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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  250,000 miles and still going. - 2005 Scion XB
  By bigtbronco951 - September 9 - 1:01 am

  I bought my 05 xb used toward the end of 05 with 23,000 miles on it. Mine is the bright yellow release series. Since i`ve owned it i have driven the crap out of it! Taken it to Las Vegas countless number of times and on several oyher road trips since 05 and it has never let me down. Car averages around 31 mpg hwy so long as i put super in it. Have done a few aftermarket upgrades to it and by far the best one was the Magnaflow exhaust system.Woke the little box up like you would not beleive! As far as reliability...awesome! still on the original clutch. Change oil regularly. gonna try and see if it`ll go 500,000 with no major work.

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  I wish never bought it - 2009 Scion XB
  By Sam lathou - September 2 - 9:56 am

  I’ve had my 09 XB for over 7 months brand new. And since day one at over 40 M/H pulls to the right. Complained to Toyota but no action was taken. I don’t like it at all, sheep car yet I paid over $19500 cash for it. Took it to another shop and was told rear left tire out of alignment but Toyota didn’t provide adjustment for the rear and NO TIE ROD…means the rear has to be shimmed or something ,, big money to do that

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  A Bonanza for Baby-Boomers - 2005 Scion XB
  By egplant - August 20 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had nothing but fun with my xB. Only problems have been a vibration of the speedometer pod in the dash, and pieces of the front grille fell off initially because clips were not installed correctly. Im getting 33- 36 mpg. Love the sound system.

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  Mileage not great but fun car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Loveit - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I had wanted this car forever so I finally got it about a week ago. The sign on the window said "33 mpg". Right. It averages MAYBE 20 so far and thats highway miles. My VW did better than that and thats the reason I got rid of it! I NEEDED 33mpg. Anyway, love the car otherwise. I love the box, it is comfy, radio and sound is awesome and totally customizable.

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  NOISE - 2011 Scion XB
  By UNHAPPY - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car at first then it hits you. Put just the rear windows down and the vortex sucks your eardrums out. Scion say that is normal in all cars. We all know that is not ture. Set the crusie contol on a long flat road and watch it speed up on it own. Scion claims that normal for all cat as well. Brakes have to be pumped to get it stop with out a jerk. Also listen as it down shifts and hear the clunk. Oh ya the windows rattle and the plastic comes lose as well.

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  poor cup holders and no cruise control - 2004 Scion XB
  By Panorama - August 10 - 10:00 am

  roomy, good economy, quality, ugly. no cruise, and cup holders are worthless but..... a good buy for less than 15K

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  A real alternative - 2005 Scion XB
  By Bob - August 10 - 5:26 am

  The Scion Xb is a joy to drive. It has a mileage return almost as good as a hybrid. The quality and fit are second to none. The standard features on another vehicle would add thousands to the price. On trips I often drive (once a week) eighty miles one way. The performance is supurb. I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone of any age desiring transportation with a flair and a very comfortable package as well.

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  Great on Gas! - 2004 Scion XB
  By anniegirl1 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased vehicle. Cheap price. Very roomy inside with lots of features. Great on gas, 1 tank lasts me at least 2 weeks. Great pickup, great sounds (comes standard with car). Pioneer radio with 6 speakers.

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  Superior - 2004 Scion XB
  By LuckyBabyBlue03 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I think it takes a bit to get used to the look of the vehicle, as it did for me, however, the design is modern, the interior is spacious, the milage per gallon is outstanding for what i consider an SUV type, i love this vehicle, i dont think there was a better choice out there.

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  Ask the Dealership to order you a 2011 - 2011 Scion XB
  By Edward - August 8 - 5:53 am

  We purchased our XB last week and are extremely happy with the vehicle! We purchased this car after comparing it against other compact cars on the market, and it totally fits our needs. We wanted a compact car that would not crush our kids in the back seat, an engine that was a 2.4L, good fuel economy, and something that could hold luggage in the truck. No other compact car fit our criteria except this one. We’ve put 800 miles on the car so far and have averaged 26.2 miles per tank of gas. If you’re in the market for a 2010, ask the dealer to bring in a 2011, because you’ll love the changes. We were sold on the 2010, but when we when saw the change. Great car for the money!!!!!