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:

• 

  Love my toaster car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By jacksgrandma - August 7 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased my Scion XB brand new in "06 with 6 miles on the speedometer. I use it like a cargo van for my business. It can hold two huge white Igloo ice chests with room to spare plus two bikes and a kayak on top for camping. I had mine fitted with a Yakima rack system on top. I get great milage unless its loaded down. Normal Hwy is 36 mpg with two people and minimal baggage. It only gets about twenty when loaded down, but wth, It beats driving my one ton truck.

• 

  A good box at a good price - 2005 Scion XB
  By SteveAndersonTX - August 4 - 10:00 am

  The xB is an excellent commuter vehicle for anyone who needs to drive a long distance each day. It is well designed, fun to drive, and relatively comfortable. The price point is excellent for toyota quality. Bear in mind that this is a very basic vehicle, and it will not beat anyone off the line. However, it is fun to drive, and comes with some excellent standard features like ABS and keyless entry, to name a few. Everyone has reacted positively to the unique design, once they see it up close, they really like it. I love this car!!, highly recommended for the daily commuter, no matter how old or young you are.

• 

  I love the car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Wagon - August 1 - 1:03 pm

  The car handles very well. Automatic transmission is fast. By watching the "real time fuel mileage" I can drive very efficiently. I was very impressed by the 28 mpg fuel mileage. The car is solid and quiet

• 

  2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By 2toasters - July 29 - 7:14 pm

  My wife bought a used 2005 xB and we liked it so much that I bought an identical (except color) one for myself. We are both older and drive accordingly, so we get about 33MPG in city and 37+ on Hwy. Both xBs have about 50k miles on them and we love them. The 1500cc engines pay off. We would not buy the newer, larger xBs because of their economy and looks. A big mistake on Toyotas part, we think. A typical comment: "this back seat is like a Lincoln Town Car". We will definitely keep these cars and repair them for as long as possible. This may be the car for you, too?

• 

  What a great car! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Amy - July 20 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my xB one day after my 98 Chevy Venture died. As soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car for me. Everything I wanted came standard and it was a great deal for the price. I now love the "unique" body style. It is roomy without being overly huge, is very comfortable and solid. I get about 25 mpg around town.

• 

  The car is great, but dealers are shady - 2004 Scion XB
  By New Scion - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is great, and while it still lags a little on the freeway, I dont feel a "huge" difference between the acceleration with this engine and my 245hp F-150. Of course the weight has a lot to do with that. While the car is great, be careful of dealers if negotiating a lease. They will tell you they "Will throw in" certain options, and charge for them while trying to disguise it as part of the lease. If you can, find the Scion only dealerships built into certain Toyota dealerships so that you dont run into shady financers.

• 

  I love it!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Losjax - July 15 - 10:53 am

  I was sold on this car two seconds into the test drive, it handles so well and the pickup is amazing. It’s exactly what I was in the market for, not a sedan, but not quite an SUV. It’s just a very fun car the drive, and decent gas mileage. I’ve only had mine for a couple of weeks, but I’m very satisfied. I cannot recommend this car enough.

• 

  Always Wanted an XB..Glad I bought one - 2008 Scion XB
  By SavvyPirate - July 13 - 3:46 pm

  I was looking around for another car last august and saw this one online and fell in love. I got it within 2 weeks. I got the 5.0 RLS Series Gold Rush Mica Edition with the color matching interior and I love it. I love the CVT Transmission though I wanted a Manual. It has more power then a lot of people would think-150+HP in a 4cyl aint bad. I have no complaints about it so far. Got it used though it looked new with only 3500 miles and now with 12, 600 it still runs like new. Im only getting 23MPG City which I wish was a bit better but for the size of the vehicle I cant complain.

• 

  xB is Xcellent! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mark Johansen - July 13 - 12:20 am

  I had no idea what an xB was until I saw one on a used car lot and test drove it. Finding that a new one was just a bit higher in price, I could not rest until I had one. I just got it and love it.

• 

  You wont be sorry! - 2004 Scion XB
  By katyscion - July 10 - 10:00 am

  LOVE this car! And Im WAY past the targeted demographic age. :) If I could, I would buy another one just to have a new one in reserve. I cant believe the attention to detail and find something new I like better every day. Nice little storage compartments, the dash is EASY to read, you can feel for the disc/radio and change over without looking. Hooks to hold the floor mats in place that swivel if you use different mats. I could go on and on. I took the interior light option and illuminated cup holders. FUN!!!!! For adies; the shape of the windows means your hairdo isnt blown away. :) Its CUTE, its FUN to drive and the gas mileage is soooo nice!