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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  The Cool Fun Box... - 2010 Scion XB
  By DJ Grey Scion - April 19 - 4:13 pm

  I got a good Trade In value for my 2003 VW gti for my 2010 Scion XB. It was an offer I couldnt resist. I was looking for a more reliable car than my VW. The AUX IN/USB input and steering wheel control for the Pioneer stereo system sold me. You can use an IPOD, jump drive, or even a portable hard drive for the USB input. After market add on were cheap. I got nice interior LED Chrome bar floor lighting and Door/Back Bumper Sills for really cheap. I just wish the steering was a little tighter. The car rides like a Toyota if that makes any sense. The is a cool multi-purpose car that doesnt look uncool.

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  The xB is a Great Choice. - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jack - April 14 - 5:23 am

  I have driven my Scion xB about 24,000 miles and it still feels like new. Great job Toyota! My gas milage is consistently around 33 mpg, however when crusing at around 75 mph it drops as low as 29 (Its difficult to push a brick through the air). My highest tankfull mpg was 38. Yes, I would buy another, it is practical, boxy, well designed, and well built.

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  I would do it again. - 2008 Scion XB
  By Scionhappy - April 14 - 3:20 am

  I love my scion xb. I am happy with just over 24 mpg in town driving and over 30 on the interstate. I was unsure at first but quickly fell in love with this car.

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  I Dont Miss the HEMI! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Staley - April 7 - 12:06 am

  This "car" is phenominal! I cant believe how much fun it is! I traded in a Hemi Ram due to gas prices and praticalitys sake. I originally wanted a Mazda3 Hatchback, but I was too upside down on the Ram to keep my payments reasonable. I always thought the xB was cool in a weird way, but figured it was slow and poorly made. How wrong I was! I havent had this much fun since my 1990 Mazda Rx-7. What the the xB lacks in horses, it more than makes up for with zippy handling and uniqueness. Even my big truck driving friends, who laughed and threatened to disown me at first, gave it the respect it deserves after they drove it. Im 62, and I can even sit in the BACK seat with plenty of leg room. Buy one!

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  Splendid little box - 2004 Scion XB
  By professor - April 4 - 11:13 pm

  The xBox is a testament to "less is more" school. Its small on the outside but big on the inside. You must sit in it to believe it. I can take three friends to lunch in comfort and still fit in the tightest parking space with ease. The xB is splendid in its simplicity, and simply splendid. Its fun to drive and gets 30 mpg. It is a great around town car, which is what I use it for.

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  Cute to the max! - 2006 Scion XB
  By LHP - April 4 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased our Scion as a Christmas present for my 44 year old husband. I drive an 8 cylinder pickup. Needless to say, with the high gas prices, I have pretty well taken over the Scion for trips to town (45 miles away, one way). I also enjoy putting my groceries inside the spacious rear end rather than leaving them in the bed of the truck. Laying the back seat down give a lot of room. With the back seat up, there is still room behind the back seat for a trip to the grocery store. With the special cover, you can hide your purchases from prying eyes behind the back seat. They also have a nice cover for when the seat is down that keeps the back of the seat from being damaged by cargo.

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  Dont use the A/C - 2006 Scion XB
  By Kat - April 3 - 6:16 am

  This car is fine for running around town. I am assuming the gas mileage is ok as long as you dont use the air condition. Which is Southern California is next to impossible. Once the AC is used the gas mileage is horrible. With AC use gas mileage goes down to about 14mpg. Overall an ok car for around town errand, but next time I will buy something with a bigger engine so the air conditioner doesnt kill the gas mileage.

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  Everything you need, nothing you dont - 2004 Scion XB
  By Pythia of ChicoTopia - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great, affordable, utility car -- Room for four large adults. Fuel economy has been slow to come -- I’m at 2,500 miles and still getting only an average of 25 mpg. I really love this little car!

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  Fun but watch the windshield. - 2006 Scion XB
  By NJ - March 31 - 2:36 am

  8th Toyota product. Bought for price, fuel economy and room. Not disappointed on any of the three.

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  Engineering - 2005 Scion XB
  By bill 0822 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The automatic transmission has a button on the shift for the overdrive. When driving my leg sometimes hits the button and shifts the transmission out of overdrive. At 70 mph it is a little bit surprising for me and tach.