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:

• 

  doodles review - 2005 Scion XB
  By doodles - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, great conversation starter and exceptional on gas

• 

  Scion for my dogs - 2005 Scion XB
  By 2manyK9s - September 23 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw the Scion xB in a magazine they were not available in my area. I was the first one locally to order one. I got mine mostly because its boxy design was perfect for hauling my dogs around - 2 Intermediate sized Vari Kennels will fit side by side in the back with the seats folded down and another will fit sideways behind the front seats. That is unusual in a car this size. Tons of cargo space. I get stopped by people all the time asking about this car.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Scion XB
  By God Blessed me - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The Scion xB a great vehicle to own its so roomy, love the style. Drives great! Somewhat afraid of how low it is, thinking I might run over an object and damage the side fenders or low front fender. This is my third new car and this was the best of all. Because it was a car of my choice not the salesman based on what I qualified for. But based on what I like. Classy little car, kids love it and people stare at it. Thanks.

• 

  Shiny New Gadget in my life - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gerrabbit - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This car adds a new dimension to my world. I havnt felt this good since my antique Mercedes. When you take to the streets you are admired and interviewed by strangers and believe it or not challanged to drag,even with the sofisticated aura. The roomy interior is best for driving children long distances, carting your computer here and there, styling your honey, profiling every tach unit. Im looking forward to climbing in the back with a blanket and bottle of champagne.

• 

  My New Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By mcp - September 23 - 10:00 am

  OK So the nice old English gentleman next door leaned over the fence and said, "Youll not be offended if I say it looks like a hearse??" My sons twentysomething friends,however, keep asking to try it out. And love it. Handles well, and drives even quieter than I hoped. I really like how open the cabin feels, the headroom, and how high above the road I ride. The fuel economy is great.

• 

  Marketed for Kids, bought by Moms - 2005 Scion XB
  By faith - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I know from reading the reviews that this car/mini-van thingy, was to be marketed to the younger generation, but Moms are digging it too! I am a 30 something Mom of 2 and I LOVE my Scion XB! This is the most fun to drive car I have had since my 89 Mustang GT convertible which by the way needed new tires by the 2nd month. Really, I enjoy the room, the style and the looks and comments I get on the car. I am a "driving advertisment" for the company , I am stopped constantly and asked about it, "What is it?", "Do you like it?" "How much is it?" Love to answer since I love my car. The interior room is awesome, The system "ROCKS"!!! I have it in FEEL mode

• 

  A groovy shoebox - 2005 Scion XB
  By VirtualBug - September 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car after my wifes New Beetle turned into rolling lemon. Aside from the great style points this car has, I was able to research the reliabilty of the car that it shares the drive train (engine, transmission and differential) with: the Toyota Echo. Consumer Reports give the Echo very, very good reliability ratings.

• 

  old mans toy - 2005 Scion XB
  By greenwoodchuck - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Wife and I are 67 and both love the car. It has more headroom than my F150, rides as well and gets better economy. I would like to see arm rests between the seats and some way to stop the seat belt latch from banging the door frame when it is released. We just completed a 4000 mile trip with no problems and a lot of pointing and questions from people who had nevewr seen one before.

• 

  Go out and buy one now! - 2005 Scion XB
  By kreece - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Scion XB for about 5 months now. I was a little skeptical at first because of how unique it looked, but now Im so proud. Its a fun vehicle and everyone on the road seems to enjoy just looking at it. I have had many compliments about it and lots of questions. Im just glad I was one of the first to get one. Now while feeling confident is great, you also save a lot of money in gas. Great for long trips, Ive explored Floridas east and west coast in my new car.

• 

  More performance options needed - 2005 Scion XB
  By fish2feet - September 23 - 10:00 am

  They should do more performance options like a complete exhaust system for more hp and torque.