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 Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Beev - November 29 - 6:46 pm

  This car runs well, handles well, and is a gas saver. My only complaint, thus far, is that the Japanese must have designed, built and tested this car indoors with overhead lighting as the sun visors are far too short to be of any use. The visors cannot be adjusted and that is a problem in the bright sunlight as the windows are large and the visors are tiny, way out of scale. Its as if a 65" man was wearing the slacks of a 5 man, get the picture? Otherwise, its a good car.

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  xB nice style, poor quality - 2005 Scion XB
  By onaircreative - November 16 - 3:06 am

  This is no Toyota. The Scion xB is a cool looking car, with good fuel consumption, but it ends there. It has no pickup! Dont try to get on the highway with the air conditioning on. My trunk latch came off when I was only trying to open it. I mean - it came off in my hand. Now the car wont lock. I have less than 14,000 miles and now I am stuck paying the bill on a manufacturing defect. Scion can refuse any repairs based on nothing other than their word. This car seems to be constructed entirely of plastic - CHEAP PLASTIC. Granted, it is roomy and cool looking, but looks can be deceiving. Its ride is too bumpy as well.

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  My Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By Brenda Pappas - November 14 - 10:33 am

  Bought it because of the Toyota name, the cargo space, gas mileage around town and the "green" engine. Price and warranty were great. It has performed well, has great pick up and drives and parks easily. I can haul my dogs or my gardening equipment and plants in it easily. Only two complaints... change the location of the cup holder and try to smooth out the ride some.

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  Outdoors man - 2008 Scion XB
  By outdor guy - November 14 - 2:46 am

  A very fine car. I pull a small boat and still get 29 mpg on the highway. A fun to drive car. Room for all my gear and then some. A very good car for the times. The mpg I get on this car is 39 highway 34 all around. Fog lights are a must have item. The sound system is very good and the air is great.

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  2012 Scion xB Review - 2012 Scion XB
  By maxxtruck9906 - November 8 - 6:22 pm

  This car is great! It has the 2.4L 4 cylinder, and a 4 speed transmission. After 5 months of owning this car I can say 2 things about it, 1.) It is near indestructible, and 2.) You can fit almost anything in it. I highly recommend this car. It is great for work, play, and family! I got it when it had 14,xxx miles, and it now has 24,xxx miles.

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  Super Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By louiswilde - November 6 - 6:36 am

  I average 27 mpg city or highway. Good car and the most reliable of any I have owned.

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  Solid car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mateo - November 5 - 8:03 am

  I have owned a dark blue xB for 10 days. I really love it. Before this purchase, also looked at Toyota Matrix, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevy HHR . Scion xB is the best among this group of small wagons. I initially targeted a Matrix, but its engine is so loud even at the idling speed and its building quality (including paint) is one tier below the xB. The xB has way many satefy features and sensors than all the other cars.

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  A lot of car for your money - 2004 Scion XB
  By Ricardo - November 4 - 2:00 am

  A great European looking car. A car that looks like it would not have much room in it but the opposite is true. You have lots of head room as well as leg room, both in the front and rear seats. It drives and handles well. Acceleration is great when passing cars and no power is lost when A/C is running. Fuel economical. that drives and handles

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  Cool - 2004 Scion XB
  By Kelopini - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I recentley took a trip to a small town east of Bakersfield Calif from Sacramento Calif. Once free of traffic I smoked at 85 plus for 5 hours. Averaged around 30mpg at that speed, not to shabby.The trip back may have exceeded 90 for long stretches but I wont admit to anything. My little Xb was quite, solid, and as comfortable as the sport suspension could be. I love this little car and everybody stares at it. Like it or not you have to admire Toyotas daring with the Xb.

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  Best car and most fun to drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By rickoorama - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This little car is so fun to drive. It holds all my tools and equipment for my job, plus hauls my huge 66" friends around with complete comfort and room.