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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  I love my toaster oven!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Michael - October 15 - 9:50 am

  Ive had my xb2 for about 6 months and I love it more and more each each day. I average between 30-34 mpg. Everybody that gets inside simply cant believe how much space is in there, 5 can fit quite comfortably. I call it my TARDIS. I live in the Rocky Mountains and so far its handled the snow very well. Just be careful, this puppy sits very low, only about 5 of ground clearance which will be lessened when I put on the TRD lowering springs ;-) Thats one of the best parts of the Scion brand; there are so, so many ways to customize your ride. So if youre looking for a fun hot hatch and you buy anything else, you chose wrong.

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  2005 Blue Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By AutoBat - October 12 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my xB for several years now. I got my car with alloy wheels, arm rest and cruise control installed. I consistently get 30mpg in either city or highway. I still love the looks of it, I replaced the grill with billet aluminum and the rear lights with LEDs after I got rearended once (new tailgate as well). The car is reliable as can be (its a Toyota afterall). Even after the new (ugly) xBs came out I still get comments on how cool (or ugly) my car is. If I had the means, I would get another, but with a manual transmission. I have had to have 2 large chips filled in from errant rocks at about $20 each.

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  The best of the rest! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Charly - October 11 - 4:06 am

  Ours is a Rel 2.0 Series w/ground effects factory package. (Yellow only) and is loaded with all factory options Pioneer Stereo + dark window tint + white wheel covers + cruise. We average 32 MPG overall and see 35 on trips. We have installed a front stabilizer bar and turbo K&N intake. It handles like a sports car but insures like a wagon.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2012 Scion XB
  By Bradley Knisley - October 11 - 2:07 am

  This was the first car that I bought brand new. I did a lot of research over a couple years to find just what I was looking for. I was at the Cleveland auto show when I sat in the 2012 XB for the first time. It was love at first sight. It now had an arm rest, which is a must and adjustable steering. I love the electronic steering because I work real hard at work and would much rather not fight with the steering wheel after a hard days work. I was looking for a SUV that was good on gas, reliable, could haul just about anything and looked good while doing so. I love the center mounted dash because the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of what you need to see. I upgraded the radio, purchased the cold air intake and TDR muffler. The car felt sluggish to me because I traded in my Jetta turbo for my new XB. This improved the performance and gave it the pep I was looking for. You honestly can fit almost anything in the back of this beast. I purchased a 60 inch TV that fit it in the back, in the box but did have to move the front seats forward a couple inches. I moved everything in my house except for a few pieces of bedroom furniture and my kitchen table. Lets face it, you can not get by with just a sedan being a home owner. This vehicle has meet my expectations and has exceeded them. I look forward to owning this vehicle for many many years.

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  Ohhh Yes! - 2006 Scion XB
  By D.A.Chase - October 3 - 10:36 pm

  I bought my Black Sand Pearl xB two months ago. I had researched it on the net for a long time and was impressed. On a whim I went and test drove it. That was it! It was so much fun to drive, I must have been grinning ear to ear. Bought it right then. Put on cold air induction, 6 CD stereo, security system, and a beautiful red & black leather steering wheel. Later put on 7-spoke alloy wheels. I love my car, I find myself just "going for a ride" it is so much fun. Great car! Cheap, well made, efficient easy on gas and my insurance payment dropped. Of course it is easy to park and people come across parking lots to look at it and talk to me. My two German Shepherds love it too.

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  jondrus xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By jondru - October 2 - 2:00 am

  i just like being in it...

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  Cant complain - 2009 Scion XB
  By gman - September 29 - 10:16 pm

  This car is super reliable and practical. Thats why I bought it and it didnt disappoint there. But I just dont find it very fun to drive, which is turning out to be more important to me than I thought. Also the interior feels a bit cheap and I find the ride to be jarring over rough pavement.

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  Longest Ive ever owned one car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Rocker Dad - September 29 - 1:56 am

  I bought my Scion after news of our second baby arrived, so the xB replaced a V8 Magnum Dodge Dakota 4x4 with extended cab (sweet truck). Hard as it was to trade in my cool & manly truck, I was thinking about 3 things: Ease of getting baby and belongings in and out; passenger room; and gas mileage (my truck guzzled gas!). I test drove several cars, including a new VW Jetta, but none of them had the gas mileage, ease of entry and egress, and passenger room as the xB. Considering my needs it was a no brainer. Ive never had a failure, breakdown, broken part, etc. with this car. It drives great in deep snow with cables, and the Pioneer stereo kicks. The features for the price were unbeatable.

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  Yo Ho Yo Ho an xB Life For Me! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Phillips - September 28 - 1:13 pm

  I have had my xB for three weeks and I believe it is an excellent automobile. The ride is quiet, responsive and it is extremely fast. The 2.4 liter engine gets up and goes and I get around 26 mpg overall. It has alot room inside and the stereo can rock you like a hurricane Consumer magazines have rated this car very high and its styling is unique. My family calls the xB the silver pearl and we discuss continually about who gets to drive it.

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  Great new wheels - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mark - September 27 - 11:03 pm

  Bought this as a commuter to save on gas as my primary car is a Buick Lucerne cxs which is not all that easy on gas. The Scion is a big surprise for a small amount of money. Offers pretty much more than cars costing thousands more plus is a Toyota and that alone stands for long term easy motoring.