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 small wagon - 2008 Scion XB
  By Almadcity - September 24 - 1:40 pm

  Coming up on 15,000 miles my overall mileage is 30.4. The dealer tells me many other customers report similar so whats with the EPA ratings? Build quality is great but thats to be expected with a car that has a VIN starting with the letter "J" (made in Japan). The interior size and cool styling with 2010 MY safety features at a good price won this old guy over.

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  Not great but a good compromise - 2009 Scion XB
  By Ron - September 20 - 7:03 pm

  I just finished reading a review about the Soul,Cube, and the XB. Scion is head over shoulders over the competition. I love the comfort, unlike Honda’s board covered up with fabric, when you sit on a Scion you feel like you’re on your lazyboy at home not as though you’re in some Chinese torture camp bench. Safety was a must for me, side curtain airbags, dual airbags, ABS, VSC, 4 wheel disk brakes, etc. I also love how everything is included in the pricing, none of this “oh you wanted a steering wheel? Well that’s extra” crap. This thing is loaded. Gas mileage. The 4 speed automatic transmission has got to go and be replaced with a 5 speed. This is key for MPG. As it stands now the gas mileag

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  Fun, Fun, fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By minihummer - September 19 - 5:40 am

  Got the box less than a month ago. Traded the Cadillac for this fun economical vehicle. Gas mileage is great, comfort is surprisingly good. The body style is love or hate-I love it. Took it in the curves and it did remarkably well and had the power ratio to climb the hills. Put on the low profile tires and wheels which made a huge difference in its look. The people at Maita were very accomodating. Had the lights put in under the dash which makes one feel young when driving. I like it more everytime I drive it. I would recommend the car to any age group, not just the young. The more goodies you put on to make it unique-the better.

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  OLD AND NEW - 2005 Scion XB
  By AUTO SALON USA - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  Well in 2006 I decided I was going to break down and buy a small cheap commuter again. Having lived in Japan I remembered small mini trucks and vans people use to modify and drive around town in fact the scion design is a copy of Toyota older Japanese model not available in the usa. So I bought one used and absolutely love it even though a lot of things were changed for the American market it still has the BASIC car coolness to it looks good drives good and reliability and the gas mileage at average 35 mpg no bad. As far as performance I dont think your gonna go to the racetrack anytime soon, at least in a factory version, and the ride for someone who lives in an area like NYC is a bit bumpy...

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Scion XB
  By leopardpixie - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT. IT SO ROOMY. EVEN THE LARGEST OR TALLEST OF PEOPLE WILL FEEL COMFORTABLE.

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  xB Experience - 2006 Scion XB
  By tree - August 30 - 7:00 pm

  As a commuter vehicle this is the best vehicle I have found. I am above average in size and needed a vehicle with the best overall fuel economy. I averaged 33 mpg overall with this car. I drove it daily back and forth 50 miles per day to work. I would be driving it now however my employer provided me with a company car. It was low cost to maintain and on fuel. It is nice looking vehicle for a box and served the purpose it was purchased for. I would highly recommend the xB to anyone looking for a low cost, reliable, fuel efficient vehicle. If they happen to be 69" tall they can drive in comfort also.

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  my black cherry Scion xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Boowitch - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 months & love it.

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  STAN FROM PHILLY - 2004 Scion XB
  By STAN WLAS - August 28 - 10:00 am

  IF YOUR USE TO A MINI VAN THIS CAR WILL SURPRISE YOU I`M 6FT 4 & 250 LBS AND THE INTERIOR ROOM IS AMAZING ALL THE COMFORT OF A MINI VAN BUT SMALLER WITH FANTASTIC GAS MILAGE AND THE PRICE THE DASHBOARD SCEME IS GREAT EEVERYTHING IS AFINGE TOUCH AWAY AND RIGHT IN YOUR LINE OF VISION THE BODY DEIGN IS UNUSUAL BUT THE POTENTIAL TO CUSTOM IT LEAVES NO LIMITS IVE DRIVIN FOR 30 YEARS AND IT`S IMPRESED ME TO NO END

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  Makes sense - 2006 Scion XB
  By phyzxtchr - August 28 - 3:43 am

  Very few cars available on the USA market make sense at any level. The original Scion xB (example 2006)is such a car. I check the mileage at every fill up. Worst ever, 33. Best ever, 35. The 2006 is light weight (good) small engine (good) and cheap (great). I drive the 5-speed. Owners with the automatic have themselves to blame. The xB proves that "It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow." I go past everyone in my xB and they have twice the engine, they just drive like slugs because they bought big hoggish cars and they are disgusted with the driving experience. Dont add weight, horsepower, or engine size! Too late, the newest xB did all three. Whoops! USA marketing!

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  great - 2005 Scion XB
  By aron - August 27 - 2:53 pm

  this is a really good car, and it looks good while I am driving it. Awesome!