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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  Good Cheap Transportaion - 2006 Scion XB
  By cjb - March 27 - 7:03 pm

  I drive over 40,000 miles a year and was looking for something with good gas mileage. I bought the xB for the cargo space. With the back seats folded down, it can carry a lot of cargo. I have been averageing 30 mpg or better in a mix of highway and city driving. The car has a little pep as long as you smash the pedal to the floor. Overall its been a good cheap form of transportaion.

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  What A Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By dewey300 - March 21 - 11:13 am

  1st time a wrote a review on any vehicle, but I am so happy with this car I had to write a review. Very spacious interior, cool looking, quiet ride, dependable, cant say one bad thing about the car, wonder why Clark Howard drives one and likes it. You will not be disappointed with this car.

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  Blue Fire 05 - 2005 Scion XB
  By bluefire05 - March 21 - 4:50 am

  The Scion xB is an awesome car. The only thing I would complain about is it doesnt have much HP stock. If you buy some engine mods which are pretty cheap it adds quite a bit more HP. Other than that I would say its awesome! The styling inside and out is awesome. The best thing though is the room inside. I can have my seat back all the way and my dad whos 6 feet tall can sit behind me and hes not cramped. Hes got tons of room! No one can belive how much room it has and how comfy it is. With the back seats laying down flat you have tons of cargo room. Although with them up there isnt much cargo space. I personally rate this car 9.5/10

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  Owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert D. Deane - March 15 - 3:50 pm

  This is an excellent second run around vehicle.Great vehicle to get through traffic with.

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  The Toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By Flappers - March 14 - 1:16 pm

  function, style and personality, all "boxed" up. Get the Manual, its alot more fun to drive, and at only 108hp, the stick makes you think you have more. Currently 36 MPG and its not broken in yet. Plenty of room for 4, but better yet, put the rear seats down and 2 big dogs each have their own snorkling window. Standard features are un-parallelled at this price point. Plenty of add ons available to customize. Quality is typical of toyota (solid)!.

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  Fun for the Gallon - 2005 Scion XB
  By Roxys Dream Weaver - March 14 - 12:26 pm

  Gas prices going higher? (I dont care) This little shoe box hates Gas Stations. Even as an automatic and with a caffeine rush attitude driving technique. Your gas tank will stay full, (It just wont go down to "E") Roominess? My gosh you feel like youre sitting in your living room airy high interior all around huge seats comfy. Sound? Well lets put it this way I added the Bazooka Subwoofer and its like surround sound system in your home. It drives like a cream puff awesome suspension and handling and breaking becaue it also comes with ABS standard. You can move your whole apartment in almost one trip with your back seats flat down. I have nothing but good things to say about my Scion xB...

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  SUV/Car/Wagon - 2009 Scion XB
  By Dani - March 10 - 7:13 pm

  Best of 3 worlds. Very nice ride, thought the shape would make it less aerodynamic, but its low center of gravity helps with that. Peppy and full efficient engine, awesome accessories, and individual design make this car a scene still. Have had it a month and avg 27 mpg. Drove from Texas to Georgia and back on 3.5 tanks of gas!! Enough room to sleep in which I did comfortably with my luggage in the back. Could ride my family with ample space in rear for adults.

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  Love the looks on other drivers faces! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Banana Wind - March 6 - 5:13 am

  Love this car! I love the character of this car! The yellow color is definitely visible to other drivers and I get incredible gas mileage. 35 to a fantastic 38 miles to a gallon..on mountain rodes! You cant beat the value and just the looks of fasination on other drivers face when they see my "box".

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  Echo Killer, same car, 200% better - 2005 Scion XB
  By dennis Kasprzak - March 5 - 10:36 am

  We purchased an echo coupe in 2003 we sold an echo coupe with 4800 miles and lost 3000$ on it, at high speeds handling was shakey a wind gust you were in the next lane. With a test drive with the XB, it was night and day, comfortable supportive seats, excellent handling, better options abs standard traction control standard, vsc standard, my echo had nothing like this yet only cost 1000$ less, We have a second baby on the way and the room benind the seats is wonderful for diperbags and groceries. The only down side is the trunk does not have much space behind the seats, and no armrest, luckily aftermarket armrests are readily available, and no cruise control will make trips a little less fun

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  The xB - The New Extreme - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mr. B- - March 4 - 11:16 am

  This is a great car. Not only for the younger generation but for the older as well. Its fast, sleek, and has an awesome sound system. Try one youll love it.