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 going back to Toyota - 2008 Scion XB
  By exNissanAndexHonda - May 15 - 7:06 am

  Ive had it for a week now and have put on 500 miles. Perfect in every way: power, torque, cool automatic transmission that I can shift manually because my wife wanted auto and I wanted stick. With the sport shift, I dont even need Toyotas 30 hp supercharger. Quality is excellent, repeat excellent. It corners better (more flat) than my old 99 Nissan Maxima SE which was rated at .79g whereas the Scion xB is .81g and the car magazines say its 0-60 mph is 7.5 seconds and 1/4 mile is 16 sec at 90mph which is same as my 99 Nissan Maxima.

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  Scion xB - Hot Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By albertowpb - May 14 - 11:46 pm

  I love the Scion xB. Its kind of a downgrade from my previous car, but I cant get enough of it. I have spent in upgrades what I spent on the car and Im nowhere near done. I have never loved another car this much!

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  Unique looking car - 2006 Scion XB
  By s moore - May 10 - 6:33 pm

  Cheap sounding rear hatch when closing. Be careful opening if not unlocked plastic mechanism will break. (replaced under warranty.) Good gas mileage (30) road, less than sticker indicated, checked several times. Arm rest optional, should be std. Little noisy on road at high speeds. Will not hold speed using cruise controls on hills and noisy when cruise downshifts. Std. Cruise would be nice, currently optional. Handles well on mountain curves. Needs additional lighting in rear interior. Wish I had waited for 08 as it is about 1 ft. longer. I need the extra space as I am in sales and need the room for catalogs and samples. Overall this car is acceptable given the reasonable price

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  This is an AMAZING car! - 2004 Scion XB
  By LAScionXBGuy - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to take the time and say what an awesome car this is! Toyota really outdid themselves in putting together this great concept and it has really shown through its amazing sales in California and hopefully in the nation. The styling is great to begin with, and its very different, so expect a lot of heads to turn and turn and turn. The interior is very well equipped with features that you would normally only find on a higher end vehicle, such as ABS brakes and traction control, just to name a few. The amount of space in the vehicle is amazing, larger than anything I have every seen in the compact/subcompact almost SUV like car class.

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  This Car is Like Roy Jones Jr. The BEST - 2004 Scion XB
  By wonderworm - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Just as Roy Jones Jr. had to keep moving up weight classes to find good competition only to trounce it handily, The Scion xB does the same thing. There isnt any car Id rather own until you get to around 30 grand. The looks are just amazing and so is the passenger room. I just love this car. And the fact that it has an engine thats just itching to be modded is even better. I recently got 36MPG in my automatic on the freeway and I was nearing 380 miles on the tank. Those who cant see the genius behind this car are doomed to be blind forever. Who would ever expect stupidity to understand genius anyway?

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  My Lil H2 - 2005 Scion XB
  By SB in TX - May 8 - 9:13 pm

  Being a big guy 61 and 275lbs I never thought I would enjoy this car. I couldnt have been more wrong. I drive 75 miles to and from work everyday and this car makes that time enjoyable. I cant wait to start tricking it out. I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking to save on money and gas.

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  Cowmuting Cube - 2004 Scion XB
  By dulcimoo - May 8 - 12:56 pm

  Purchased the box for cowmuting. (It’s “painted” in a black and white “cow” pattern) Even with four full grown men the box does well with the auto. Passing up hill is no problem if you lock out the overdrive. It deals well with the traffic on I15 and I5. I have had only two minor problems (the inside fan was making a “ticking” noise – free warranty repair, rear air dam was tweaked after some road trash – self repaired.). The MP3 CD player does well. Luggage space is a little tight when we are all off to work with all our junk, but we manage. The rear window wiper is almost useless. It goes, stops, and rocks, what more cud you want!

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  Go Granny Go - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mike - May 5 - 10:56 am

  What a cool ride. My wife saw it and fell in love. To me it looks like a mix of a Honda Element and a PT Cruiser. With everything this vehicle has to offer, I am sure that sales will explode, as more and more people find out what they are missing. And also, watch out for the price to start going up, as there is no other car on the market that can compete with the price and standard equipment.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Scion XB
  By Cynthia Blankenship - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Scion. I have a bad back, and am glad I can get in and out easily. There is enough room for my scooter. I like the looks, and comments we get from people. It is just a great vehicle. Even our passengers like the back seat and ride.

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  Great redesign! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Meghan - May 4 - 12:03 am

  I traded my 2006 xB in for the 2008 and I couldnt be happier. It has so much more power and the ride is so much more smooth and quiet. In addition, I feel safer since it has side airbags and a higher doorline. I do a lot of freeway driving and can merge and pass with ease now. The vehicle feels much more responsive than the original xB. It is loaded with features for the price and feels and rides like a much pricier car. My only quibbles are the blindspots in the rear corner, the width of the armrest, and the mushiness of the drivers seat.