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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Thanks Scion - 2006 Scion XB
By bigy - December 8 - 12:26 amThe new 2006 Scion xB is the best small car for local driving. It is great on gas and easy and fun to drive. I looked at tons of cars, this was my choice, and I made the right choice. I have driven one for a month and 2,000 miles and it still makes me happy.
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Another Old Timer Likes It - 2006 Scion XB
By baragon - December 1 - 3:20 amThe automatic Scion xB is underpowered but the 5-speed has enough power to merge into busy traffic. Its gas mileage is amazing [40+ mpg] with the 5-speed if you keep it at 55 mph and drive with a very light foot without the air conditioning on during a trip. If you want the 5-speed you may have to order it since it seems few dealers have them on the lot and it may take 6-8 weeks.
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Happy - 2009 Scion XB
By Happy - November 29 - 2:00 amOk so I owned a 2004 scion Xb and I bought it when it was brand new. It had 130,000 miles on it. Never had a problem not one with any part of the car. Earlier this year I got into an accident and my car was totaled. I decided to go with what I know and love. The Xb is a reliable car, great on gas, roomy. I know every one complains about the arm rest but after owning the original Im ecstatic to have one at all. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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Big band for a few bucks! - 2008 Scion XB
By Duane - November 27 - 10:10 pmI am 64" and 230 lbs. I am not their normal customer. I am a 43 year old single male who uses this for my business. The fact that I fit in it with extra room, it came with many options, it gets awesome gas mileage, and its a Toyota made buying it a no brainer. Id buy it again!
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I know people take glances at my xB... - 2005 Scion XB
By hawaiiguy - November 27 - 4:56 amI was not going to purchase this vehicle, told the salesperson it was ugly, but I changed my decision within 15 minutes on the showroom floor. The room it had inside, the ergonomics within, the feel of the seats and its comfort. Now with exactlly 3 months of use, it has put a smile on my face with all the attention it has brought. Adding low profile tires and rims have given it even more glare factor! I get about 32 mpg overall with and without using a/c (60% with a/c on)., the stock tires handle curves pretty well. Have the windows tinted, as it will also enhance and cool down the interior temperatures, along with providing UV protection.
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THIS IS THE CAR TO OWN! - 2009 Scion XB
By thepkusa - November 26 - 11:33 amI had a 2006 Scion xB - loved it! But wanted more comfort, so got the 2009. Feels and drives like a Camry, with all the amenities of a small SUV. Absolutely LOVE it - would buy another one in a heartbeat!
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Almost perfect - 2006 Scion XB
By warren - November 21 - 12:20 pmMy Scion xB is black. It is so fun to drive. It evokes very curious responses from people. My wife and kids thought I was joking when I bought it. My teenage son vowed to never drive it and thought it was very uncool. It has excellent brakes. I made a panic stop yesterday from about 30 mph. and the ABS stopped it hard and straight. Without it, the wheels would have locked up and I would have slid into the car ahead of me. The Scion is quick enough from 0-30, but its acceleration is almost nil at speeds beyond 40 mph. In other words, passing on the freeway happens slowly. On a drive from San Francisco to LA recently, down I-5 and it hummed along at 75 mph no problem.
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Great but stiff - 2005 Scion XB
By sicvolo - November 20 - 12:53 amA lot of car for the money! ABS, stability, traction control, power everything and a great gas milage. Turns heads and very roomy. Couple drawbacks - a rather too stiff suspension, makes a bumpy ride on a bad road. It also has small luggage space unless you fold the rear seats. Otherwise a great car!
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08 Scion XB - 2008 Scion XB
By 08 XB review - November 18 - 3:26 am08 XB=car is OK but very noisy at freeway speeds. Mileage is low at nfreeway speeds...26mpg at 75mph. Engine just revs too high which is noisy and high revs also reduces mpg. Needs 5sp/6sp auto as in 07Camry. Traction in snow excellent for front wheel drive with standard traction control. Performance is good. Handy as heck...short vehicle yet big room inside.
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xB - 2005 Scion XB
By itlngirl08 - November 17 - 8:56 amI think that this car is great for a small family on a limited budget. Fun to drive and very spacious interior.
