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 Penalty Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By E. Rivas - March 14 - 11:43 am

  This has to be the best thing i could have done in the last couple of years. This is an amazing car in such a little package. I am SURROUNDED by non-believers and all I tell them is get in and you will appreciate it. Sure enough, I have not had someone sit in my car and not think that it was a really cool car. It has even helped me with my buisness. I have random people come up to me all the time to talk to me about my car!

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  Scionamite - 2005 Scion XB
  By jdsusumu - March 9 - 11:30 am

  This car rocks. You should see the accessories available in Japan.... I am dying for a sun roof or crystal knobs.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Howard - March 9 - 6:00 am

  The Scion Xb is a fun car to drive. Easy to park...easy on the pockets. Get looks from everybody. Its no race car...but it gets the job done.

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  The best care weve ever owned! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Diana - March 8 - 11:46 am

  I do a lot of highway driving and this car is great. I get about 34 MPG sometimes more. People always say its so small, but when you get them inside, theyre always impressed with the space. Weve hauled a lot of big stuff in it while moving, have had 5 adults fit for a comfortable ride, and have never had any problems with the car itself. We live in WI, and Ive never gotten stuck in the snow, even when we had 19 inches this winter! The only thing i wish was different would be the suspension, its pretty bumpy on some roads. We also had to have the windshield replaced from a random crack that split all the way across. We bought a Yaris this year - Love Toyotas small cars!

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  1 happy box owner - 2005 Scion XB
  By happy boxman - March 8 - 11:03 am

  We have owned this 2005 for about 4years and absolutely love it . Our XB is probably the best built vehicle weve ever owned . Although probably not the most comfortable , esp for back seat passengers . Gas mileage is awesome , highway mileage aves 34 to 35mpg. Other than tires and oil changes its only been to Toyota service 1 time . (good exp ) It looks really small from the outside , but it is large enough to pack 4 good size people and a full load of luggage for a trip to DisneyWorld . Like i sad 35mpg. Good job Toyota Scion. Pretty much maintenance free. Great vehicle summer or winter. weve never once been stuck on snow covered roads

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  Release Series 3.0 Envy Green Worth The Wait - 2006 Scion XB
  By Release Series 3.0 - March 6 - 11:56 am

  It took three months but I finally just received my 5 speed xB Release Series 3.0 in Envy Green, (2,200 only will be made) and it is a great vehicle. This brings back memories of My 1978 Renault Le Car and is even boxier than my aging 1995 Suzuki Sidekick. I am a big fan of small cars that are well designed and Scion has it all figured out. As a "mid-life crisis" vehicle, which this clearly is for me, the xB has many practical design features like 3 seatbelts in the back seat (unlike the Honda Element), exceptional headroom and legroom, extreme affordability, peppy ride, excellent gas mileage, and a much higher "heading turning coefficient" (HTC) than cars 3 times its price.

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  Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By F Elliott - March 5 - 5:00 pm

  Best small car for long trip I have driven. Lots of space inside and with the flat roof can put rack on, to carry kayaks and roof box. These do not interfer with handling of vehicle. Around town only gas up every other week. People like to see the car.

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  Scion - A Blast - 2004 Scion XB
  By Steve Lehtman - March 4 - 12:23 pm

  This is the most fun Ive had driving a vehicle at this price point. It is unexpectedly peppy. The interior space is quite surprising and roomy. Gas mileage is excellent (around 30mpg). The sound system (6 CD changer) is amazing. It is like driving a huge boom box.

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  Great, sensible, affordable - 2006 Scion XB
  By Erik - March 3 - 6:16 am

  Very unique, Everyone comments on the "Toaster on wheels" shape of the car love walking out to my car, cant help but smile when i drive it around at 30- 32 MPG with a/c blasting against the Texas sun. Loads of room inside, ergonomics make a lot of sense. its very simple and roomy everywhere. (looking around before buying a saw a lot of them, if you are in the market make sure to check several things, the front and rear plastic clip on bumpers in many cases seem to get damaged and should be checked as getting replacements color matched will be expensive. Also beware of certain aftermarket wheels in some cases they trigger the Indicator lights b/c of the way it reads MPH.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2005 Scion XB
  By Deb - February 27 - 5:20 am

  Even after 10 mos. I am still getting 35-38 mpg. The room inside is unbelievable and it is so comfortable to drive.