer on wheels, it really is a great car.the back seat is unbelievably roomy, and its also cool that it gets 35 mph.great stereo system too.

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  Love My xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By sdugger - July 5 - 12:40 pm

  I have owned my xB for one month now and I could not be happier with it. It is so fun to drive and is a real head turner. Even my Dad who bought it for me, more because of Toyotas reliability has really started to like the looks of it.

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  great car for a snowless climate - 2005 Scion XB
  By on the road again - July 4 - 5:53 am

  The roof is a little high for loading kayaks. The snow collects heavily and gets quite packed in the wheel wells causing the front tires to loose their turning mobility. On both rear wheels the packed snow had to be broken up with the windshield ice scraper. The wiring to the side lights is located in the wheel wells and it pulled away and is now broken and hang down. The garage said the whole unit would have to be replaced. Ive never had this happen before. Other than that I really love this car.

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  Best of the rest - 2010 Scion XB
  By Charly - July 4 - 1:43 am

  Still have our 2005 Rel 2.0 and love our 2010 xB. 05 model gets 35 mpg on trips so we bought another one. Only one trip so far, into the Smokies for 7 days, avg 31 mpg overall on mountain roads & xways. Car is absolutely the best cross over out there. Smooth, quiet and fuel efficient. Just finished mixed driving of 275 mi and avg 31.6. Very thick comfortable seats too and lots of room for this 6 foot 220 pounder. You just can do any better. We drove Hondas and other Scions. Ford has no hi-mpg crossover and GM quality history precludes any consideration of any model. Chrysler has no quality or mpg in any line.

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  My Scion (Artoo is his name) - 2004 Scion XB
  By Scion Fan - July 3 - 2:10 am

  Five adults go out to dinner in this car, its so roomy -- one is 65". When we go out with another couple, they always want to take our Scion. I have hip/knee arthritis, but no problem getting in and out. 93 year old mother-in-law can do it alone. Its little on the outside, but huge on the inside. It also drives/corners like a sports car -- just not low- slung. Good visibility 360 degrees. No blind spots. Toyota quality, 100% Japanese made. What more could you want?

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  Value for the money - 2005 Scion XB
  By Missouri Box Driver - June 15 - 12:10 am

  This is a first rate ride!! Dealer was great!! Overall this car is awesome the only things lacking are a somewhat choppy ride on less than perfect roads and no cruise control.Performance and fuel mileage are very good.

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  all good - 2004 Scion XB
  By jasongipson - June 12 - 2:00 am

  so far so good. back hatch issues are about the only problem. --have to slam it good.

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  Great and Fun to Dive - 2009 Scion XB
  By James - June 11 - 10:26 am

  I did a lot of research before I purchase this car. It is my run around car, but this is one I will keep for a long time. I have had no problems at all with almost 20000 miles. I average about 26 miles in mixed driving and 33 miles on the highway. I added several things to it from the dealership (Sun Roof, Fog lights, Alloy wheels, Spolier, Bumper name on the back, Rear cargo deck, TRS exhause system, TRS Air Filter.) I have taken it on several long trips with no problems. I will let the seats down and carry things. This car beats The HHR, Mazda 3, and the Element, I test drove them all.