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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  Overall Good Times - 2005 Scion XB
  By tatortot37 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Looks neat and i like it it could have some more horses under the hood just not enough giddy up!

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  My review of the XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Pamela Aldsred - October 12 - 3:46 pm

  Its a great little car if you want good gas mil;eage. Does not have alot of power but has everything else for the amount of money you pay. Very roomy inside, you can easliy fit 4 adults comfortably in the XB. I love driving it everyday and my job requires lots of travel.

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  My little Toaster!! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Jake - October 12 - 7:06 am

  The XB did a huge change in 08 with changing the look, They did well! I could not see myself driving an older XB but as soon as I saw the XB 5.0S I wanted one, I went back the next day when the dealership was open and they sold it 1hr before I got there, So I just got a base model, granted not the Gold rush color the pearl black is cool! I will add all the options like the 5.0S, but i am very happy with my purchase. I had a 03 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally edition that was very reliable. I went to buy another lancer, but ran into the XB which didnt have as many options as the Lancer GTS but the quality and resale are probably better, best of all it was cheaper!

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  I love my xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Amy - October 8 - 7:36 pm

  I just bought my xB last week and I am so in love with it! The new body and new features are great! I love that their is no haggling when I went to buy it.

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  It grows on you - 2008 Scion XB
  By David - October 7 - 7:26 am

  This is a great vehicle. I have put about 400 miles on it so far and have been really pleased with my purchase. The ride is a little bumpy, but going from a giant F-150 might explain the sensitivity. I love the center mounted gauges and the trip computer is so convenient. It gets kind of annoying having to switch between the clock and the other information on the trip computer, but for 17k I can push the button a couple times. The upgraded stereo is a must. It looks a whole lot better and allows for future sound expansion if desired. All in all, Id highly recommend this car for all people of all ages. Im 26 and my Dad, much older, wants one now. MUCH better than the Honda Fit, etc

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  LOVE my box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By denjb - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Its FUN to drive, looks cute, commands attention. The gas mileage attracted me to it, then the unique look sealed the deal. I love it as-is. The only addition I plan to make to it is get some alloy wheels for it. Its the most original vehicle on the market. Scion did right where Honda went wrong with the Element. Its so incredibly roomy inside and I can carry four adults with PLENTY of room. Its cavernous for such a small car! Ive got NO complaints about it at all, so far its lived up to and beyond all of my expectations.

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  Roundtrees Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By cjr22779 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  For the price, you cant beat it. It is probably the best vehicle in its price range. Its fun, reliable, and gets a lot of attention. You cant beat it.

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  its weird but neat :) - 2004 Scion XB
  By Rex Scates - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I am just gettign it but am laready impressed. more to follow in a few months. but so far so good.

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  2008 Scion xB(2nd gen) - 2008 Scion XB
  By Tj2008 - September 24 - 7:23 pm

  I got this car after trading in my 2007 Honda civic and I love the xb it is way more fun to drive! And there is a lot more passenger space and its great that it came with the first two recommended services free! I never fell like I dont have a lot of power the engine has great get up and go, and this car is easy to park and everyone is suprised by how much room it has on the inside. Though not as much as the first generation xb (really boxy one) you still get a lot of people staring there is nothing quite like it one the road and that makes it so great! The automatic trans. Even though a four speed it gets decent mpgs. My best mpg I got was on a trip to the beach hwy and it was 33.3 mpg!

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  Poor A/C on an otherwise brilliant car - 2004 Scion XB
  By basiegal - September 21 - 10:00 am

  We made an special effort to find, buy and ship this car back to Dallas after my wife test drove on in Santa Rosa. At the test drive my wife reported the A/C seemed weak. On delivery we found the A/C marginal at over 100F. Taken to the local Toyota dealer found the air mix control off but this did little to fix overall performance. Appears the is the first of a new system of not compressor clutch. Its a shame the system is underpowered as the rest of the car is like nothing else on the market.