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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This box is HUGH. - 2010 Scion XB
By Joey B - March 20 - 10:10 pmThis scion xb is alot bigger on the inside than people think. I love that box, but a few thoughts of mine. The reverse light can be a safty issue. The seats need to have pockets in the back of them. It needs a 5 or 6 speed transmission on the next model. Well thats all for now enjoy your new ride.
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Its about time - 2005 Scion XB
By Gid Pool - March 12 - 3:20 pmThis little XB box is a "Shrinky Dink" that thinks its a sports car! I go the manual because I like the control and peppy nature. It is truely the best of both worlds, fun to drive and inexpensive. Oh, and for what its worth, I am not the Gen Y target market. Im 60, going on 20, and cant wait to start adding the goodies to it. First up, cold air induction! For the older crowd this would be a GREAT second car, or commuter for work days. Flip down the rear seats, add the cargo cover, and head for the beach or golf course. Toyota got this one right in so many ways it makes me wonder why none of the other companies have nothing even close.
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Love It!!!!! - 2005 Scion XB
By Gulia - March 3 - 12:53 pmThe car is a ton of fun to drive. I went from a Chevy Suburban to a Ford F150 and now to a Scion. I was worried it would be too small as I am 58" and my boyfriend is 62". We TOTALLY fit comfortably. I was looking at the amount of space between his head and the roof of the car and was amazed. I love it!!!
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Love My xBox - 2006 Scion XB
By garykbear - March 1 - 8:53 pmI do love my new Scion xB however, with less than 500 miles on it, I already had to fix a chip in the windshield and there is already a paint chip missing on my hood from the same gravel that hit my windshield. This car seems to be prone to chips and nicks. My previous car was an 03 Corolla, I went 3.5 years without one chip on my windshield. I guess I will be buying lots of touch-up paint. I will keep this as long as it will take me around.
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They got it right! - 2009 Scion XB
By Farpost - March 1 - 4:10 pmDecided to leave the SUV market and traded in my Tribute for the xB after the test drive. The ride, fit and finish and comfort cant be matched for an auto under $20,000 (tremendous bang for your buck). Toyota got it right with the 2nd generation xB. Well done!
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Love my mini UPS truck! - 2010 Scion XB
By Tony - February 27 - 2:06 pmAfter much research bought this XB to replace my 2005 Focus wagon--elec stability control primary reason. Great vehicle for day to day driving- especially when hauling room needed. Handling (with the add on stabilizer bar) is great! Plenty of power and room. (I am 63" 205 lbs). Really good standard sound system for this price class. Stability control has worked well so far in Cleveland snow. Have been very pleased with how car has handled cross winds on the highway. Weight and power good trade off for so- so gas mileage.
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Still getting the stare. - 2004 Scion XB
By Brian Bubonic - February 22 - 10:00 amA few months into owning the car and I still have to answer the usual questions about it (ie: Who makes this? Is it a hybrid? Why did you buy such an ugly car?...) Its a fun ride and offers lots of space for passengers. I was in a minor accident a few weeks after buying the car and was surprised at how quickly parts were available for such a new model.
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2 xB family - 2005 Scion XB
By Kayaker - February 20 - 7:36 pmI purchased my 05 xB in 2006 and love it. Can carry anything, even a kayak! (Bungeed the back shut about 6") I have since added a roof rack to hold both my husbands and my kayaks and still get 36-38 miles per gallon with an empty roof rack. Last year my husbands Camry was totaled and he was lucky enough to find a used "05 xB. His had 30,000 miles on it and is still like new. We live in NH and had record breaking snow last year. We did have snow tires, but could go anywhere. Never had a car this good in the snow! Both boxes are standard transmissions, very easy and fun to drive. Cant imagine driving anything else. We plan on keeping these boxes forever.
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NUNUS BOX - 2005 Scion XB
By NUNUGAIL - February 19 - 5:46 pmMy Box is great on gas and fun to drive. My children and their friends thinks it is the coolest car ever.
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2008 xB, Its not your dads square box! - 2008 Scion XB
By ginamann - February 19 - 12:16 pmI have just a hair under 800 miles on this and it drives great! A few minor things would make it great! (see below)
