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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Glad I bought it! - 2011 Scion XB
By Brian - February 12 - 3:50 pmI bought the car for my daughter, replacing a 2001 RAV4. I drove it from Jacksonville, FL to Baltimore, 865 miles and was totally comfortable. I would drive it across the country, no problem. Im 65" and the seats feel like they were fitted for me. It has more fromt seat room than our 2006 Sienna minivan! I can also fit in back for short distances without it feeling like a torture chamber. It feels like a much larger vehicle inside. If choosing between a 2010 and 2011, go for the 2011. The interior improvements are worth it. The center gauge cluster is also much improved over the 2010. Fuel economy has been excellent. Manual transmission and clutch are excellent.
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completely satisfied - 2004 Scion XB
By zperformance2003 - February 8 - 2:00 amour son told us about this vehicle a couple of years ago...when the Scions hit the local dealership we took a look and found the standard equipment, and overall design appealing as well as the price...he is very happy with his Scion XB and we are too
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2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
By Ruth Breul - February 7 - 1:33 pmThe 2006 Scion xB is a wonderful auto. I came from a much larger one and would not trade back. Every aspect of this car is better than I expected. I love the positioning of the instrument panel and think it would be a good trend for other auto makers. Its gas mileage is fabulous. It is very roomy with lots of headroom, great cargo space, and seats that go down in a flash without any struggle. The price is more than fair!
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Toyotas Best Offering - 2006 Scion XB
By dskinner - February 5 - 8:13 pmThe vehicle is exceptional in all areas and is a blast to drive. Dont be fooled by the small power figures and boxy appearence, this car is awesome. I highly recommend it!
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Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
By jonky - February 2 - 2:00 amcool car at a great car price less then my turaus
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LIMITED EDITION SERIES 1.0 LAVA ORANGE - 2005 Scion XB
By BSU - January 28 - 10:00 amSold my 2003 Honda CR-V EX model to acquire a limited edition Scion. Have been extremely pleased with its performance, mileage, and styling. Being the lava orange color many individuals have asked if its a hybrid, and whom makes the vehicle. Keep in mind this model is based on a subcompact and the ride can be somewhat stiff with harsh road noise coming through-thus would recommend several test drives at dealerships prior to purchase. Strong believer vehicle will hold its value due to reliability and economics of ownership.
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Best New Car in 33 Years - 2008 Scion XB
By JimW - January 28 - 1:10 amIve purchased many new cars in 33 years, the 2008 xB is the best value, most comfortable, best equipped, and most satisfying car Ive ever owned. The driving performance and standard features are amazing. Average fuel economy after 1000 miles = 30.7 MPG in mixed highway and city driving. Interior space and comfort is better than vehicles costing twice as much. Toyotas attention to design detail and build quality is exceptional. Also, in spite of the xBs massive interior space for people and cargo, the great handling, powerful engine, and small exterior size of this car make it really fun to drive! Now you will understand why all 2008 xB drivers have big smiles on their faces!
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Conquers The Urban Sprawl - 2005 Scion XB
By Jim - January 27 - 9:16 amIve owned my xB for a little over a year now, and I still love it as much as when I first drove it off the lot. This is a car that truly rewards its occupants with tons of room for people or things. The tuner market has also embraced this car wholeheartedly, and there are plenty of performance and exterior mods available for the xB. I traded in a gas-guzzling Dodge Dakota R/T for this car, and havent looked back since.
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Way to go toyota - 2004 Scion XB
By Hottub - January 23 - 10:00 amgreat riding car,with plenty of room. Have only had it for two months, but it is really fun to drive. Turns a lot of heads. The gas mileage is great, averaging 37.6 mpg.I laugh all the way to the gas pump.
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This Car Turns Heads - 2005 Scion XB
By bhuddaboy - January 23 - 10:00 amMy XB is very responsive and is great for city driving. I am able to zip around. I am impressed with the interior design and cavernous space, especially considering it has a narrow wheel base. Nothing compares to the driving experience. You sit alomost as high as an SUV. The reactions of strangers has been the most fun. Reactions range from laughter to surprise to "What the....?" to "Thats not right". Outside of the PT Cruiser, what other vehicle elicited such reactions when it was first introduced to the market?
