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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  I love my toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By wyatt - February 14 - 10:36 am

  I am actually a salesman as well, and after shopping around the market looking at anything from SUVs to the Scion xB I decided to invest in a Scion. I do a lot of driving in the winter and the idea that the car comes with traction assist, brake force distribution, and VSC while still being at 15 and change was really appealing. I snowboard a lot and I needed room as well as good gas mileage, not to mention with the money I saved buying this car I bought 18" wheels to go with it made by Enkei. I know that most people look at this car and think that its ugly, and honestly, so did I when my friend bought one, but after owning it for a while I love it. I also paid sticker like anyone else would.

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  Love the Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By carl - February 13 - 5:50 pm

  I bought "the box" about two months ago and I only had to wait about two weeks for my xB. From what I have been reading that is realy fast. I never thought that I would own an import car. I was a Chevy man but I saw that the xB and for the price and what I was spending in gas for my Camaro I am now spending little over half the amout that I was. As an added bonus, my insurance dropped as well. I am about 61 and there is enouff leg room for me with the front seat all the way back.

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  Rode hard... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Earl M. - February 11 - 12:03 am

  Currently, my xB is totally caked in dirt from this past weekend. The windshield has dings and a crack almost as wide as the glass itself, collected over 5 years. A couple of dash lights are fading. I put wider tires on the OEM spoke rims and am having trouble getting the front two balanced correctly. All that said, when its cleaned and shining, the Camo Green Box is beautiful and I really have no complaints at all. I have no problem without center armrest. My prev car, a Saab 9.3 didnt have one as they want you driving with both hands on the wheel as a safety feature. BTW, this bought-new xB replaced a run of two Saabs that I loved.

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  150,000 and still going... - 2006 Scion XB
  By greeneguy63 - February 6 - 12:12 pm

  I still love my 2006 Scion xB. It is about to turn 9 years old in a couple of months. I drive it a lot and it still gets about 30 mpg city and 34 highway. I am going to get it painted and hopefully keep it another 9 years. It is very roomy and I use it for my small business. I cant find another one with this much cargo space and I definitely dont want a car payment ever again.

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  Scion XB--Unique Style/Fun/Comfort - 2005 Scion XB
  By Karen D. Steele - February 5 - 11:30 pm

  MY new XB is truly a joy. The room inside is cavernous compared to my former Explorer. The ride is smooth and quite,and truly has remarkable zip for a 4 cyl. The standard Pioneer stereo system puts you front row center of the concert. I would and have recommended the Scion XB to several people. When they tried it it sold itself (no hassles from salesmen--sticker price stands) they traded in and bought that day. Most options come standard, but there is a remarkable list of accessories that can truly customize this car to become uniquely your own. I love my leather upholstery, cruise control, extra tinting, and the list goes affordably on. Try it youll love it!

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Scion XB
  By gluzdov - February 5 - 8:03 am

  My conclusion from owning the stick shift model for 5 months: this car is perfect for the city, but bad for the highways. Its been like owning an SUV without sacrificing fuel and city parkability. its one of the shortest cars on the market and lets us fit into all kinds of super-small parking spots here in Philly. However, the manual gear design disregards the reality of speeds of the US highways. 5th gear: 80MPH/4000RPM, 90MPH/5000RPM - not a gas saver and the engine gets pretty loud. Dont believe the EPA estimates. Also, the default suspension option is pretty rough (wishing we upgraded).

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  A Whole Lotta Fun! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Bob the Piedpiper - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Peppy, roomy, and lots of fun to drive. The "box" is not just for kids!! My wife and I are in our 50s - this car is a well built, solid little (on the outside only) machine!

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  2005 scion xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By lisas scion - February 3 - 1:26 pm

  I got my scion as a valentines day present and I love it, it gets great gas mileage its roomy and fun to drive.

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  Too Hip 2B Square! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Thomhcky - January 31 - 5:23 am

  What a ride! I purchased a special edition Gold Rush Xb. This car came with TRD lowering springs. This gives it a good stance. I purchase a set of 16 Bronze powered coated wheels from Discount Tire direct for $350 delivered. I also have installed a short throw shifter for my five speed and some fog lights. This is the biggest small car I have ever owned. With its high belt-line and low flat roof, it looks like an old chopped top 32 five window coupe! My wife hated the color, saying it "Looked like a Pimp Mobile". She has since warmed up to its interior room and comfortable ride. This car came with a huge sunroof, that should an available option in the future. take a test drive today

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  STAY AWAY FROM SCION ANY MODEL - 2008 Scion XB
  By br2120 - January 29 - 9:32 pm

  The car came right out of the show room . from about 3 month there were issues. Transmisson rough shanging , jerking. Now at 70k it uses oil like 3 / qt per oil chaanges.Iam woking w/ deler on a oil consumption test . they tell me that 3 qt between oil changes is normal? One of the mechanics told me they were having lots of problems out this engine which is in the later modles of corolla and camery. Dont buy one.