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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  Love It! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Patty B. - January 18 - 8:16 am

  I have no regrets! I totally love this car! I think my dog thinks its hers! It makes me smile just to look at it and everybody needs to smile! What a great car!!!

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  No Problems - Fun to Own! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mainer - January 17 - 8:20 pm

  Having owned many new cars over the years, this is the first that has not had to go back to the dealership for a problem or adjustment. Im tall and theres plenty of "people room", front and rear. The visiblity is great and the cornering is hard to believe - it doesnt feel the least bit tippy. Could use a bit more merging power for the highway but once going, it keeps up with high speed traffic very well. Im glad I read the reviews prior to purchase as it persuaded me to try both the stick and automatic. The automatic is significantly quieter at higher speeds and Im glad I went with it. I went with the center armrest and ipod stereo upgrades.

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  Great Family Car!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mammabella2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We are a family of four and all fit comfortably in our new Scion. We love it. It is cute, sporty, fun, and reliable. People stop us everywhere we go!!!

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  Cant Wait - 2005 Scion XB
  By george p burdell - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my 10th new automobile to purchase and I must say that it was the easiest to negotiate with the no haggle pricing policy. The important aspect of purchasing to to negotiate a "fair" price for any trade-in if one is involved.

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  Its Fun to drive again - 2005 Scion XB
  By mally - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I just recently bought a 2005 scion xb and it drives great, handles really well, great on gas, and is fun to drive...you alway get looks from every one...from the sporty seats to the center round odometer you feel like you racing.. its a blast. and is very roomy im a tall guy and i just traded my cherokee sport and its almost twice as big inside its so great. if you are thinking about the new scion just go for it you wont regret it.. treat yourself!!!

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  Not the quality I expected from Toyota - 2008 Scion XB
  By belowexpectation - January 13 - 7:00 pm

  We have been driving this xB for about 20,000 miles for two years, and disappointing since about 10,000 miles. Besides a major problem with engine (the dealershop fixed it), it rattles with the breake pushed, and plastic fell apart from under the passenger chair. This is not the Toyota quality we used to know. Although it has a unique design and some functionality, the overal quality is below my expectation considering the price tag.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By juanb - January 12 - 10:00 am

  one of the best cars low on miles per gallon.

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  not there yet - 2006 Scion XB
  By lag - January 6 - 12:40 pm

  i really like this car, mostly for its height. getting out i only need to swivil and stand up. i bought it used, i think the previous owner beat it up. its new to me but i just tested the mileage andonly got 26mph, very disappointing,will try to find out why. my criticisms are 1. the only headlight is inadaquite, should have one over the front. 2. needs alot of rm. to park if you need to open the back,3. a little too noisy, and i bought it with a cracked windshield. didnt know it was a cronic problem. but i love how much you can see, lots of window space. also all the little spaces to hold things, fall all over the place. not deep enough. i love toyot, cant imagine driving any thing el

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  Best for the money I paid! - 2006 Scion XB
  By ScionRider55 - January 5 - 1:23 am

  Great car! MPG could be better for 1.5L engine. I like the space, shelves, large doors and windows, all included options, seats, radio. Some important to me things I did purchase and install by myself, such as: central armrest, multiple 12v outlet, map light, trunk and underhood lights. Planning to install good (not original) fog lights. Thats it! At this point my project "Scion" will be finished. My wife loves this car as well.

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  My 2005 Scion xB in Blue Onyx Pearl - 2005 Scion XB
  By Chuck C - January 2 - 6:53 am

  I just bought this car on July 21st, 2005 and all I can say a very incrediable car so far. I had a 2003 Dodge Durango SXT an awesome SUV in its own right. With the high fuel prices in California I had to go with another way. I chose the Scion xB because in 1989 I bought a 4x4 Toyota and loved it knowing Toyota makes an excellent product. The gas milage on this xB is unreal and the power is great for 110 horses. In the near future I plan to add I cold air intake and a cat back muffler system to help the performance also. I might possibly make this a show car as well. My ending remarks at being a 50 year old male you cant go wrong with this sporty car from Toyota / Scion.