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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  Coot Scoot - 2004 Scion XB
  By xB Coot - June 27 - 2:43 am

  I wanted a van w/o the huge size so I bought an xB. It fits me to a "T." It is fairly comfy for long trips, not too noisy and easy to drive. It fits my dog and two passengers plus our luggage, or me plus 3 HS Football players and their equipment with legroom to spare. I hope itll last at least 16 more years!

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  A Great Runabout - 2006 Scion XB
  By Rodger - June 25 - 8:40 am

  This car replaced my beloved 95 Honda Accord Wagon which was wrecked, so I tend to compare it with the Accord. The xB excells in ease of entry/exit, price, fuel economy, head and legroom, cargo space when the rear seat isnt in use, 360 degree visibility, and ease of parking. On the down side, its engine performance is barely adequate, its ride quality is a little rough, it doesnt have much seat comfort, has a high noise level, and its handling in cross winds are tolerable but dont compare favorably with the Honda. In general, I like the Scion for local driving but miss the Accord for trips over 50 miles and cargo space with four people on board.

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  Lots of Room - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jen - June 24 - 3:26 pm

  I really enjoy my scion xB. There is a ton of room and it drives nicely. It could you a little more pickup, specifically, going up hills. I would definitely buy another.

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  The Perfect Vehicle - 2006 Scion XB
  By Fixup - June 21 - 8:00 am

  I saw these cars before, but I thought it was junk - a big box usually means junky, burning of fuel, bad performance and expensive. I never wanted to know about it. A week ago I went to a Toyota dealer looking for a small wagon. They showed me a Scion xA. I got home and did some research about Scion and found the xB. Man, that junky box was exactly my dreamed car! A wagon for moving my stuff, small outside, roomy inside, fantastic MPG, with an incredible low price. It is very easy to rule out all other vehicles: SUVs and vans are too big and too gas hungry; sedans cannot take large stuff; other small wagons (including xA) are too small inside. Nothing else is this perfect.

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  Double the Pleasure - 2005 Scion XB
  By Just for fun - June 16 - 4:20 pm

  Just for fun I opened the back door of the limited edition yellow XB at the Denver car show and got in. Then just for fun I went to test drive one at my local Toyota dealership. You can only imagine the look on the sales guys face when I told him I wanted to trade in my fully loaded less then one year old Infinity FX35! I was so impressed with the XBs looks, handling, gas mileage and its "dress up" possibilities that I bought two of them that day. Yup, thats right two. We are a two XB family. I bought the black one for myself and the white for my son. When they are parked side by side in the drive, we are the most popular house on the block. Why should Gen. Y have all the fun by themselves?

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  Big change but worth it - 2011 Scion XB
  By EW - June 15 - 6:33 am

  After recently deciding that I needed something that was a little more flexible for a family with 2 kids than my previous 2 Tundras, I started looking at smaller utility vehicles. I also wanted to keep the cost reasonable without having to just "get by" with a tiny engine and tiny interior space, or with a vehicle that had questionable build quality. With all of this in mind, I have to say that I love the 2011 xB and it is exactly what I was looking for. It is very fun to drive, has plenty of power around town or on the highway and I can fit my wife and 2 kids (with car seats) in it and still have plenty of covered storage area in the back. Safety features are great as well.

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  Why 2008 - 2006 Scion XB
  By Harry - June 13 - 6:36 am

  Why would anyone want a 2008 Xb. I could have bought a new 2008 but I looked for 6 months for a clean, low mileage 2006 because of the better gas mileage, greater headroom and legroom. I own a 2005 Grand Caravan a 1999 Tacoma and the 2006 Scion. The BOX is my favorite and I drive it most of the time. Most things you buy 6 months later you wish you still had your money in your pocket. Not with the Scion, We love it. I think with gas projected to be 4.50 a gallon by midsummer that Toyota screwed up with the new 2008 Scion.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Scion XB
  By abercrombie_guy_38 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Being 17 years old, I wanted a car that was eye catching, had a good level of performance, had good gas mileage, and was easy to modify. I found exactly what I wanted with the Scion xB. There is nothing else on the road that offers so many standard features combined with style and quality. Acceleration is adequate and the engine is peppy. The interior is quiet and the ride is supple. Handling is pretty good for the size and dimensions of the vehicle and quality is Toyota-like. The xB rocks!

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  cute lovely box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leon from MN - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my xB except its small engine. It should have a Corolla engine instead of the one from Echo. The front passenger door is difficult to close, which I will bring up to the dealer.

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  The smartest auto ever concieved - 2005 Scion XB
  By Truely - June 12 - 10:00 am

  To buy an automobile today like this for what you are paying, is amazing. This vehicle is increditable for the price. I do not know how Toyota can make it happen. I love this car. It handles beautifully and is very light on the bill fold. Simply astonished at the engineering accomplishments. These toyota folks are smart.