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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  Love my BOX - 2006 Scion XB
  By ciscokid1970 - October 17 - 8:36 am

  Is the best "car" I have ever had. It gets excellent gas mileage, 29 mpg city with the AC on and in heavy stop and go traffic, and 36 mpg highway. It is roomy on the inside yet, easy to park. It has an excellent price for such a quality built product. I love the BOX look. It is great to buy a statement car for working mans money. I changed the speakers to improve the sound and added Dynamat to reduce the noise. I replaced the exhaust resonator with something quieter. I love the ride now.

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  2008 Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Hokdon - October 16 - 1:43 pm

  Have had the 08 xB for 1 week, and Im still thinking of excuses to hop in and take it for a whirl. Great room, comfort, and pep. Dig the styling, including the center mounted dash. Didnt think Id like it at first, but now all cars should have it. Standard safety features are tops, and the mileage is better than the sticker advertises, especially for highway driving. Ride could be a little suppler, but then again, Im coming from a midsize sedan so its different. Ignore the reviews about the blindspot causing C-pillar. .Its not nearly as bad as the reviews say. Much better vehicle than the Fit, esp. w/the engine power and safety features.

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  Even "Real Big Guys Can Enjoy this Car!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ScottK - October 13 - 12:06 pm

  Target audience....young, hip, skinny, and poor! Yet this is the best automobile for Big and Tall people and it gets great mileage. I love this car and bought a 2006 model for myself and gave the 2005 to my son! Dont look elsewhere!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Bzell - October 11 - 9:13 pm

  Everything is great on this car the only thing that I regret is not getting the entertainment system put into it, I wish that I would have gotten the GPS navigation system and the flatscreen seat monitors for the back seats. I only have one problem and that is the FM tuner, it makes distinct clicking and static noises every once and a while, I took it back to the dealer and they said that all 08 scion xBs do that and that i should call the corporate office and file a case if I want it fixed.

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  Warning Buzzer Problem - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ray74 - October 10 - 9:23 pm

  Drove to work, parked, and returned at noon. Dead battery. Had left the lights on. Jump started and drove to dealer. Service tech checked the lights-on warning buzzer and said “yep, it works fine”. I have normal hearing for a 71 year old male, but the high frequency and the low decibels of the buzzer keeps me from hearing it. Dealer said call the customer satisfaction line. Called, was told similar complaints had been received, they would be happy to record my complaint, and 2009 models might change. I checked other car buzzers and can hear them all. Frequent jumping of the battery can’t be my best option.

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  Great fuel economy - 2006 Scion XB
  By jim - October 10 - 1:13 am

  Excellent car. Lots of room, manual transmission has good pickup. Strong handling. Very comfortable on long trips. A lot of leg room for rear passengers.

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  My ThunderCloud XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Omar Chavez - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my XB about one month ago. It is great! This is a different car and you can tell by the look and stares you get. The design is sometimes compared to that of a Honda Element but it is completely different. It rides soft, great small little engine, great gas mileage and overall very comfortable.

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  I love my toaster - 2010 Scion XB
  By capnjackflash - October 8 - 3:46 am

  Im much older than the people Scion targets for the xB, but this car is perfect for baby-boomers. Strap in the grandkids or flop the back seats forward for 69 cubic feet of space. Previously I drove a Toyota Avalon or an aging 4-Runner. The xB gets better gas mileage than the Avalon and has the same cargo space as the 4 runner. Its short 167 inch length and tight 34.8 ft turning radius are useful in any parking situation. (think San Francisco) The 2.4 liter 4 cyl is from the Camry, but the Camry weighs 400 lbs more. So the xB has plenty of pep when needed. Getting in or out of the xB is so-o-o-o easy, front or back seat.

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  2nd Scion XB, Love em! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Seattlescottb - October 6 - 7:30 pm

  I bought my Son-in-law an XB 18 months ago, and when we got back to Seattle decided to buy myself one. I was looking at the Honda CRV, but at 10K more I just couldnt justify the cost. Granted the CRV is a more plush car, functionally they are very similar. I wish the XB had an extra 12v outlet, but other than that its exceeded my expectations. After 1 week of driving we are averaging 25.7mpg, MUCH better than I expected. I didnt get many of the extras (unlike my Son-in-Laws car) but I did get the rear cargo deck. Only one other thing Id be critical of is the Pioneer Radio. It has an SSR feature that I cant quite get right? Anyway, overall a wonderful, cost effective car.

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  I Love My Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Virginia - September 30 - 5:26 am

  The xB is bigger on the inside than on the outside! Loading groceries (and everything else) is easy and fast and theres always room for more. Pick up and power is exceptional for its 1.5 ltr engine - better than most 6 cyl. autos. The headroom is fantastic ... my husband is a big guy, 300 lbs., and he can sit anywhere in the Scion with his cowboy hat on and not worry about knocking his hat off! And we turn heads everywhere we go. The only problem is for the other drivers on the road ... they think that a little car must be passed and because they do theyre going to get a ticket cause I drive fast!