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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Wheres the Toyota quality? - 2005 Scion XB
By JoeinWA - January 3 - 10:00 amGot my xB in June of 2003. After 500 miles, had 3 annoying rattles coming from dash, rear seat latch and driver seatbelt anchor. Seats are comfy. Lots of storage space when seats folded down. I moved from San Diego to Seattle in this! Stability and traction control work well in the snow! Gas milage is not what was promised, but still good. I now have 22,000 miles on it.
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very happy - 2009 Scion XB
By lleum98 - December 27 - 2:33 pmIve owned my XB since August. Im very pleased with it. Mileage is OK, I avg. about 27 mpg overall. Surprisingly quiet with a decent ride for its size. It also has alot of zip and cruises fully loaded at freeway speeds with no problem. Im a good sized guy and there is plenty of room, and it is very easy to get in and out of both front and back seats. Tons of head room.
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WOW! - 2006 Scion XB
By steve - December 25 - 4:06 pmThis is my first new car in 19 years. Through extensive research I decided on this vehicle. So far every thing about the vehicle is great. I really love the gas milage. After having had a SUV, the extra savings in gas cost will make the car payments!
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Great fun car - 2005 Scion XB
By Chris - December 24 - 6:13 pmIf you are looking for a car with great style and easy on the pocket book this is it! Its not oversized like an SUV so you can park it anywhere yet it has enough room inside to fit the family very comfortably. My kids love it and I enojoy zipping through town. It has become a great commuter/car pool/grocery getter. I have had mine for less than three months and already have over 4,000 miles on it and not one complaint yet!
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MY XB - 2005 Scion XB
By dado - December 22 - 10:00 amThis is a fun to drive car or whatever you call it. PROS: Easy to park, great gas mileage, runs well over 65-80+ MPH with freeway traffic, excellent visability, great leg and head room front and rear, very comfortable and fun to dirve. The noise leval is acceptable. You will notice some engine noise. CONS: Needs a map light located in the front area of the vechicle. Inside lighting very poor. Needs to blow horn when you use your auto door lock when walking away for car (letting you know it locked). Could use one more cup holder for rear passengers and just a little more power. Overall I would rate this vechicle a 9 or high 8. Buy One You LIKE IT.
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The True X-Beezy - 2005 Scion XB
By x-beezy05 - December 18 - 1:26 pmI purchased my XB with 57,000 miles already on it. I have always loved the scion but never really had the urge to buy one. I have been nothing but Impressed with this car, Great Gas Mileage,Stylish Look, better yet the amount of Room you have in the car is AWESOME!! Dont get me wrong this is a very Nice/Sporty vehicle but I honestly want a Jaguar.
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Not Reliable As Advertised - 2008 Scion XB
By steve_cabral - December 12 - 12:50 pmI had this car since 2008 (only owner). I took care of it and had all service done. As of April 14, the car had 47,760 miles. On April 12, I was leaving Publix after stopping there to pick up a few items. The started like it normally does, but the steering wheel would not turn like it normally did. I looked at the dashboard and noticed a strange indicator. I looked in the owner manual and it said to take car immediately to dealership. I found out that it was something called an ECU (some sort of computer device) that is going to cost about $1,100 to repair. How is it possible to be charged so much with not even 5 years of ownership. Sad.
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"Attention Getter" - 2005 Scion XB
By topaz - December 12 - 1:10 amPeople constantly stop to ask me about my xB-- "it is just so cute!!" and "Cool! A box car!" Averages 35 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. Feels like a mid- size car with the pluses of an economy car (easy to paralell park!). Fun and my pre-teen loves the stares he gets from the girls while he blasts the radio on "feel" setting.
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Worse Car Ever!! - 2008 Scion XB
By xb4me22 - December 9 - 11:01 pmDo not buy scions because the are really low quality. I had multiple issues with my car and Toyota has the worse service ever. Clutch went bad, AC went bad, Hand brake went bad, Water pump went bad . I purchased this car new and it has less than 60,000 miles on it. Now they found a defect on the roof of the car and they have to replace my roll bar by removing the roof and by re assemble the car. This car is junk! I will never buy a Toyota again!
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gotta stick with a toyota - 2004 Scion XB
By oaktown hipsters - December 8 - 10:00 amI really wasnt shopping for a car, but knew I was dissatisified with the one I had. I sat in the Scion and I was sold. I love this vehicle.
