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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  Finally a fun drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By Mike70jul - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car last week and love it. Enough power for around town and commuting, but I am looking forward to adding some Scion performance items to enhance the power. Ride is a bit stiff, but not bad. Dealing with the salesman was surprisingly pleasant, and the buying process was efficient. Body metal is light guage and some interior plastic is not very stout, but for the price, + - 16,000, not bad.

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  Love the Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By ScionXBowner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I got a new 2004 model with 3 miles on it for under 15g. It is very roomy and comfortable. Its not the fastest thing but thats not what its meant to be. Almost 40 miles to the gallon. Would buy it allover again. Thanks Toyota. Also 5 year UNLIMITED mile warranty!

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  1st import - 2008 Scion XB
  By kamuka - June 10 - 4:10 am

  went to my local scion dealer, had the chance to test drive the tc then the xb really like the tc but needed room and the xb had what i needed for my five dogs. its really fun to drive but have not gone a long trip yet, gas mileage at first was alright until i put a cold air intake went up about 2 miles per gallon (as long as i dont get in it)

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  The Perfect Little Bread Truck - 2004 Scion XB
  By lindysuebeer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  So much fun! Its a boombox on wheels!

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  yahoo - 2005 Scion XB
  By frank c - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Sure better than my worthless FORD.

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  Love this box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By nomorebug! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I was not totally sold on this car but my fiance has been eyeing it since he saw it at an autoshow 2 years ago. I just love driving it! Its sooooo roomy and its nice to be sitting higher up. Cant beat the gas mileage. I love having people do a double take when I drive by...

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  A Boxy Dream - 2006 Scion XB
  By Manny - June 1 - 8:43 pm

  I love the fact that I was actually able to get the car stock and I was able to get the car I wanted in three days. This car comes with all the options that one needs for comfort. The interior is so spacious, it seems to defy physics. I smile at the gas pump as my fuel economy has gone from 13 to 31 mpg and I am no longer afraid of the possibility of $4+/gallon prices. I am amazed at the cars ability to take corners and the power that the car does have for its engine size.

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  Love this XB!!! - 2010 Scion XB
  By JimJam - May 26 - 1:43 am

  I have had my new Classic Silver XB for about 4 days. It is so fun to drive and is very comfortable for all 5 passengers. It was the best value for any car in the price range. My XB has the same standard options (except Bluetooth) than my wifes 2009 Carolla XLE that we paid $20,000 for and the XB handles much better. I think you will love the cargo space as well. The fuel economy is good as well for the amount of power the car has. Give one a test drive and I think you will feel the same as I do. I LOVE this EB!!!

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  Outstanding Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gabriel Monsalve - May 20 - 12:13 pm

  I have been quite tame when driving my Scion xB for the first year, since I am trying to break in the engine carefully. Last December I made a long round trip from Plano Texas to North Sacramento California, with four passengers plus lugage and this little vehicle performed like a superstar in all road conditions - going up hill or down, under heavy rain, and on soaked pavement. the stearing always felt safe and the handling and performance were superb. I was really surprised how pleasant the trip was in my xB since I been doing it in a Honda Odyssey and a Dodge Grand Caravan for years. the xB is a lot of fun to drive and is very comfortable.

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  I LOVE it. - 2006 Scion XB
  By Red - May 17 - 12:26 pm

  I LOVE my Scion xB SUV. Yeah thats right my SUV. Small Ugly Vehicle. It is responsive, stylish, and fun to drive. Its fit and finish is quite good for a "CHEAP" car. It is a real hoot to drive. It is a wee bit sluggish on passing on the highway, but other than that its wonderful. It has pleanty of room and a interior layout. I like this little box a great deal and would not hesitate to tell others how good it is.