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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  nunus box - 2005 Scion XB
  By nunu - September 13 - 4:23 pm

  I love my black cherry XB. I call her the Box. Overall, the Box is fun to drive and I love the all the leg space.

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  Looks are Deceiving... - 2006 Scion XB
  By MattMoore - September 13 - 5:20 am

  Many of you probably think of the xB what I used to think before I got to really know one. Many of the same thoughts of claustrophobia and public humiliation crossed my mind when I first saw it. Then one of my friends bought one, truly a day to remember. This thing had so much headroom, legroom, and cargo room in such a small package it was astounding (and a bit dumbfounding initially). I have always like Toyotas for their reputation of build quality and reliability, this box is no exception. It is surpisingly quick (mostly due to its low curb weight) in the 5-speed variant and a joy to drive (mine isnt stock though). It has lots of handy features and plenty of aftermarket support.

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  I love my scion xBox - 2004 Scion XB
  By J.D. Slacker - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I got an extra $400.00 for being a recent college grad. I was driving a full size GMC P/U 8 cylinder and it was big & gommy to drive. Thscion xB is so much fun to drive & the mileage is awesome. I did my first test drive in the xb with a automatic but it was a little sluggish so I ordered a manual tranny. the standard tranny is much more peppy. The shifting is still a little stiff but I am sure it will be better after I put some miles on it.This car is affordable & loaded with cool standard features.

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  Good mileage with an xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Rene - September 9 - 3:03 am

  Our experience with the xB has been pretty good to date. We average about 35 mpg with mostly highway driving. The ride on the interstate is a bit bumpy and noisy. Our Camry rides better on the interstate and is better for longer road trips. This vehicle is fine for everyday driving or for commuting to work. It fits well for tall drivers - my husband is over 6 and it fits him very comfortably. I wouldnt purchase this unless it has cruise control installed.

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  Meets or exceeds all expectations - 2005 Scion XB
  By rutabaga - September 6 - 10:29 pm

  I wanted a commuter car and got the xB. It had 20k on it when I bought it. Ive put 60k on it. Had a salvage title. It does everything I wanted it to and more. Im not too diligent about maintenance but its still rock-solid reliable. Spacious cabin room and very easy for the 3 kids to get in and out of. Not perfect, but just fine driving the occasional 200 mile trip to visit family. Consistently gets 30mpg *in town.* Here are some shortcomings to be aware of, although I dont hold them against the car AT ALL: weak on power; small cargo space in back; stock sound not very good; jeez, I really cant think of anything else. GREAT car. FYI, Im 65", 210lbs and fit just fine in it.

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  I named her Stella! - 2009 Scion XB
  By PDXScionLOVER - September 6 - 8:50 am

  I love this new car-o-mine. The pick up, the go, the looks I get. I got the black cherry.. so sweet! A friend has the Toyota Cruiser, and is totally jealous if the interior space! Makes me feel like a cool-kid with a conservative budget! :)

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  Excellent mileage and lots of leg room - 2005 Scion XB
  By Translator - September 5 - 10:00 am

  small outside, HUGE INSIDE! Wanted best gas mileage with enough leg room. Insight 51mpg but only 2 seats, Prius 44 too small & long wait, VWs 41 & 32 but bad reps, Echo 38 too small, Civic hybrid 36 uncomfortable, Mazda3 33 & didnt try it (but I hear good things), xB 32 and LOTS of leg & head room, front & back! A great car for town & smooth roads. With 5spd & cold-air intake, acceleration is good. Euro version is the Yaris Verso. Pedestrians do double takes, people in parking lots feel compelled to walk around it, other cars tend to hang in blind spot for a long time—lots of fun to watch! Front seats comfortable except on road trips (built for narrow shoulders). Great style! fun to drive!

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  A true joy to drive - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mackeral - September 4 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Scion lasy Saturday and I have to say that I am very Impressed with this vehicle. For the price, it is really a great buy and it is fun to drive. Now I make up excuses to go out and drive. With all the accessories for it, it really makes it become your very own extension of yourself. I highly recommend anyone to give it a try and test drive one and you will get one for yourself.

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  Extremely Pleased - 2006 Scion XB
  By eholm - September 1 - 9:06 pm

  I have owned Toyotas before and this one does not dissappoint. The ride quality is good and my gas mileage has ranged from 34 to 41 mpg (road trip). So far I have found no problems with build quality and the engine has a sort of "sewing machine motor" quality of liking to spin freely but being entirely smooth with no rough or flat spots.

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  most fun to drive car ever I had 10 - 2005 Scion XB
  By mjtoaster - August 29 - 7:30 am

  I was looking to replace my suzuki vitara, I needed a car with better gas mileage but that still had the look of a suv, I looked at several cars and decided to get the xb because of gas mileage, price, standard options and my dealer paid me a good price for my trade and gave me good interest, that put me over the edge. But oh my the car really gets the looks all over the place, and I am hooked with customizing. I hope the toyota quality is as good as it used to be.