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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  Great, fun to drive - 2005 Scion XB
  By Blondie382 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought a XB in the cherry pearl i love this car, it is fun and great on gas. Alot of people have asked about it, alot have stared. It is a car either you love or hate. I love mine!! Live in MA just took it on a road trip to the White Mountains in NH it did great very impressed, smooth ride the entire drive. No complaints. Thanks to Bernardi Toyota for getting me my XB so quickly, youll be seeing more of me in the future. Thanks again to everyone who was involved in getting me my XB. I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  My little white SHOE - 2009 Scion XB
  By Walt Stevens - December 15 - 6:16 am

  Well, I have been looking at the Scion Xb,s for some time. I went from an average of 14.7 ml/gal Truck to 26 ml/gal. Although the Xb is smaller on the road, it has a big roomy interior. Very good pick-up and has the go power when needed, a little bit bumpy ride but is tolerable, a little road noise but again is tolerable. My wife drove the XB for 4 days When I was out of town, she said she had more fun driving it then her new Toyota Avalon. told me that I could drive her car all the time. She loved the XB. . My Wife loves the interior and the extra leg room in the back, and My grand kids, think its a cool car over all. I did test drive other small cars , the Scion Xb won hands down.

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  Scion xB is the Champion of the Boxy Cars! - 2012 Scion XB
  By Gary P. Klinger - December 12 - 11:44 am

  In terms of overall quality, value, reliability and space, this car is unbeatable. I should know! Ive owned five (yes 5) of them. Ive owned a 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Of them all, I still own the 2004 and 2012. Surprisingly, the 2012 is the one I am least satisfied with. Just AFTER the warranty my electric door locks stopped working and Toyota took a "tough luck" position on it and handing a several hundred dollar quote to repair them. This after purchasing 6 Scions and 3 Toyotas over the past 11 years. I love these cars and their value, reliability, ride and overall quality. However, now that Scion has discontinued the xB and Toyota has discontinued Scion, Im thinking I may have to take a "tough luck" position with Toyota and look toward Subaru or Honda for my next car. Update. Recently I was involved in a car crash involving my 2004 xB. I was hit from behind by a huge Dodge hemi truck which was traveling at 50 mph. Traffic came to a complete stop in the truck did not see me stop. WhIle sadly my toaster is toast I have a newfound respect for the integrity of my cars. However: I am still quite annoyed that my 2012 has door locks that stopped working and Toyota could care less about me as a customer even after buying all these Toyotas and scions. I would expect my doorlock to quit so soon on a lesser quality cheaper product on the market. But not a Toyota product. And I would expect crappier Service and a similar attitude from the lesser brands on the market but not from Toyota. With Scion now dead if this is all better TOYOTA cares about their loyal customers it makes me feel like perhaps I owe them nothing and should look at their competitors for my next car!

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  I love my Xbox! - 2004 Scion XB
  By myxbox - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car. Storage and passenger seating is amazing. Great mpg too! 7,500 miles and no problems. Wish a middle arm rest and cruise control were options. Overall-great buy for the money and it definitley gets you noticed!

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  Get A Lot of Bread out of this Bread Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Scion xB - December 6 - 1:36 am

  I could not ask for a better car. My Bread Box is the best. I get so many looks at it. Even though I am in the older baby boomer crowd, this car seems like it was made for us - believe it or not.

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  Love my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By ScionDad - November 29 - 1:16 pm

  I really love my xB. I bought it as a run around town grocery getter for my wife but it has become our favorite car! If you have read the reviews about noise and comfort being a problem dont believe them. I regularly cruse at 80 MPH on the highway in total comfort! Just for the record, Im 63" and 240 lbs. I drive 35 miles one way to work on I-95 in South Florida. Get cruse control if you drive long distances. I also like the ride better with the 15" rims and tires over the 17" or 18". I have the 7 spoke alloys from Enkei. They look awesome!

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  Great little big car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jerry K - November 24 - 7:10 pm

  My Scion xB reminds me of my last new car, a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit diesel only much larger. Fun to drive, stable and safe handling, great brakes too. Quiet and powerful engine. Very responsive steering. Im using a fuel additive that increases my millage about 15%, Im getting 30 in town and 37 highway. Very easy to get into and out of. Now the bad. Poor seating position, steering wheel too far away, pedals too close together. Driver armrest is useless, same for the door armrest. Very little back support, seat too short, poor all around visibility, windows too short and windshield too far away. Clutch travel is too long. Needs sound proofing in doors and roof.

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  I love my Toasty - 2006 Scion XB
  By Toastys Mom - November 23 - 7:30 pm

  What a super car! Ive owned many cars before, but none even come close to my stylish, fun, zippy little Scion XB. Ive had my car for three plus years and have very few complaints. The most pressing is the number of times Ive had to have my windshield repaired. Because of the angle it seems to attract every stray stone or pebble. Also, my ground effects have been damaged a couple of times (mostly my fault). Aside from that, it runs great, looks great, good gas millage, fun to drive, great stereo, I-Pod compatible, very reliable and totally COOL! I strongly recommend that any cool people, who want an equally fun, reliable and affordable ride, run, dont walk, and get yourself one!

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  Love it! - 2009 Scion XB
  By rzrbk1 - November 14 - 11:10 pm

  Went from a 2007 Durango Limited to the 2009 xB. We went from 14 mpg to 28 mpg (although to give the Durango credit. Yeah..it has a HEMI!. We werent sure if we would like something as small as the xB with both of us being "real" sized people. The xB has a lot of room inside and is very comfortable. We have had it for about 2 months and have had no problems at all. It is surprisingly peppy for a 4 cyl and handles great!

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  Cheap but reliable. - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sean - November 13 - 11:50 am

  I had this car for two years. The a/c stopped working, and it turned out something in the a/c pipes burst, and sent shards of metal all through the system, and it was going to cost around $800 to fix. My rear trunk panel cracked off, the interior feels cheap and "plastic-y". Its very simple, not much too it. No bells and whistles here. While it isnt extremely powerful or fast, I always had a good time driving it, and it never once broke down on me.