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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  my pip squeak - 2006 Scion XB
  By Ken Moore - May 26 - 5:23 am

  As my grand-daughter calls my xB, a pip squeak, it goes good the motor wont snap a bean or neck, but the xB turns heads. Plenty of room for 4 big men and I get, with the modifications Ive done, 41 mpg in town. Ive got a bad back therefore I installed a drivers and passenger racing seats. Plenty of glass with excellent sight lines. I installed p215x60x15 tires because the automatic transmission needs another gear. But my toaster on wheels is GREAT!

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  Good things come in small packages - 2004 Scion XB
  By Taro - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Tons of room for a small car. Great 2nd. car or great for a first time driver. The options for this car is endless.

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  Best All Around Car Ihave ever had - 2006 Scion XB
  By marinerfh - May 17 - 1:24 pm

  Exceptional headroom and legroom, front and rear. Flexible cargo options with 60% split, folding rear seats plus passenger seat folds flat for those long items. I find the center mounted gauges and speedometer in the xB a definite plus, not obscured by the Steering wheel.. Could use an additional 4"-6" of space behind the rear seats, side airbags, more sound insulation, an upgrade to the economical 1.8L Corolla Engine, the split front bench seat as sold for the Japan market, and a true console. city car. The 2006 xB appeals to both youth and to seniors. Ideal car for service workers as well. The 2008-2011 xBs are too heavy with too big an engine, killing fuel economy.

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  Highly recommended - 2009 Scion XB
  By PeterUK - May 10 - 9:10 am

  My Black xB2 was amongst the first available in CA. It came with Alloy wheels, illuminated Door Sills and upgraded iPod stereo. I test drove it and fell in love with it. Its easy to live with, has been totally reliable, not even a rattle or squeak and has never needed to go back to the Dealer for anything!! I am a Cyclist and the xB will carry two full-size Roadbikes along with all the Gear. My Daughter and I took it on a 1,000 mile roadtrip to SF and back with 2 Bikes and all our luggage. 80+ mph all the way and it flies up and down the Hills of SF! The xB also carries 4 Adults comfortably, everyone compliments it on how much Legroom there is in the rear.

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  I Love My 06 xB! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Debbie - May 8 - 7:13 pm

  The first time I saw this car was in the dealership. It was love at first sight. I went home and told my husband about it, but he didnt believe that the car was so spacious. So after one month of waiting he finally decided to go to the dealership with me to take a close look at it, and he also fell in love, and finally got me the car.

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  Review by Mr. Hans - 2006 Scion XB
  By hans zamora - May 6 - 4:33 am

  The 2006 Scion xB is a great car and a great buy. It is a little short on power, but makes up for this in the wallet when pumping gas!

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Lou in NJ - May 6 - 2:30 am

  First Id like to say, I never thought Id buy an import car, but this is one great little vehicle and Im glad I bought it! Its Great on gas and fun / easy to drive. It has so much interior room that you have to see it to believe it (you have to sit in one and youll see for yourself - its amazing on the inside). Took it from NJ to FL and back this summer and it while not a highway rocket, it did better than I expected with three adults plus luggage and A/C on along Route 95. Passing did require some strategic planning, but it gets the job done!

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  Most car for you Money. - 2006 Scion XB
  By kingmb08 - May 5 - 11:02 am

  I always thought these toasters were so ugly. Well I needed a car and this car at the time you got the most for your money. I can fit a dryer in the back of this thing ( yes a dryer to for your clothes). I do feel less manly driving it but you cant beat the interior room, gas mileage and price. It is a little sluggish and I am hesitant to pull out in from of other cars. I think this would be a great car for a business or someone who just drives in the city. . I think this would be a great car for older people with knee or hip problems because it is so easy to get into and out of or for someone who is getting in and out of the car all day long.

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  Welcome to the 21st Century Alltrack - 2005 Scion XB
  By geronimo 777 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Remember that boxy 1980s Toyota All Track Wagon? Well this is the 21st Century version for sure! Practical, roomy, unassuming, and destined to go 200K miles in snow country, but unlike the All Track the xB has great comfort, handling, more zip, and a respectable low volume base "feel" setting on the Pioneer factory radio/cd. The traction and stability control worked well in the rain and beats the cost of 4x4 for occasional ice days. Best of all, it is getting 33-34 MPG in 80% highway use. The xB has a stiff ride like a typical euro sports mini but handling is good. Got a good discount on options and cut $1,200 a year off my petrol bill. A keeper 4 sure.

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  "Best buy for a lower budget." - 2006 Scion XB
  By PABLO POMALES-OJEDA - April 29 - 10:03 pm

  If you are running a "tight budget", this is your vehicle. It gets great gas mileage ($20 dollars will fill up your tank and have you running for almost a week). Its incredibly spacious (whether for cargo purposes or traveling with a "good amount" of people, this is your mini U-haul). It has trendy looks, the interior design is comfortable and practical (speedometer, gas and other engine related devices are within "driving view", you do not lose focus on the road while glancing at you speed).