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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  A compact car as big as an SUV inside - 2004 Scion XB
  By Can_a_Wup_Ass88 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I cannot begin to tell you how shocking it is to sit in this little car, you have more space inside than most SUVs on the market... and the car gets 30 mpg! The 1.5L motor has plenty of power (I have an automatic) and can easily pass cars on the freeway if you want. There is probably more rear seat room in this car than any other car on the market. You heard me... ANY other car. It is also super easy to get in and out of the seat hieght is just right. The car is built to the highest quality standard I have ever seen. Pure 100% Toyota quality through and through ... not sure why they call it a Scion, Toyota name would have been better.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2005 Scion XB
  By MISSOURI BOX DRIVER - August 17 - 5:40 am

  This is my 2nd review of my Scion the 1st was on 1/22/2005 Ive now had my Xb for 8 months and am very happy so far the only complaints I have are minor 1. the A/C could blow colder or blow faster 2. power on some of the Ozarks was only O.K. The transmission could downshift sooner instead of slowing down to 40 mph. These are minor on the interstate it was fine as it is around town. Gas mileage is around 27 town / 32 highway, which is good enough for me. For the folks wanting more power Toyota should offer a supercharger option and for the ones who want better mileage Toyota should make a diesel.

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  Love my toaster on wheels! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Chris - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  This is a great small car with a lot of extras for a wonderful price! There should be more of these type vehicles instead of the gas sippers out there!

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  Amazing little car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Nikki - August 12 - 9:43 am

  I purchased my Xb about 8 months ago. I was suprised how well it did on muddy roads, and icy streets. While it doesnt have the control of a 4 wheel SUV for a Front wheel drive vehicle Id say its far above average. Exteremly roomy interior. I can sit in front with my seat all the way back and my 67" friend can sit behind me comfortably without even knocking his knees! Not the most powerful car on the road but it has better pick up than many other wagons. Exteremly fuel efficient. Im avid road tripper and its always gotten me where Im going without issue. Reliable start up even in winter. Great car overall especially for price. I highly recommend some of the extras! Like LED lights!

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  A whole lotta car for the bucks... - 2009 Scion XB
  By Great family car! - August 10 - 12:23 am

  Owned this little dickens nearly 2 weeks..We love it!Mpg is around 24-26 in a 50-50 mix..It likes to scoot. We love the deep burgundy color. Hope to add wheels and spoiler at a later date.Traded a Highlander with 135,000 miles. Hope the Scion is nearly as good to us..This is affordable and fun..Give it a shot! Big Camry motor.

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  Great vehicle for the money - 2008 Scion XB
  By killonious - August 7 - 3:23 am

  This car is a great car for the money. Has the same engine as the 2007 Camry and Rav4 base models which are ~4k more. Has a lot of extras that a lot of cars in this price range do not have. The back seats have tons of leg room. This is a great car for a small family.

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  Nice little Scion - 2008 Scion XB
  By smokey63090 - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  I bought the vehicle new and have put almost 57k miles to date. Had some issues with dash rattles but dealer fixed under warranty. Reliable vehicle with good mpg but lacks refinement of other Toyota interiors. Very simple interior materials feel cheap. Great value as first car but I miss the luxury feel. Roomy interior with practicality.

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  xB Amazing vehicle - 2004 Scion XB
  By rickoo - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a xB and I must say, it is so FUN to drive. I added the entrie TRD package to it and almost every option available to it and it was still under 20k. It has very good pickup for just a 1.5ltr engine which surprised me. It handles very well and very tight too. RIde is a tad ruff, but I expected that when I ordered the 19" 35s. Plenty of space for my BUG friends and stuff i move around. This car will be the HUGE hit for 2004 guaranteed.

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  Affordable and Efficient - 2006 Scion XB
  By wolverines1012 - August 3 - 2:26 am

  Though Ive only had this car for a few months, Ive taken it on five 800 mile trips (13-14 hours each). The car is very comfortable. I only wish I has sprung for the cruise control. It is very fuel efficient (30 mpg), yet less powerful than my 94 Ford Mustang, but for what I save in gas I wouldnt even consider complaining. The back seat is extremely roomy; everyone is surprised by how spacious the entire car is. I wanted a inexpensive and fuel-efficient vehicle that would be able to fit some cargo without any problems, and this is it. I like that this "toaster oven on wheels" looks different. If you are concerned about style, get the wheel upgrade, it really makes the car look nice.

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  Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Brent Neil - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Really a fun car.