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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  08 xB New Style, Price, Decreased MPG - 2008 Scion XB
  By JK - February 20 - 2:53 pm

  The 08 xB looks less like a box, has more features, more power, is fun to drive, and gets fewer MPG than the prior xB models. I really enjoy the new auto trans with the trick shifting lever it is kinda like a stick without a clutch. The ride is much quieter and so much smoother - even with all the improvements I will always love the looks of the first generation xB over the new one.

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  Wow - 2006 Scion XB
  By Christoph2 - February 20 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the xB for its cheap price tag and great gas mileage. It has a very spacious interior and great gas mileage. I use less than a tank of gas for driving under 300 miles a week. The sound system is awesome. The 1.5L engine has quite enough power for this light weight (2,500 lbs.) vehicle. It has more get up and go than the 2003 Saturn 2.2L I had with better gas mileage to boot. What more could you ask for? It has good reliability with its Toyota drivetrain, spacious interior, and "unique" exterior. The xB is a nice highway cruiser too, and its fun to drive. Dont believe the naysayers. I dont need the cruise control. Ive never really used it in the other cars Ive had cruise control in.

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  scion XB rocks! - 2005 Scion XB
  By claybabe - February 16 - 10:00 am

  im a new owner still in the flush of new love. its a comfortable roomy car with room for much stuff. im a ceramic artist so that is important. i have yet to take it on a long trip, so get back to me. its really affordable with a non-negotiating price which made for a fun relaxing car buying experience.

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  Its Fun - 2006 Scion XB
  By vic m. - February 15 - 9:36 pm

  I love the box. It has so much room and how youre seated provides a great view of the road. Its leg room is excellent, even in the back seat. I have a son whos 350 lbs. + and 63" and he loves the room. It has a great stereo. It feels good on the road, it is as much fun to drive as my first Bug that I got back in 1973. So many people want to sit in it and drive it, Toyota should be paying me. A work associate who is almost six feet nine inches tall said it was the first vehicle he ever got in in his life he did not have to duck to get into. And the 33 mpg is great.

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  The little Box that could - 2006 Scion XB
  By Rodek - February 13 - 4:16 pm

  My Scion xB Auto has so far impressed me. I have a wife and 2 3/4 year olds so it fits our family perfectly. Our first road trip of 700 miles went well. The xB drove beautifully. It does lack the grunt to climb big hills and the door panels and other interior parts scuff very easily. I can live with that because the ride is nice and tight and the little box gets great MPG. The cernter mount speedo/tach is nice. I thought it would be difficult to get used to since it first appears a little quirky. This was not the case. Its very easy to read and keep your eyes on the road. The seats are comfortable for the longer legs of a journey and the engine is smooth/quiet at around 70-72 MPH.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ed - February 13 - 12:13 pm

  For the money, this car is almost perfect. Lots of interior room, good but not great performance and improved styling. Fuel mileage could be better; with a 14 gallon tank, the cruising range is less than most competitors. The handling is very responsive including stability/traction control systems.

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  Fantastic Little Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Paul - February 13 - 12:56 am

  This car turns heads. I think it was the looks I first noticed. Before I even considered a car in this class, I liked the look of it. I like distinctive cars. Then I drove it, and was sold. This thing is huge amounts of fun to drive. In fact, its huge in a few ways. Huge fun to drive. Huge room inside. Huge potential for making it *mine*. Huge attitude! And small in others. Small small fuel consumption. Small price tag. Small on the road. Economical? Fun? Cheap? Eye catching? There is very little to not like.

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  and I call myself a Redneck - 2005 Scion XB
  By Don - February 12 - 7:06 pm

  I love it, miles per tank is awesome and i love the attention that I get from it. everyone from 80 to 8 seams to love to stare at it while I get gas once a month or while I drive it. being part of a club centered around the scions has made me love of the car even more. way to go Toyota!

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  Peppy little Box - 2009 Scion XB
  By Smitty - February 12 - 12:36 am

  I bought my 2009 xB used with 5k miles on it. The guy before me had put $5k in features like wheels, spoiler, upgraded stereo and he even put light up door sill strips on it. I am completely satisfied with the features, price and reliability. This is probably the best investment I have ever made aside from buying a house. I recommend this vehicle to everybody even people taller than 6ft. I am 61" and 220 lbs and I feel like I am driving a school bus.

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  From 2006 Rav4 to 2008 Scion XB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ed O - February 6 - 10:56 am

  This thing is a steal. I liked my Rav, but I like this A LOT more. The styling is fantastic and it feels huge inside. Kind of a Maxi Cooper -) Even though the Rav was $6K more, this feels like a trade up! Sound system is excellent and contrary to many opinions, I love the digital speedo. Rides like a big car and has enough headroom for someone 6 foot 3 inches!