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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  Enjoy! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Tim Castro - January 31 - 1:30 am

  The car is very nimble and has suprisingly good pick-up for a V-4 and smaller liter size. The car has a great look and is eye pleasing. In fact the only problem other than outside noise when driving is everyone looking at you. That may not be a bad thing for some people. If you decide to put on 18 inch or 19 inch rims make sure you put on super tires. This can really cause a rough ride on bumpy roads or cause your rims to bend if tires are cheap. I recommend Pirellis and smooth roads.

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  In a Nutshell - 2004 Scion XB
  By Cubism - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This unique looking vehicle is living up to, and surpassing the promotional advertising and sales pitches that I heard before I purchased it two weeks ago.The "Toyota" quality workmanship, and the interior design are both excellent values.The handling far exceeds my expectations, and boy! do I feel good stopped at a light next to a gas-guzzler SUV. YES, I care about the environment.This little fuel efficient cube fits my family of four to a T.

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  Xb!!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By BigV - January 27 - 10:00 am

  had it for almost two months and already put on over 3000 miles. love the attention it gets.

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  The Little Workhorse - 2006 Scion XB
  By David Harlass - January 26 - 9:36 am

  I needed a car for small deliveries and sales calls. I did not want this car, but it made sense financially. I keep very detailed mileage records and it never matters if you are highway or city it is always between 29.5 and 33 miles per gallon. The A/C matters little to my overall mileage, even with the A/C running. I have 80000 miles on it and only one small issue with a switch. It is exactly as it is promoted for an inexpensive vehicle and I recommend this car mightily.

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  Great value. - 2015 Scion XB
  By DJC - January 25 - 12:13 am

  Its too bad the xB is being discontinued. Its a good value that with a few improvements would be phenomenal. We are a family of 3 and this is a good alternative to a crossover. The pluses include fantastic use of space, comfortable seats, and punchy acceleration. You can pack this car easily for vacation or road trips. The sound system is great. A few improvements that I would suggest include, mediocre fuel economy and an outdated transmission. Theyre likely related. With another gear or two mileage would improve as would passing on the highway. Acceleration around town is great though. Lastly Edmunds complaints about the center mounted gauges is just silly. Not destracting at all. To sum up this is a great car for a small family who needs some versatility, but not a big SUV.

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  Elvis shoe box - 2004 Scion XB
  By Elvis P. - January 21 - 2:00 am

  A fun little car to driver, this is my third toyota. If this one is as good as the last it will be an exllant little car. I added cold air induction, and modified exhaust system. I have 125 HP now and belive me it scoots. Tons of room inside Love it Elvis

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  Fun-in-the-Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By Cass-in-the-box - January 21 - 2:00 am

  If you arent ready for stares and strangers questions, this isnt the car for you. If you are looking for a fun alternative to both the SUV and the traditional "commuter car", give the Scion XB a chance. The Scion take the best from both of the above types of cars; its small and gas-milage conscious, yet its still comfortable and has lots of cargo space so you arent confined to a solitary trunk to haul your junk. It has loads of headroom and personal space, so you dont feel as if youre in your passangers hip pocket. Add a lot of great standards (air, cd, power everything) and its a great deal. I really love my XB.

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  Roomy with a View - 2005 Scion XB
  By V Cambalik - January 19 - 8:40 am

  I look for fuel economy and roominess when I buy a car. My Scion delivered both. It has been 18 years since I have purchased a new car and I looked extensively at all options before I bought my Scion XB. I am an ecologically-minded, 50-something teacher at a Catholic school so the 30+ mpg that my Scion gets allows me to sleep easily at night. I also do catering, so the fold-down rear seats allow me to transport lots of food! I was worried about upstate NYs snowfall being a challenge, but my Scion fitted with Toyo snow tires charged through on even the worst days! The sound system is GREAT! Please make future models with greater adjustability of the drivers seat and non-chip-able paint.

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  Excellent Ride - 2008 Scion XB
  By Chris - January 15 - 9:43 pm

  This car has been perfect for my family and golden retriever. After 1200 miles everything is very smooth and still fun to drive. I am getting 26 mpg with big 18x7.5 inch rims so I am happy. Went with the teal and I still think its the best color choice available. The dash area is plain but I love all the compartments. They are much more usable with added rubber pads. The drive is a bit noisy on bigger rims/wheels, but I plan on adding my own sound deadening to the floor.

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  New Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By max&katy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The ride in this vehicle is exceptionally smooth. It has good pick- up speed and handles well around corners: really grips the road. They are accurate about the mileage, too. My first tank averaged 30 mpg, and that was with a week of city and highway driving. The interior is VERY roomy. Even when the front seats are all the way back, there is still plenty of leg room for the back seat passengers.