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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  great great car - 2006 Scion XB
  By RDT - March 17 - 6:33 pm

  I honestly do not think you could get more for your money than the Xb this is a great little car, great style and great fund to drive. Its everything we wanted and so much more.

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  LOVIN IT!!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By goonyfish5 - March 17 - 5:53 am

  This is my 2nd xb. More comfortable ride, still like the boxy look of the older style. Drives awesome. Wish I would have gotten the standard. I average about 30 mpg. Love the sound system and handling. More spacious for having 3 kids (2 young adults) no squooshing together in back. I will stay with this for along time. Scion is an excellent brand. Would like more unusual colors. My last was yellow limited edition.

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  My best choice - 2008 Scion XB
  By Onel - March 16 - 10:33 pm

  Fun to drive, ok in fuel, good combination interior-exterior, nice engine, more than expected.

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  Great Car for Price - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dawn - March 15 - 9:06 pm

  I have had my xB for over 4 months. Its a blast to drive. Always getting comments on it. Only real thing I dont like is the windshield. I totally recommend this car for anyone that wants a car that is fun to drive and get great gas mileage. Also you would become part of an elite club as a Scion xB owner.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Lisa - March 11 - 6:56 am

  The Scion xB is a great town car for the money. It has room for everyone and split seats for those special shopping days. The interior has great head room.

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  New found love - 2008 Scion XB
  By Navygunner77 - March 8 - 3:50 pm

  When buying the Scion xB I wondered if it might be a mistake on my part because lets face it the Scion name hasnt been around as long as its parent company Toyota. However much like the ugly duckling story, I found that once I got used to the boxy looks (nowhere near as bad as last years design) I found that I love this little car! I traded in a gas loving 2004 Ford Explorer that I had named slurpy and when I filled the Scion up for the first time I found that my gas cost were going to be cut in half and still getting about the same total mileage out of my tank as I did with my Explorer. My opinion, if you can get over the odd looks of the car I highly recommend it!

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  Ban Boring! Unexpectedly Nice xB!!! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Synthetic - March 8 - 3:10 pm

  Fun to drive, very versatile, reliable, economical, and safe. 1. Fun: with decent tires this handles like a mini-BMW. Firm yet smooth ride, with good cornering. Noisey, but the 160 watt stereo takes care of that. 2. Its a minivan & SUV with a cavernous interior. "Ten gallon hat" headroom and expansive leg room front AND rear. Both front seats fold flat creating a double bed (dont tell your teenager), OR fold the rear seats creating a minivan cargo space. 3. Toyota reliability and smart simplification. 4. It gets 30mgh city and 34mpg highway, its True Cost to Own is among the lowest in the world. 5. Dual airbag, ABS, stability control, brake assist, and great visibility.

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  Scion xB Newbee - 2006 Scion XB
  By Happy Mororist - March 7 - 2:36 pm

  The xB has a great ride with super visibility. It handles well with very tight turning radious. It is easy to park in city parking slots with good road handling and comfort. It is slightly under power for high end passing on the freeway however up to 50-60 mph it has plenty of power. So far so good!

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  MOST EXCELLENT CAR MADE - 2004 Scion XB
  By scott2817 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I have NEVER owned an automobile that I have loved this much, in over 25 years of owning and driving autos. I actually smile more and just feel better. I know that I have reliable, trustworthy transportation. I have never before washed, cleaned and Armour-Alld any auto everyday. God, I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  WOW - 2004 Scion XB
  By The Law aka M3 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The xB is amazing. Many words to describe such a great car, but I cant think of them all!