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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Id do it all over - 2005 Scion XB
By D - April 25 - 8:36 pmIm in LOVE. The xB is the finest car Ive ever owned, AND the most economical. What can I say about the room, phenominal. Overall, an awesome driving experience.
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Potentially a good car...but not. - 2008 Scion XB
By troytali - April 24 - 2:43 pmHaving grown up on pocket rockets like the GTi, Honda Prelude Si, Civic Si, Mazdas, etc., the Scion xB was a bit more practical extension of that. I only wish Scion would make it with some performance. We know they use the same engine in the tC, so its a mystery why they castrate the xB so deliberately. Put an engine with actual power below 4k rpm, close ratio 5 or 6 speed manual and auto choices, GOOD sound system, less body roll, NO MORE center gauges then maybe we have a car worth buying again. Ive had two of these, and auto and the manual. Both have squeaks and rattles in the same places, and from new and almost new. Plasticky interior, peaky power delivery, lazy throttle response? Wow
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my funky box - 2004 Scion XB
By carmen - April 19 - 10:00 amI like my little and crazy car
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Brakes - 2008 Scion XB
By Diana - April 17 - 9:10 amI really like the Scion. Very roomy with great interior.
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My first xB - 2008 Scion XB
By laffingcorpse - April 17 - 12:46 amI love everything about this car. It has great acceleration, handles well, fast, powerful. Fun to drive. The base model comes with everything you need. Anything else is an aftermarket accessory. I got 280 miles out of my first full tank of gas. If I had to pick one thing I did not like it would be the road noise. Small price to pay for such a great car though!
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Ranks right up there for MPG - 2006 Scion XB
By ronnieskar - April 15 - 7:36 am2 weeks after I bought my toaster on wheels, I went on a 1450 mile golfing trip with my golfing bud. Considering the weight of both of us, golf bags and the luggage, about 600 lbs, doing between 70 & 80 MPH through the West Virginia mountains, and running between courses, I averaged 34.5 MPG. Around home I get 36-38 MPG. Great vehicle, lots of room inside and fun to drive. Best purchase Ive ever made.
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Nice Ride! - 2009 Scion XB
By Ivan - April 9 - 12:10 pmIve had this car for a year now but my MPG is not what I expected it gives an average of 24 mpg combined I though it gave more than that. Other than it is a good car for the money I paid
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Best Choice Ever - 2008 Scion XB
By Kyle - April 7 - 11:43 amI love this car so much. Its fun and confortable to drive. Ive got a lot of compliments from my friends on how the car look really nice inside and outside. Its very roomy.
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Hands down the best buy ive ever made - 2004 Scion XB
By btodaizzo - March 25 - 10:00 amThis little car is saving me money on car paymnet, gas, and has all the bells and whistles on a luxury car. People stop and stare CONSTANTLY
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I love it, but.... - 2006 Scion XB
By esripa@msn.com - March 18 - 12:40 pmI bought my 2006 Scion xB (automatic, black cherry,) for its unique design, great price, and promised fuel economy.
