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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  If you dont like, it youre too old - 2004 Scion XB
  By XBNICE - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with the handing of such a boxy-tall car. You have to keep the RPM high to get to the optimum power. Accelaration is adequate for a 108 HP motor. This car attracts so much attention. If you dont like attention, dont get this car.

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  Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Poopy Joe - October 5 - 10:00 am

  sGood. Yo. Yo. Yo. BUY IT!!! ITS GOOD TO BUY!!!

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  Crash Worthy - 2004 Scion XB
  By mustangsv - October 5 - 9:36 am

  Just totaled my XB (04/19/08) with a head-on crash with a Dodge Dakota P-up (airbags deployed). The drivers area was in perfect shape. The front end was crushed to the base of the windshield. Crumple zones worked as advertised. I walked away as did my 4 year old son who was strapped in his child seat in the back passenger side. Im back in the market to buy another one(2004-2006). 2008 XBs look like they were designed by the Michelin Man...Yuck!

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  Best Value available. - 2009 Scion XB
  By dan.oneil77 - October 3 - 8:33 pm

  As an engineer, I researched new cars for 6 months before buying. Were expecting a second child and needed more room over our Mazda Protege. The Scion xB is the best value possible! The rear seating beats EVERYTHING we looked at! Grown-ups can sit back there - no other vehicle offered this. I had a 1993 Toyota Pickup with the I4 2.4L engine and loved it - this engine has the juice when you need it! I added the cold air intake for a little more HP - at the cost of a few MPGs. Were seeing 28MPGs, but with 128+ FT^3 interior space, thats actually pretty amazing. It is a bit heavy and catches a lot of wind, but its meant more for utility, not speed. Great for small families!

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  Never Own Anything Else - 2005 Scion XB
  By craiple - October 3 - 4:36 am

  If you want a fun, dependable, practical vehicle, with lots of PIZZAZ...this is it. Ive had my xB for one year and have driven it all over the country. It has more headroom and backseat legroom than any car on the market (Im 66")! The only thing I dont like is the only way to turn the dome light on is on the light itself, its a long reach. Otherwise, this is the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned 9 in my lifetime.

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  short people problem - 2009 Scion XB
  By RatAttackTeam - September 26 - 10:00 pm

  Hard decision - xB or xD I bought the xB as the seat is adjustable, just not high enough. Maybe if the side mirrors werent so big, they leave blind spots. Also I need to have the seat way forward so now window controls are hard to find and door arm rest too low. Otherwise I love the drive, ease of turning, gas mileage in town and instrument panel. Rides nice on our horrible streets too.

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  The Ultimate Transformer - 2005 Scion XB
  By Choder - September 18 - 2:40 pm

  I am a 35 year old and I cant say enough about my new Scion Xb. Great styling, great features, great value, and unlike most cars you purchase and then just drive, after you purchase your Xb you will feel compelled to pimp it anyway you want with all the after market accessories available directly from Scion. Save a couple hundred dollars and get the European style taillights, save another couple hundred more and get the fog lamps. There are so many options to choose from and the listed price of each includes installation at the nearest Scion dealership. So, instead of watching MTVs Pimp My Ride, now you have an affordable and fun way of pimping your own. Best of all, my kids love it!

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  Scion has made a me a customer for life! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Brian - September 17 - 2:16 pm

  Dropping down from an SUV to a small vehicle to make my commute more economical was my motivation. Scion xB has continued to amaze me as I use it for everything from Home Depot to camping. Plenty of interior space and it drives like a little sports car. What more can you ask for from a vehicle priced well below 20K that lets you do everything an SUV or truck can do. The new xB sacrificed MPG for more pep, and its a great trade-off. Ive had my xB for almost a year and its running like a champ. Getting about 25 mpg in mixed driving. If you need a little commuter car with big style and plenty of room (Im 60") then this is your car.

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  Most bang for the buck! - 2010 Scion XB
  By john - September 17 - 7:40 am

  1. Great car! Better than the 94 Acura Legend GS it replaced. 2. About 29mpg for my daily commute (25 miles through local roads each way). 3. 100% made in Japan. 4. Best value!

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  this lil box is pimped out! - 2004 Scion XB
  By dat scion - September 16 - 2:00 am

  the first time i seen this car on the street i wanted one, now that i have one im very happy with the "XB" version. if you want alot of attention, i suggest you get this vehicle! i get stopped all the time by people, i even got pulled over by a police officer just to tell me how unique and stylish my scion is... but if you want my opinion pay a little bit more money and get it fully equipt, you wint be sorry.