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:

• 

  a great car with a few flaws - 2008 Scion XB
  By mattoafilmscore - July 10 - 2:03 am

  i originally wanted one of the "old" XBs, but by the time i got my finances in order, they were gone. having since driven one of the older models, im happy to say im glad i went with the 08. while many people might point out the decreased MPGs, it should be noted that the decreasing MPGs arent for no reason. the 08 is much safer than the previous models, it doesnt blow all over the road during inclement weather and its quite a bit more powerful. while there definitely are things that need improvement, Im confident when i say i dont have any plans to purchase another vehicle for some time.

• 

  My Popcorn Popper - 2006 Scion XB
  By Inez - July 8 - 7:16 pm

  I purchased a used 2004 Scion xB that I found on the Internet and drove it from CT to IN with no problem. I wanted to buy a new car, but this car had $2,000 in accessories and he sold it for $1,000 less than the blue book price. The previous owner tinted the back windows with a darker tint, and I was concerned about seeing other drivers. After almost 3 weeks, I am finally getting used to driving a manual, now it just comes natural. My hubbie calls it a popcorn popper, because it gets good gas mileage! I am totally pleased.

• 

  Best Car Available Under 20k - 2008 Scion XB
  By GC - July 8 - 12:46 pm

  I own a 2002 Mercedes S500, a 2007 Lexus Es 350 and drive my new Xbox 75 miles each way from West Palm Beach to Miami 5 days a week. Man, this car is fantastic. I test drove the BMW 5 series, 3 series, Toyota Camry, and E350, and just noticed the xB by accident while at a Toyota dealership. I liked the automatic, but when I tried the 5 speed manual, that was it . . . saved a ton of money. It is fun to drive, reliable and can use regular unleaded!!

• 

  Whats this? Tall Wagon? Small SUV? - 2008 Scion XB
  By XBLover - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  Its unique, Ill give it that. The fuel economy is a big disappointment, not expecting this from a Toyota brand and theres also a substantial amount of road noise. Its really a strip car, you have to pay for everything including floor mats! There seems to be some vibration at highway speeds (over 60 mph). The upgraded radio ($389) doesnt pick up all the stations in my area and there are 2 FM frequencies: FM1 and FM2 , this is a ripoff!! Save your money!! Overall its a good buy for the money.

• 

  Old Man Says YEA - 2004 Scion XB
  By Papi - July 5 - 3:43 pm

  I know these things were designed for the X-Generation, but I love mine. It is fun to drive, great on gas and you feel the Toyota quality. The interior is not perfect but I love the cargo space and my 3 year old grand son thinks that it is the greatest vehicle ever. By the way, so does by 84 year old mother-in-law because she finds it easy to enter and exit.

• 

  The Box on Wheels - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gina - June 29 - 3:20 pm

  We bought our Scion xB last spring and it has been great. It replaced our family van, and the gas bills have never been lower. The only thing we miss is the cargo room for the extras that children come with. But with the roof rack this year we hope to have a smother vacation packing experience.

• 

  The xB is the future and it is now! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert F. Bronk - June 25 - 1:43 pm

  I believe that the Scion xB is everything one could want in a car for todays world. My black cherry xB is gorgeous and it reflects me. I have added foglights, a cargo net,center armrest, cruise control, alloy wheels and a power sunroof. I average 34 MPG and love the comfort and versatile interior. People do take notice of the xB - people do ask "what is it?" and people just love to look at it. The xB is fun to drive, fun to talk about and I smile at the mileage. What is not to like? I believe that my car offers all that we need in our world of high cost fuel and crowded roads. I think that I have the right car at the right time - it is just wonderful!

• 

  Great set of features for the price - 2009 Scion XB
  By nitido357 - June 25 - 5:23 am

  I have had this xB for about a month and a half and Im still loving it like the first day. Many xB1 detractors decry the increased size, but I love it. The car is more comfortable than any mid-size car. It is also quite fuel efficient considering that you are still driving a box at 65-70 mph. Recently got 34 mpg on 2hr trip to OKC, quite hilly at times. My family of 5 fits quite easily on short and longish trips. The wife loves the cargo space, which is much better than the 07 Pacifica she drives around town.

• 

  Best of both worlds. - 2012 Scion XB
  By orbit9090 - June 24 - 9:53 pm

  Best of both worlds: A spacious, sporty vehicle but with decent economy and great maneuverability. Love the center mounted gauges! In fact, since they are not hidden behind a steering wheel hub like most cars gauges, the Scion xBs center mounted gauges are very easy to read at a quick glance. The occupant compartment is spacious and airy, with plenty of headroom and wiggle room. Passengers often comment how much space the vehicle has and how comfortable and quiet it is.

• 

  **AWESOME BOX** - 2006 Scion XB
  By uknowulikeit - June 17 - 1:17 pm

  245,567 MILES and still going! I got this 2006 scion xb when I moved out 70 miles from my work. I ran this car for 5 years driving to work and back. I LOVE IT! Its really fun to drive and made my commute much easier. I got over 300 miles per tank. This is a reliable car.. All I can recall that I have replaced was 5 sets of tires and about 50 oil changes. Will never get rid of this CHAMP!