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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  a looker for less - 2010 Scion XB
  By jody - March 3 - 12:46 am

  Bought this car as a trade for cash for clunkers. So far, the car has exhibited great handling, so so gas mileage and a good ride if you have less than 2 people in it. Things like programmable wipers, lighted ignition light and auto headlight shutoff are some of the options I miss that were in my clunker, that was in pretty great condition. I know this is the car that was built to be rebuilt, but after adding a couple of options you are spending much as a well equipped Honda accord ex. I truly dont see the great bargain for the new Young generation. I only see a great marketing idea on behalf of Toyota. I think that Toyota should squeeze a bit more value out of there option closet.

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  my BOXkar - 2005 Scion XB
  By Pennie - March 1 - 6:00 am

  Had my car 3 yrs now and I still love it. Will be driving more now that Im retired. Great gas mileage. Do wish it heated up faster. Took over W VA mountains, made them all, just keep the medal to the pedal. I have allowed three strangers (older individuals) who ask about car to sit in it. They were impressed about the ease of getting in and out. Two I saw another time at store and they told me the did indeed buy a Scion xB, on man traded his cat for one. Told me he laugh every time his fills up his xB and takes money to back. Ill never own another car except for the Scions.

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  09 XB Standard - 2009 Scion XB
  By HLB - February 26 - 6:16 pm

  I am very please with the over all performance of the XB. The quality of the vehicle is more than I expected. The gas mileage is 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, thats worth the purchase itself.

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  New to me, but I like it - 2009 Scion XB
  By Bruce Lampley - February 21 - 12:10 am

  We now have 250 miles on our xB(ox). Things I like include the stying, performance. I like the cruise control. Other cars Ive driven will downshift and floor the gas if you hit the break and then resume cruise. Not this Toyota system. Resume = smooth return to previous speed. Things I dont like. Im short (57") and hit my knees on the steering column getting in and out. Would it have broken the bank to put a second arm rest for the front passenger? Would prefer an analog speedo rather than digital.

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  Best for the Cost - loaded with features - 2008 Scion XB
  By Gani - February 16 - 6:36 pm

  After a careful research of all sedans with a combination of all features - safety, comfort, space, design, power and fuel economy, I bought this wagon which has them all for a price that is far less. It has everything in it. You cannot get a car which has everything in the right combination. Well, who cares if it looks like a box. In fact the 2008 XB looks much sportier. An excellent value for the money!!

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  Love da Box - 2009 Scion XB
  By Chaz - February 15 - 9:10 pm

  I wanted something affordable, roomy, and unique. The Xb fits the bill. I really enjoy the ride, the look, the decent power, great sound system that syncs seamlessly with my iphone or ipod and the great ergonomics. I managed to "pimp" my Xb from the $17g starting price to $23g with options, tax, title, blah blah blah. Added the the 19"TRD rims/wheels, dealer installed power sunroof, spoiler, fog lights, XM radio to my black box and shes a looker!! Word to the wise: I lost about 5 mpg by upgrading to those rims/tires, they look AMAZING, but definitely cost you in mpg and ride quality on crappy pavement. Overall, the absolute best for my $. Salesperson and dealer have been top notch.

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  Family gas saver - 2005 Scion XB
  By redd - February 15 - 7:26 pm

  Im the second owner of my xB, but I feel like the first because the owners kept it like new. I traded in my WRX which got around 15 MPG (with my driving). I have no regrets at all. Although the xB is under powered it makes up for it in gas mileage. I can get around 280 miles per tank and I get 32 mpg on average. The interior is really roomy. Im 6 4" and still have about 3 inches of head room and plenty of leg room. I can even sit in the back seat with the front seats moved all the way back. Once I drove to the zoo and fit 5 full grown adults in my xB. The back seat passengers were a tight fit, but it still worked out.

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  Fun car - 2004 Scion XB
  By scionbeliever - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!Im a 27-year old female and i dont regret buying the car for a minute.Its good-looking, lots of interior space,and an incredible price.People have given me mixed reviews on what they think of it,but the nay-sayers are just set in their ways and afraid of anything new.The only bad thing about this car is my insurance is more expensive, because theyre expecting 20-something unmarried males to be buying the car.Also, I would have liked to have the option of a sunroof.Otherwise, no complaints at all.

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  Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Jeremy Hanna - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a quality vehicle.

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  boxed n - 2005 Scion XB
  By bretsuaz - February 13 - 5:10 pm

  I love this car. Needed something reliable, and affordable. Nothing else compares at this price. Would buy one again.