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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  best car i ever owned - 2005 Scion XB
  By sandra - May 7 - 12:10 pm

  absolutey the best car i ever owned!! The gas mileage alone is a good reason to buy this car, but you also get a cute stylish sporty car to boot. Ive noticed alot of people turning their heads to check it out. The price tag cant be beat for a 2005 with all the room the you get. I didnt think when I looked at it from the outside that it would be very roomy, but once you get inside its great. I have two kids and their very comfortable.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Harvey Kahn - May 7 - 5:56 am

  This car is a little gem. It is very large on the inside and with the back seats folded down will hold very large items, such as a bookcase etc. The visibility is the best I believe of any car made today. In spite of its small engine it is very peppy and easily keeps up with the traffic. In short it is a wonderful car.

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  urban runabout - 2004 Scion XB
  By headcheese - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The other reviews say it all. Decent performance, good handling, huge interior. Only quibbles are lack of cruise control and no door stops... when you park on a hill, you have to hold the door to keep it from closing on your legs. Every other car in the world has a point in the arc of the door where it stops to prevent this from happening. Perhaps not so important in Kansas, but very irritating in San Francisco.

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  Love my Scion xB! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Meg - May 5 - 12:33 am

  The Scion xB was a perfect car to follow my minivan, smaller but still with lots of space! It has versitility with its interior configurations, it has LOTS of ways to customize it, it can be spiffed up well. We have found it to be an incredible car in the snow and ice, it goes just about anywhere. It is tiny as all get- out outside and can park in small spots, yet it has an amazing amount of space inside, especially in the backseat and headroom. We get pretty good mileage, certainly better than most other cars, about 28 mpg - 36 mpg depending on the drive. Its pickup is understandably not like a V8, but it holds its own. It handles well, has a good braking system and is comfortable on long or short trips.

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  Manhattan Perfect - 2005 Scion XB
  By wastead - April 29 - 2:40 pm

  Everyone whos ever driven in Manhattan knows parking is tough to get. If you see a parking spot on Tuesday, you have someone stand there and guard it until you go buy a car to put there. With this car, its always Tuesday and I have the car! As a musician, with rehearsals all over the city, Im always looking for a spot rather than pay $25 ($50 in Midtown) for 2 hours twice a day. With this car I find parking everywhere and can still haul cellos, harps, even a portative organ! NY always costs 25 cents more for gas than the national average. At 32 mpg I put in my 8-9 gal and am gone while the big SUVs are still pumping 14, 15, 16, 17, 19...

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  Coolest Mom Ever - 2006 Scion XB
  By Marg - April 26 - 7:06 am

  Yes, Ive now been elevated to coolest Mom status ever by by 10 and 14 year old sons. I test drove the car on their recommendation, and basically fell in love with it after the first drive! Why love..because Ive been a van driver for 12 years and am now thrilled to be in such a groovy little car. My husband loved the price, the great gas mileage and the fact that his 62 frame fit comfortably in the car. We had previously test drove even some SUVs which did not compare as far as interior comfort and size. The styling is smart and I love the appearance. The large interior feel of the car doesnt seem to match what appears to be a tiny car from the outside.

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  Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By D. Sharp - April 24 - 4:43 pm

  This car has been wonderful and fun to drive. It gets great gas mileage, is compact in a parking spot and especially garage. The interior is a tight squeeze with 5 adults (hip-wise), but has lots of leg room. Perfect for a 4-person family and hauling kids around. It is built well and does good on the highway.

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  Love the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By lantzdarla - April 23 - 10:16 pm

  The Scion xB is the first vehicle Ive had that draws so much attention. It is very fun to drive and I couldnt ask for better gas milage. The power isnt all that great, but I didnt want a race car. It would be better if there was a front dome light and a better armrest. I give it an A+!

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  March on xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By helibob - April 18 - 3:00 am

  This car was a complete surprise. It does everything better than well. From the handling to the loads, it performs better than advertised.

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  Scion is the best. - 2004 Scion XB
  By SGVside - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best bang for your buck. It has everything you need and more. It was well worth the money for sure.