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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  the best car eva - 2005 Scion XB
  By 2005 scion xB styles - November 11 - 9:36 am

  this is the best car ever if you want a relibly car pick this one

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  Cooler on wheels - 2004 Scion XB
  By NK1 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove xB today and I think that its a really good car; however, there are many things to make me love and hate it. Overall, the car is very easy to drive, good gas mileage, and like nothing else on the road. If you have small budget and dont care what other people think, then this may be your choice.

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  2005 Scion xB - Nice Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By tim - November 6 - 8:43 am

  The 2005 Scion xB is a nice car for the price. It is roomy with lots of compartments and even has an ice chest in the back. What else could a kid want?

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  get one NOW - 2008 Scion XB
  By biff - November 6 - 2:10 am

  Bought this car to advertise my business, cant miss it! Everything else is a bonus, goes up Vail pass very fast, fuel average has yet to drop below 28.6 mpg- better than advertised. 1st car I have ever owned that does not need snow tires and we get 200+ inches a year here. (traction control that works) hauls kids, adults, groceries, skis, you name it. The instruments in the center are much easier to read than the regular kind.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daniel - October 30 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle is an impressive step-up from the previous generation. The xB handles well and feels overall very solid. The suspension is seriously lacking: you will feel every speed bump or rough road. The fuel economy is unimpressive, but this car was not designed for that purpose. It is extremely roomy and rekindles my love for driving. Every time Im behind the wheel Im having a blast. The cluster gauges in the center are weird at first, but easily you can adjust to them. The sound is very impressive in the car. Overall really great vehicle backed by the quality Toyota engineers it with.

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  New buyer! I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Brandon29N - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Hello, I just purchased a black scion 2 days ago. I have to say that when I first saw it I was intrigued by the style, but thought it would be too small. Boy, was I wrong! I got inside and it was bigger on the inside than I imagined. I just sold my Chevy Blazer and purchased this. I can say this has MUCH MORE room than the 2 door blazer I had. In fact, I felt I was being eaten by the interior on that Blazer. The Scion is the best thing I ever purchased. Since I bought it I am being looked at and smiled at when I pass by people. Its quite the attention getter. This car drives soooo good as well. Very fun to drive. BUY ONE!

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  Think inside the BOX! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Will Colley - October 27 - 1:33 am

  Proud owner of a 2004 Orange Scion xB. NOTE: Scion only made 2100 orange xB, they are indeed rare... and if you are looking to get an orange one used is your only option. Naturally expect to pay a premium for rarity and extra feature only on orange xB, referred to as RS1s (relese series 1). I have a 5-speed (which tends to be harder to find in general among all Scions). Acceleration is average with the 5-speed. Below average with the auto (adds 1.5 sec to 0- 60 time). Stanadrd features are very adequate for most, option accessories tend to be pricey. Non-negotable price on EVERYTHING no exceptions lead most to order vehicles and wait rather picking one off lot. I would recommend this car to anyone except speed demons.

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  Scion xB, the original is best. - 2005 Scion XB
  By JerryY - October 25 - 5:23 pm

  Have had a six new cars in my time driving, this is the most fun, most practical, and fuel efficient. Easy to get around in traffic, easy to park, great visibility, good factory option list. I added aftermarket cruise control, since it wasnt available from Scion or the dealership, really like this on longer drives.

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  Old Folks Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Ed McCormack - October 22 - 10:50 pm

  I am 66 and 64" 280# and I was looking for a suv that I could fit in and get good gas mileage. My Scion xb 09 is great. Plenty of room and more pep than I ever thought it could have. Dont hesitate and dont listen to your grandchildren when they say "box"; they change their minds when the see it. If you are in Houston call Beth at Fred Haas Toyota in Spring; when my 95 Tahoe quit on the day we were to pick up our new xb she drove 80 miles to pick us up. Service beyond the call. Hard to find these days. We are not related or anything. Ed

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  Head Turning Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Babysmall - October 20 - 5:36 am

  We wanted to buy a new vehicle and were looking to buy a pickup truck but found out the prices were to high. Plus the gas mileage for pickups is so bad. I came across the Scion XB while researching for cars and saw that its gas mileage is very good. We went to test drive it twice and decided to get it because it was boxy, head turning, and affordable. Who cares if I am not under 25 and dont fit the driver profile.