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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  Best Car for the money! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Kamal - January 29 - 1:13 pm

  This car is amazing. It is the perfect package. the optimum value for the money. Roomy ,comfortable,reliable and very smooth shifting .The engine is the same as a Camry.

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  Fun little box! - 2004 Scion XB
  By bmwbiker - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing! Im over 6 feet in height and I still had plenty of room. The back seat is HUGE. I love the speedo where it is. It is right where it should be. I found it extremely easy to get used to. I love the interior space in this car. I also like the exterior. It looks alot better in real life than in pictures.

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  Made the Right Choice - 2006 Scion XB
  By Box Man - January 25 - 5:26 pm

  After visting this site for months researching all of my options, I finally went with the Scion xB and I am totally sure I made the right decision. The Element was big, clunky and pricy. The Chevy HHR was silly looking and well as a Chevrolet. The only real contender was the Mazda3 wagon, and this beat it in catagories I was looking at. It has more interior room and drove much better. Plus its cheaper. It sits high (er than my Saturn SC2) and feels incredibly safe. You honestly can not beat this car in value. It comes with, pretty much, everything you could want standard. One thing that some hold against this car is the 1.5 4-cylinder motor, but trust me itll move on the on-ramps and at lights.

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  Scionara xB1 update - 2008 Scion XB
  By sciown - January 25 - 7:13 am

  This is an update from an earlier review. Well I finally had a chance to take the car out to 1200 mile trip to Vegas from northern Cali. Which I had planned so many time with my 06 xB but could not get the nerve to do it. Given that the car was fully loaded with 4 passengers and luggage to the ceiling, the ride was comfy, power decent and got a very good 27.3 MPG running +85 90% of the trip. So over all I am very satisfied with the car.

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  2005 Scion XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robbie - January 15 - 11:40 pm

  Fun little car with a unique look. Looks little on the outside, but has much space inside, more so than many suvs like the explorer. Gas milage is great in the city, but could use an extra gear for the highway to improve gas milage. Overall the scion is an affordable fun car to drive and easily turns heads when you drive by.

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  The Yellow Peril xBS - 2005 Scion XB
  By John - January 12 - 1:43 pm

  It evokes one of two reactions: That is ugly OR That is cute. The interior room is excellant. Rear seat passengers (6 foot plus) can sit comfortably with 6 inches between their knees and the rear of the front seats when in full rear position. You dont have to bend down to see out of the windows. No real blind spots. Toyota quality Excellant fuel economy. Interesting note: Toyota aimed it at the young market. But I would say that 75% of all the xBs we see are driven by older people who just love the roominess, gas mileage and reliability. Go figure.

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  Glad We Chose It! - 2005 Scion XB
  By TBirdsMom - January 6 - 10:43 pm

  I traded in a Kia Sedona for my Scion xB. I drive 60 miles round trip to work and the xB is already paying for itself in terms of the money that I save on gas. This vehicle is such fun to drive! My husband and I are both tall folks (6-0" and 6-7") and we both fit comfortably. We researched our options carefully before buying and know that we made the correct choice.

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  2008 Scion Xb. Engine ceased after 70K - 2008 Scion XB
  By 4pawsup - January 5 - 12:23 pm

  My 2008 Scion Xb engine froze at 70,000K. War 60,000 or 5 years. There was no warning lights. Oil was fine. I would stay away from this car. The automatic only gets 20 MPG. You can do much better with some other car.

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  GAS, GAS, GAS, GAS! - 2004 Scion XB
  By TEAMAIRFORCEONE - January 3 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY REASON I GOT THIS CAR IS TO SAVE ON GAS. I DID THE RIGHT THING. MY EXPEDITION ONLY GOT 9 MPG, BUT MY XB GETS 33 WHAT A SWITCH. MOST TIME I CANT EVEN REMEMBER WHEN I WAS AT THE GAS STATION LAST, AND ONLY $18.00 PER FILL UP. I HAD TO ADD SOME SUBS FOR THE SYSTEM. THIS THING IS SO FUN TO DRIVE, I SOME TIME CATCH MYSELF SPEEDING. LOVE MY XB.

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  Excellent little box - 2004 Scion XB
  By ifcar - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Lots of interior space, a lot more comfortable inside than our old Ford Escort, and even roomier for passengers than our other car, a Dodge Caravan. Unlike some people, I dont mind the center-mounted guages. Fuel economy is excellent. Toyota mechanicals mean (hopefully) that this car will be reliable. Paid only $15,000 for it including taxes and tags. Love the styling, too!