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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  DONT KNOCK THE BOXX - 2004 Scion XB
  By TREX212426 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  At first I was doubtful that the xb would actully mesure up to my standards. But after the first test drive i was sold. This is not a race car but a car with speed when necessary. I love the fact that it still shocks people no matter how many times people see it.

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  Excellent Achievement - 2004 Scion XB
  By wiharris - June 17 - 10:00 am

  The Scion xB is a fun vehicle to drive. Its exterior is deceptive. What appears to be a small car on the outside is actually a large car inside. Comfortable and firm bucket seats with enough knee room in the back for 6 foot plus passengers. Storage is minimal throughout vehicle. It low center of gravity make it stable in handling corners. In fact its low base make it very comfortable to enter and exit. No extended step down nor an uneasy pull to get up and out. Very similar to getting out of a chair. For the price and gas mileage I consider the Scion xB an excellent achievement in small cars. By the way it makes an excellent conversation piece.

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  I love my Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sam - June 17 - 6:43 am

  Not everyone will like the Scion xBs unorthodox design as much as I do, but it sure provokes a lot of "stares" from folks who see me. The Honda Element pales in comparison.

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  Still has the new car smell - 2011 Scion XB
  By Frank - June 11 - 2:13 am

  I just bought the car on Monday, and I am totally loving it! I wasnt 100% sold when I signed the papers, in part because it was bought with my fiances and my future in mind, but now I cant be happier. For such a small engine, it really has a lot of kick. I will say that it doesnt handle perfectly when driving next to a semi...you really get blown around. All around great vehicle though.

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  Fun car for Business Use - 2006 Scion XB
  By david mullins - June 9 - 1:43 pm

  The Scion xB is an exceptional little car with many perks. It is a real eycatcher, headturner, and has great great economy and reliability. I use it as a rolling billboard for our company.

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  pleasure car - 2005 Scion XB
  By veronica cooper - June 7 - 3:00 am

  The car is so spacious, you could fit 5 NBA players in it (4 comfortably). It has so much leg room. We made a 2000 mile trip to North Carolina in it and only filled the tank 5 times altogether (even driving up and down the mountains). The car is super dependable, great ride, the only dangerous thing about it is the other people looking at the car they start to come in to your lane.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By duitoit - June 6 - 5:33 pm

  Traded my Ford F150 for the XB. Great car. Im 61" and too heavy but have plenty of room. Averaging 27-28 mph. Its a real looker and I cant believe the number of XBs on the road-need to start a club. Have a Porsche Boxster but I find the Xb almost more fun to drive and much more comfortable to drive. My wife can have the Boxster Ill stick with the XB. I did a lot of research and I think the XB was the best car out there for the cost. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Im 63 and I think its cool.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2008 Scion XB
  By Anna - June 6 - 2:23 am

  Im way north of the age range that this car was designed for, but I love it. I always smile when I look at it and it is giving me a reliable vehicle that is very versatile for hauling people and "stuff." I wish it had a roof rack. Also, Ive found this winter that it is EXCELLENT in snow - a very good thing! Its also steady and responsive at interstate highway speeds.

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  Way better than the old XB - 2009 Scion XB
  By sigjuliussen - June 4 - 2:10 am

  Just replaced my old 06 XB with a 09 and I love my new one way more. Im getting 25 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. It is more stable on the highway and feels much more substantial of a car. I get almost as much MPG out of the new one and way more power.

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  Happy So Far - 2011 Scion XB
  By WAGKISS - May 26 - 10:00 am

  So far I am pleasantly surprised at the comfort of the ride, the solid handling qualities, throttle response and gas mileage. The majority of my driving is open road and I am averaging 31.5 overall. The headroom is great, my only complaint is the offset of the steering wheel.