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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  A Must Buy! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Oh Man! - December 17 - 4:53 pm

  Everyone should at least check this vehicle out. I was so amazed by the standard options (i.e., iPod connector, side airbags, stability and traction control, projector headlamps, digital gauges, and well laid out interior, practical storage areas underneath rear passenger seats). I could go on and on, I love this car. I traded in my tC for this car because I needed more room for hauling things.

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  The needed changes were adressed !! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Builders who listen - December 16 - 12:56 am

  I owned a 2004 xB and it was a great car.The little 1.5 just did not have enough power to keep pace for highway driving. The a/c was a little weak on a hot Georgia summer day. It didnt turn as sharply as it should. On the 2008 these small problems have been taken care of. What more could you want than a company who listens to their owners? The 2008 has been refined. The price did go up a little but it is well worth it. The 2008 is the big brother who glides with grace. The ride is smoother, quieter and the big 18 wheel trucks dont make him shake. Great work of art for Scion!!

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  An Honest Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tomas - December 15 - 6:06 am

  I didnt intend to buy an xB when I first happened to see one at a dealership - I was just curious. A few hours later, I owned one. The value per dollar spent on this vehicle is likely amongst the highest in the current market. The xB is well designed, has excellent ergonomics, and is a lot of fun to drive. It is a unique looking box with a very comfortable interior and loads of practical, usable space in a tiny exterior. In many ways it seems larger inside than outside.

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  Proud Scion Owner - 2006 Scion XB
  By proud buyer - December 12 - 2:10 pm

  The 2006 Scion xB is perfect for both first time buyers and experienced consumers. It has all the you can want in a car for a more than reasonable price of $15,100. It comes standard with power evarything and a amazing Pioneer radio. It also comes with a port to plug your MP3 player right in so you can listen to all your music downloads. Its fuel economy puts it above most cars out there with 30-35 miles per gallon. Besides those features the Scion has massive amounts of space inside.

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  my blue taxi - 2005 Scion XB
  By bonnie - December 4 - 4:53 pm

  i have had my scion for a year now and still love it have had dual sunroofs added and it looks great, mileage is awesome do alot of driving each day and transporting so has plenty of room for everyone. great car for price

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  Loved everything except the noise - 2005 Scion XB
  By nyc to california - December 2 - 5:56 am

  Got the car used, researched a long time for it. great values, have all safety features except side curtains. Easy to mod. Added sound deadening material to the hatch and doors, but the noise is just too much for me.

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  Shes Gotta Have It... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Debbie - December 1 - 7:20 pm

  The first time that I laid my eyes on the Scion xB, I KNEW that I had to get one. With its unorthodox shape, for me, it was a sight to behold. Others may hate the "boxy" styling, but its roomy, gets great gas mileage, and IS fun to drive. I know its target audience is the younger crowd, but Ive noticed a lot of mature folks driving xBs (including me). That says a lot!

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  Pebbles in a can - 2005 Scion XB
  By marvin andrson - December 1 - 7:30 am

  Between the discomfort of the pint-sized seats of the Scion xB and the feel of every grain of sand on the road, this vehicle is totally a pain to drive on long trips. By the time my family and I reach a destination of more than 100 mles, after being shaken like pebbles in a can, with tail bones and legs aching from the seating and the jarring of every slight bump in the road, no amount of good gas mileage can compensate for our discomfort and regret for buying this vehicle.

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  My baby - 2012 Scion XB
  By Reanna - November 30 - 2:38 am

  I love my "box car" you really dont realize how big these cars are until you get inside. This was my first car that I bought through a dealership and I loved every minute of it. The air conditioning was amazing in the front seats, though I heard from the back seat it was average. The car had a lot of storage space and really helped out when it was moving time. The stereo system was great! I dont want to trade him in, but with a baby on the way the price is a little expensive for me. If it wasnt I would keep the car until the wheels fell off. This is a great family car and is very safe! I would recommend to family and my own children

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  I love my Toaster - 2005 Scion XB
  By hisstah - November 29 - 7:00 pm

  This car is quite roomy and I like the visibility I get with all the windows. Its very fuel efficient and reliable and the price was excellent. This is the first time I could afford a *new* car. Ive only ever had used cars before.