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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  Best Deal Ever! I love my Scion! - 2009 Scion XB
  By CB - November 22 - 3:10 pm

  Coming from a 1999 Toyota Camry I can truly say that this is the perfect car for me. As a college student the flexibility, performance and gas mileage of the car were all needed. The car handles wonderfully, looks great and is extremely reliable. My previous Camry had zero problems for the entire 160,000 miles. Toyota quality is unsurpassed and is quite evident in this vehicle. My only gripe is that the ride is a little bumpy. You do feel most every bump in the road.

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  The Greatest - 2009 Scion XB
  By bobk - November 13 - 2:50 pm

  The XB is the greatest. Great for large people both in the front and rear seats. 27-29 mpg on a regular basis. Easily cruises at 80+ mph on the open highway. Fun to drive. Also have a Porsche Boxster and would have to say I enjoy the XB more-makes my wife happy. The only negatives that I have are, like everyone else, is the armrest and mostly the lack of electrical outlets for cell phones, gps etc. This is really a stylish great car with great performance at a more than fair price.

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  This Is It - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mike Smith - November 13 - 7:16 am

  Theres no denying it. This thing is cool. There is so much you can do to it. I put on Momo rims, a new steering wheel, a different shifter, improved seats, everything Momo, and it looks SWEET. This makes an awesome dub car. Plus, I put a few goodies under the hood, so now it has about 224 hp. Im not trading this baby for anything

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  Toaster Tribute From Alaska - 2005 Scion XB
  By xcentric - November 10 - 11:20 pm

  Blessed to find an immaculate 05 after months researching original vs redesign; thrilled w/visibility, handling, mpg, ease of maintainence and cleaning, interior size, ease of entry/exit. Only negative so far is that rain drips into interior when window open - should be an easy fix with visors. Fun to watch folks strain their necks when seeing the xB for the first time, get lots of questions about it. Plan on keeping this forever. Will test out the traction and stability soon on the approaching ice and snow.

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  Excellent car, fun to drive - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jack - November 5 - 6:56 am

  Nice exterior design. Much better than the previous models. Fun to drive. I drive 70% highway, and the MPG is about 27. I think it is good enough.

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  X marks the spot - 2004 Scion XB
  By thefoth - November 3 - 10:00 am

  With over 3000 miles logged its time to say my part. In trying to figure out what I should buy as my first car I read countless reviews. At first I dismissed the Scion because it was only available in California, but once hooked on it I didnt stop until I owned one. I read every article and review I could find, and from personal experience Id say it has come through with everything it was said to be and more. From the no pressure sales and extremely nice dealer experience to all the enjoyment Ive gotten out of this extremely versatile car. I am beginning to modify it and personalize it and feel that it will make an awesome cruiser.

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  An XB in Nebraska - 2005 Scion XB
  By scionguyNE - October 30 - 9:03 pm

  Just bought this great little car a few weeks ago and I love it. I read every review I could find before buying it and most were dead on. The style turns heads, the interior (size and design) is amazing, and the questions people ask are sure to keep you from being bored at parties. My wife loves it too and is looking forward to the day when we can fill up that HUGE back seat with a baby seat, a stroller, and every other thing well ever need for our child 4 months from now: the space will happily accomodate all of it. Ours ended up at about 19000 (be careful with all the warranties, paperwork, and other "extras", they are good but read up before hand) and I think its worth every cent.

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  My Ninja - 2005 Scion XB
  By ninja - October 29 - 2:53 am

  I bought my xB in Jan of 05, and its been nothing but fun driving, customizing, and even cleaning it. It turns heads when on the road. Every modification has gone very smoothly. It is gentle on the wallet at the pump, but I think one of the coolest aspects is the community these little boxes have created. When Im driving and another xB pops up we always wave and generally ride together when ever possible. Scion car clubs have sprung up across the country and its exciting to be part of what I call the "Scion Invasion." Goodbye "Its a Jeep thing..." hello "Its a box thing, you wouldnt understand."

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  Highly Recommend - 2006 Scion XB
  By SAS - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend this car! I was in an accident with the first one I owned and everyone walked away with out a scratch! It was total loss so I bought another one.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By funfamily - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I were actually out looking for minivans when the Scion caught his eye. Initially, I thought "No way!" but as soon as I sat in it and test drove it, the decision was made. This is a great second car for us. The kids love to drive in it and now never want to get into Daddys Avalon. There is tons of room, even with 2 car seats in the back and the visibility is awesome. The car feels so big when you are driving it, that I sometimes forget what I am driving until I see the stares from the people around me. Everywhere we go people comment on what a neat car we have. We love it!