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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  Great little car - 2005 Scion XB
  By caringman46 - April 10 - 5:23 pm

  Overall a great car. The 05s apparently have the air conditioning problem fixed mine works really well. Had a sun roof put in love that. Some rattels but no more than other cars these days

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  Inside the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By ron - April 5 - 2:46 pm

  This car is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Entry and exit are easier than anything I have owned since 1952. Its rear seat leg room is great. The four cylinder engine has adequate power to keep up with the traffic and the gas mileage is a very nice, 31 around town. This is a keeper.

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  Love my Scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By rafapa00 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is great drive and easy to use, especially with children. I cen get my young infant in and out with little effort. And even with the car seat in the back, we can fit two more people nicely. My husband and I get stopped everywhere. We have let numerous people sit in it and have sold people on buying one all over. They cannot believe the room and comfort. We highly recommend it.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By scott - April 4 - 12:00 am

  great vehicle for small families such as myself. easily able to fit four people in and seated comfortably. hauling is a bit of a pain because of lack of space but the seats fold down and allow you ample room to put stuff there. fuel mileage is awesome, i drove from fayetteville north carolina to killeen texas fully loaded with only 4 required gas stops one chance gas stop, it was great. this vehile can also be used for the tall also it has max headroom in it.

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  Great car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Great car - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I was an auto mechanic for 27 years. 147,000 miles and only front brakes, oil change and tires. Only thing i can tell you. Its not for sale. You need a great car buy one. Remember mine is not for sale. P.S. its also fun to drive.

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  Its about the MPG - 2006 Scion XB
  By sparksinner - April 2 - 11:56 am

  Traded a 2000 Jetta for this because we had a 2nd kid on the way. No chance wed all fit in the Jetta. Its been fantastic. I used to miss my manual, but Ive gotten over that. Im 62" and have plenty room all around. Even the infant seat fit behind me. Plus it has calmed down my driving. There was an instant 10mph slow-down on the highway. Then, as gas prices kept rising Ive dialed my old man driving skills way up.

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  Scion xB, Better Have Glass Insurance - 2006 Scion XB
  By LaVarious - March 28 - 8:20 am

  The main problem I have with the car is broken windshields. I have looked around online and no one seems to be bringing this little design flaw up. I have owned my xB for about six months now and I have had to replace the windshield glass seven times. That means seven entirely new pieces of glass have been installed on the car. That is just insane. This week alone I have had to replace the glass three times. Each time the glass has cracked/chipped, the first time was two days after I purchased the car, I was driving between 40-70mph and have been about 4-10 car lengths away from the person in front of me. I am taking a loss and getting rid of the car tonight.

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  True Sport Wagon - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ed Sherman - March 24 - 1:26 pm

  This the second mini for us, the first was a 1963 Austin Mini. It is the only car we found that we could get in and out of without hurting our backs. It handles like the sports wagon it is. With a cold air intake system installed it performs much better and the mileage appears to be better than advertized. A Hotchkiss stabilizer bar made cornering even better and a better sense of stability. We immediately added Alloy wheels and find them a welcome addition, the brakes and lights are exceptional. We belong to the Sr. age and find others our age realizing the benefits of the way it is designed, needless to say we are looking forward to great experiances with this our own utility sports car

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  Update of "Gotta luv the Box" - 2006 Scion XB
  By cogerwd - March 24 - 2:56 am

  Have 1,000 miles on my Scion xB now and I am still very happy. I took it fully loaded (4 adults, wedding gifts and clothes) into the mountains of Asheville, NC. It strained a little on the biggest hill but ran great. I still averaged almost 35 mpg! I had kayak racks installed and it did increase the noise some, but that was the same with my Explorer. I enjoy the sound system more each time I hear it and the 5-speed transmission is just plain fun though 1st gear is a quick shift thru to second. Everyone who has ridden in this car loved it, including me. (g)

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  Scion XB a real head turner - 2004 Scion XB
  By bvisibl2 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Well so far in three weeks of owning it, I have had more fun attracting the stares, especially in Key West, where it was a real attention gettter. Fun to drive, comfortable, roomy, great gas mileage, and not a expensive vehicle to insure, all with Toyota quality. The only fret I have is to be paying for it for five years =-). But Love it!!!