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 the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By Karen L Walter - December 31 - 9:20 pm

  I love my X box. It really does get 30 mpg in town. It is fun to be seen in, and also fun to drive. My dog loves it and actually we bought it for him, and to go camping. Buy the cargo mat for your dog. I am not 20 something but I do appreciate good value for my buck. Buy something different.

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  No One Knew - 2004 Scion XB
  By SCION - December 30 - 3:06 pm

  Whwn we bought our Scion xB in 2003, most people had not even heard of a Scion. We took a trip cross country in our "Little Baby Boots," we had the best drive. It is great on gas and confort, and easy for my handicaped wife to get in and out of. We could not have asked for any better car. The funny thing was, the further East we got the less people knew what a Scion was, even a Highway Patrol officer pulled us over to ask what it was, so not only did we have a great ride, we had a lot of fun.

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  The Firster - 2005 Scion XB
  By Edward - December 29 - 6:16 pm

  The cup holders in my Scion xB are in a bad location. They are on the floor. The gas mileage has been good at around 30 mpg this past month. It also handles really well. I like how it can get into a tight parking place with ease. I am 6 ft. 7 in. tall and have no problem geting in to it. It has lots of head room and good leg room. You have more leg room in the back than in the front.

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  Best Buy Under $20,000 - 2004 Scion XB
  By paulpalmsprings - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have 1000 miles on the car. 31 MPG average. Very quiet for a small vehicle. For its size, it holds a lot of stuff. Mountain bikes, telescopes, friends. This is one fun car to drive and own. I looked at minivans. Looked at trucks....Boring! xB is the answer to a boring car world.

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  2008 Scion xB 5-speed - 2008 Scion XB
  By nots4u2001 - December 27 - 12:33 pm

  The car has really good suspension, I normally drive the mountain rode everyday and handles really well. The car is a really great car for the price as well the reliability of Toyota. I thought the car would lack power but I found myself beating everyone off the line.

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  Lovin my XB - 2009 Scion XB
  By shelster - December 27 - 10:36 am

  My XB is comfortable to drive. I love the easy access getting in. I love the roominess. It feels like your in a larger SUV. Its easy to park, turn and it looks great. I had it lowered. I get compliments on it daily.

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  Kermies Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Kathleen - December 24 - 10:10 am

  My Scion xB handles well and is not affected by the wind, which is surprising in a car shaped like a box. I am getting 32 mpg city/highway combined. It is easy to drive and its seats are very comfortable and back supportive. My sons are all 6 feet tall or taller and they can sit in the back seat with ample leg room. This car is fun to drive. I have the Special Edition which is Kermit green so I get lots of looks, double takes, and waves from other xB drivers. I also get a lot of "what kind of car is that anyway?" It has plenty of cargo room, we hauled two weeks worth of supplies, two adults, and a dog to the cottage we rent every summer. It is a decent car for well under $20,000.

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  Gotta Love the Box! - 2006 Scion XB
  By cogerwd - December 18 - 9:30 pm

  Were an active couple in our 50s and were looking for a spacious, gas conserving car that could also carry our kayaks and bikes. We love the Scion xB. We should have the Kayak rack put on this week. Our bikes just do make it inside if their front wheels are removed. We are considering mounting them on-top. Its responsive, and to me has plenty of power. I ordered through the dealership and it took 70 days for my car to arrive. I got the 2006 polar-white, 5-speed with armrest and cruise-control. That was it. The total cost was just under $16,000. The reviews on this site are right on the money to me when describing this car. I read them before I test drove and purchased. I only have 200 miles on mine so far but I am extremely happy.

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  Less Impressed than Id Hoped to Be - 2008 Scion XB
  By callisto9 - December 18 - 12:53 pm

  Bought used in 2011 with just under 50K. I researched this car for about a year before buying, so I knew what I was getting. Been less than impressed during the past year of ownership. I wanted so badly to like this car, but the little things are added up to an unpleasant driving experience. If I could go back and do this all over again, Id likely have gotten a different car, or an automatic.

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  looooove my xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By J.D. - December 18 - 9:23 am

  Ive had my xB for about 3 months and I love it more each time I drive it. Thought it would be economical but was afraid to change from a Town Car to something I thought would be so different. Boy, I can not believe I look for reasons to drive now... love sitting up higher and it is so open and roomy inside. Cant say enough good things about it.