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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IMluvinit - 2005 Scion XB
By Meet my baby box - November 15 - 10:00 amI am 19 yrs old and I have just bought my new Scion XB and i fell in love with it! It has all the options such as the interior lighting iunthe cupholders and under dash etc. I went on a few roadtrips to California from Illinois and i barely had any power especially going uphill. B esides that the SCion was definetly a great buy for me.
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IMluvinit - 2005 Scion XB
By Boxlover - November 15 - 10:00 amI have just bought my new Scion XB and i fell in love with it! It has all the options such as the interior lighting iunthe cupholders and under dash etc. I went on a few roadtrips to California from Illinois and i barely had any power especially going uphill. B esides that the SCion was definetly a great buy for me.
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MY SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
By {NAKED_BUTTERFLY} - November 10 - 10:00 amI THINK THE SCION XB IS AN AWESOME CAR. GREAT PRICE, GREAT STANDARD FEATURES AND IT LOOKS GOOD.
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My Box - 2005 Scion XB
By Sam - November 7 - 3:43 pmI have had my xB for a year and a half. Im 73 and it suits me perfectly. I have never opened the hood...I only get service every 6 months. Everything works beautifully.
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Amazing Space - 2006 Scion XB
By David - November 5 - 4:36 amMy xB handles amazingly well, with Scions optional suspension additions. I added chrome wheels and a leather interior with heated seats. This is one marvelous, albeit underpowered. It would benefit from a turbocharger. My only complaint, and one the dealer is trying to help me with, is the terribly uncomfortable drivers seat. If I cant get this corrected through Scion I will move to an aftermarket seat, such as recaro or Corbeau. I might even modify it with stock power seats from another manufacturer. I am averaging 33 mpg and am barely broken in. All in all the xB is a great value. My extended warranty runs through 2013.
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Lousy Car - 2006 Scion XB
By mihailo - November 4 - 6:53 amThe Scion xB has no power and is not aerodynamic. This does not allow to get better gas mileage. The Toyota Echo engine is very weak and this car has no acceleration whatsoever. Using it as rolling advertising by having it wrapped is OK, but I do not enjoy driving it.
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Had to Have It - 2006 Scion XB
By thaddeus - October 29 - 2:33 amGo buy the Scion xB. You know you want one. Heres the deal: this is THE best built, no frills (unless you upgrade) big car hiding in a samll cars body. Its tiny on the outside, but so spacious inside. True, youre not going to win any drag races in this thing, but it will get you to work, the grocery store, out on the town etc.. for the next 10 years! It drives great and is soooo good on the gas. Plus it looks cool. Go buy one. Im going to get another for the wifey.
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Fill it shut it and forget it !!! - 2008 Scion XB
By Urbandale XB 2008 - October 21 - 8:10 amVery practical, no nonsense reliable car for the long run. This car is a glue in snow and the stability control (VSC) works amazingly in snow. Had 2 blizards each amounting 16 inch of snow within 2 weeks and it drives amazingly with VSC taking care of skids. I have a Nissan Quest minivan which has VDC same as VSC but it doesnt work this good. I felt very secured driving this car in ice and snow
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Owner - 2004 Scion XB
By J.T Nechanicky - October 20 - 12:20 amThe XB is what I expected. When ever I park I always get asked what is it? And I tell them what it is and who builds it, then show them the interior room and they like it. For a compact little wagon its a great vehicle.
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Scion xB 2006 Model - 2006 Scion XB
By Viv - October 18 - 1:56 pmI traded in a 2004 Jeep Liberty (avg. 17 mpg) for a 2006 Scion xB for better gas mileage. So far, we are averaging 28 to 30 mpg for around town driving, and it costs so little to fill the tank. The only downside to this car is you feel every bump in the road, I would not recommend it if you have back problems. Also, our insurance company rates it as an SUV, not as a wagon. So if you buy one check out how much it will cost to insure it. We are happy with this car and would buy another one!
