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:
Showing 1211 through 1220 of 1,427.00-
I wasnt sure I was going to like it... - 2005 Scion XB
By nkeithf - June 11 - 12:06 amI had driven an xB last year, and coming off of cars with considerably more pep, it really seemed sluggish--I have kind of a lead foot. But Im going back to school after 25 years, and wanted to lower my car payments, so I looked at it again...and you know, the price was just too powerful an incentive...Ive realized that once I bought it and got into it, theres actually completely adequate power...sure, its a little slower pulling out into traffic and all, but once youre up to cruising speed it goes as fast as I want it to...and its just damned fun to drive. It handles great in snow, you sit up high, and it gets the strangest looks...its really very cool!
-
Why I love my Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
By brodiegal - June 10 - 4:56 amWhen looking for a new car with great gas mileage, I was drawn to a number of smaller, gas efficient cars. But one look at this boxy, "kitchie" that whispered to me, "take me for a test drive, honey!", and I was hooked! What a great car! Fantastic gas mileage (I get 30-33), big enough inside for a small basketball game to take place, and everything I would have asked for comes standard (I did add cruise control for longer trips at a reasonable price). I loved the fact that there was no haggling over price since the Scion price is fixed, like Saturn, and our knowledgable salesman was warm and efficient. Thank you, Scion...love that car!!
-
Less than stellar - 2009 Scion XB
By unclealan - June 9 - 4:53 amI used a true Klunker to get this Release Red, and I dont enjoy it as much as some. One tiny armrest, much too wide rear corners, quite hard to back up. Personally I am always hitting the gearshift knob when going to the gps/radio panel. Even the cupholder ticks me off (though admittedly I am a touchy guy). I do like the lights except for the single back-up one. Heated seats on the top should have been part of the package
-
Increddible vehicle - 2004 Scion XB
By rickorama - June 5 - 2:00 amI bought this car when i saw it immeditaley. I drove it for 3 minutes and knew I had to have it. Come to find out, it is even more versitle than i had ever imagined. Tons of space and my huge 66" friends fit in the back better than my escalade! I get looks from everyone on the street giving me the thumbs up.
-
Bring back the funk! - 2011 Scion XB
By johnxbreezy - June 4 - 1:19 pmUsed to have a 1st generation 2006 xB in 5-speed manual. It was my favorite car I owned. I outgrew it, and wanted something a bit more mature, and sleek. I also wanted to go for a VIP-style luxury-look this time around, and you cant be VIP and shift your own gears! ;) That led me to pick up a big-body 2011 xB in automatic. The 2nd generation xB in manual is pretty silly, anyway--its just too big for a manual. I do love the car, but Im not in love with it. It lost its groove, and seems as though the Kia Soul is the newer version of the 1st generation xBit has all the funk that the new xBs lost. I still like the 2nd generation xB more than the Soul, but just saying.
-
Im too sexy for my car... NOT - 2005 Scion XB
By nibor - May 15 - 10:26 amI love my Scion XB. I wish I had more disposible income so I could dress it up a bit, but overall, Im very proud to be seen in this car. My only complaint is that I cant get the gas mileage out of it that Im supposed to. Im about 5 mpg short both hwy and city.
-
My Mid-life Crisis Car - 2006 Scion XB
By Mary - May 2 - 8:43 amIve owned a lot of different types of cars through the years from fancy German sport sedans to American classics. The xB is one vehicle in which the sum is greater than the parts. No its not as powerful as some or as posh as other cars but it is fun, fun, fun. Plus other xB owners waive at each other on the road. [Cant say the same for BMW owners.] My dogs like to travel in it, I can haul loads of stuff, the standard stereo is great and I cant help but smile every time I see it. Anyone who drives one will become a believer. Only cons: miss a cruise control and outside temperature display. [Hey, my last 5 vehicles had it.] And the cloth seats hold dog hair a little too well.
-
My First New Car - 2006 Scion XB
By Candi - May 1 - 2:46 pmI never really went in thinking I would get this car. After I test drove it, I fell in love. Its a nice smooth ride, a nice spacious interior, and what more could you get out of "the box" other than the features that come standard?! The sound is nice, I can use my iPod without having to buy extra connectors, and theres so much room in there I dont know how to use it! My next thing will be taking a road trip with it.
-
Incredible sporty wagon! - 2014 Scion XB
By jayjay22 - May 1 - 5:25 amHonda was silly and discontinued the Element, and the low mileage used ones with 20k miles or more are the same price as a new XB! So, I test drove one, and fell in love with the sporty feel and good handling. It has tons of room, and still has good space for my two big dogs with a seat cover in the back. This car is all Japanese, has the same reliable engine as the former Toyota Camry . I actually think this car is better built than my Honda was. This car is awesome, great value for the money, and Im getting 27-28 MPG! Its like a little sports car, but in wagon form!
-
LOVE LOVE LOVE MY SCION!!!!! - 2010 Scion XB
By Nicole L. - April 26 - 3:40 pmSeeing is believing. I looked at this car to start and thought no way! Once I sat inside I was sold! There is so much head room, the truck looks small but I could fit so much in there! I sat in the back seat I had way more leg room than mys husbands trailblazer! Its amazing!
