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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  Happy X Box Addicts - 2005 Scion XB
  By Mark Braithwaite - August 28 - 1:50 am

  Loved the look of this car when we 1st started seeing it driving around our town in the summer of 04...My wife said it was Ugly and would never consider buying such a car. As the months went on and my old Honda Wagovan became more decepite(Ran great-the little things started going,like AC,Radio,ability to rool down drivers side window,ect...) Anyway she began researching ScionXBs and came around to sharing my opinion- especialy since all the reviews were so good...Well now after driving it around for 5 months she loves how it looks and handles and we have come to describe it as "Very European Looking"...

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  60 year old xB Driver - 2005 Scion XB
  By John King - August 26 - 7:50 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, has lots of interior room for its size, gets great gas mileage and has a unique appearance. Even in the snow it handles very well. Unlike most small cars, the passengers sit high up, which allows better visibility.

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  Love my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By kimberly - August 21 - 4:36 am

  I really did not want to like the Scion xB as much as I do. I was looking at the Lexus IS 300, 2007 Camry and a few other cars. Keep in mind I do like unusual cars. I have owned a 2001 Mazda Miata SE, and a Mini Cooper. The xB could use a little more power that is my only "complaint"

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  Love This Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jeff - August 18 - 8:13 am

  Looks can be deceiving. This car looks a lot smaller than it is . It is a very peppy and practical car. You got it.. Toyota. How can you go wrong. Make it any way you want it.

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  My Oil Burner, w/ no warrentee - 2008 Scion XB
  By Oil burner,not warr. - August 17 - 7:30 am

  We purchased a new efficient car 6/2008 when gas prices spiked to $4 per gallon. Well I thought I was making a good decision, but instead our car has had a constant spongy brake pedal, blown transmission at 22000, which was fixed under warranty. The brakes still are spongy and car does not stop well in snow! But this is the kicker My car burns 2.5 quarts of oil every 5000 miles! Toyotas engineers says "There standards are 1 liter of oil burn per 5000 miles is acceptable" The dealer and Corp. Toyota say they WILL NOT put an engine in! So the reallity is Im paying $400 per mth + insurance for something we dont drive. I will NEVER buy a Toyota Again!!!

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Scion XB
  By forkdora13 - August 12 - 2:41 pm

  I absolutely loved this car. I bought it used and had it for a little over a year. I couldnt design a better car. Its small size and abundance of windows made it easy to parallel park. It was fun to drive - I never had a problem accidentally speeding on the highway or passing other cars. I could fit an amazing amount of stuff in the trunk (with seats down, of course). When youre sitting in the backseat there is an amazing amount of head and leg room. The wind didnt blow it around on the highway like it did my Geo Tracker (i was worried about this when buying another boxy car). Love it so much I am looking to buy another one right now!

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  I Love my XB - 2006 Scion XB
  By barb - August 8 - 9:33 am

  I love my Scion xB. Not only does it perform well and look great, but it does all the things I need it to. We camp a lot and all our gear fits in it and takes us up the mountains with no problems. Its a great little car with a big attitude. Its the best buy Ive ever made. I would buy another one! I wish Scion would come out with a little truck...my husband would love that! It really is the best car Ive ever bought and I love the way people look at it and come up to me in parking lots to ask about it and put their windows down at traffic lights to ask about it...its great!

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  My Surprise Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Red October - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is not the best time to review; Ive had the car less than a week. It is a WONDERFUL vehicle. I was going to get a Subaru Forester, but thought I should be honest and look at some others first. This was one of them. Test drive: Instant decision. Unlike most Toyotas the seats fit my body comfortably. The seats fold down to make a flat surface from tail to dash -- perfect for my 12-foot kayak for short trips to the nearest put-in. I am in the Southeast Toyota region, so I got cruise control. They also have roof rack (actually a Yakima: no complaint there). The first car I have ever had that I actually enjoy driving.

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  City Driving - 2008 Scion XB
  By City Driver - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  For the price, this is one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Quick, nimble, practical, reliable, and stylish. Fuel mileage is adequate, but nothing to brag about: 18-20 mpg city, 27-32 mpg highway. Above speeds of 70 mph, and/or with the a/c, the fuel mileage drops quickly. The interior is quiet, and visibility is very good, except the low top of the front windshield causes me to stay back from stoplights a little more than normal. Drawbacks: only one speed for variable front windshield wiper, no lock on the glove box, and rear seats are not comfortable on longer trips. Overall, the XB is inexpensive, reliable, roomy, and a great value. I highly recommend a test drive.

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  Green Xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By bb box - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Lots of leg room,seats are high making entrance and exiting the car easy.Not fast but not as bad as I thought it would be. I got 38 miles per gallon on hwy.