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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Review of my kitty car - 2005 Scion XB
By btownmeezer - June 25 - 8:23 amI just love this car. I was shopping for a car for a year and I stumbled upon this one in my search. It had everything I wanted and for the right price and I didnt have to haggle either. Nothing else could compare. My husband and I were both surprised at how roomie it is inside - very comfortable up front. And, for transporting cats for my rescue group, plenty of room with the back seats down. Gas mileage is great on the highway! Im very pleased with my Black Cherry xB. Im glad I bought it.
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Its True Beauty Is On The Inside. - 2004 Scion XB
By Bobo - June 20 - 10:00 amI actually went to the dealer to look at another car. After rejecting it as too small, I sat in the xB as a joke. (I thought it looked silly.) I was shocked by how big it felt. So shocked I took it out for a drive. The automatic was so fun, I asked if I could drive the 5 speed. By the end of the second drive, I actually liked the way it looked. I love this car!
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Great auto - 2008 Scion XB
By npdxc - June 15 - 2:00 pmWe enjoyed our 2004 xB and did not intend to make any changes. We had the opportunity to drive the 2008 Scion xB. It was immediate, my wife and I decided we wanted to own it for many reasons. First, safety. Side airbags and curtains, 4 wheel disc brakes, are new in 2008. While it is heavier than the 2004, the ride is improved, handling is improved. Also, the longer wheelbase and length, help the ride and improved capacity for a load in the back. More interior lights, outside temperature, readings of mpg, etc. are all new and part of the standard package. Have received lots of questions from bystanders, inquiring about the car. Looks good (Blackberry Crush Metallic color).
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The perfect city car! - 2004 Scion XB
By civicguy - June 15 - 10:00 amI was looking for a replacement for my Honda Civic that would be as fun to drive and reliable, but with more utility. After Toyota announced in 2002 that they would start selling the Toyota bB (as its called in Japan) in California this year, my decision was pretty much made! For my review see favorite features and suggested improvements below...
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oldvet53s 9 scion xb - 2009 Scion XB
By oldvet53 - June 13 - 10:00 ami love this little car! it gets good mpg. and loves twisty back roads. i drive to the V.A. at Little Rock, Arkansas which is 100 miles away and usually spend about $20.00-$22.00 on the round trip. i am able to get 24 mpg. around town.
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Still great after 1 1/2 years - 2006 Scion XB
By KimE - June 11 - 7:16 amI bought my beloved xB for me and my two kids. As a single-mom, I needed a reliable but inexpensive car. I wanted a Toyota but not happy with a corolla-type car. Did research on the xB, took a test drive and fell in love. Tons of room and attention-getting good looks! Its not just for the young people. Im 41 and I love it. The kids think its cool too.
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2005 XB - 2005 Scion XB
By George - June 8 - 3:00 amThe XB is a fun drive and very reliable. My wife and I have taken three four hour trips on the interstates and the vehicle has more than enough power to handle it. The ride is not bad either. We have alot of the extras on it like the cold air intake, etc. We both really like the styling and no matter where we go we get comments about it. We entered a car show locally with it and got alot of comments about it. The car is just a very fun drive and I would recomend it to any one and any age. I am 47 and my wife is 45 and as I said we really have enjoyed the car so far.
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2005 XB - 2005 Scion XB
By George - June 8 - 3:00 amThe Sio XB is a fun drive and very reliable. My wife and U have taken three four hour trips on the interstates and the vehicle has more than enough power to handle it. The ride is not bad either. We have alot of the extras on it like the Cold air intake, etc. We both really like the styling and no matter where we go we get comments about it. We entered a car show locally with it and got alot of comments about it. The car is just a very fun drive and I would recomend it to any one and any age. I am 47 and my wife is 45 and as I said we really have enjoyed the car so far.
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Sweet Box - 2005 Scion XB
By Nat - June 7 - 3:46 amThis box is the best vehicle ever. It got the looks and buying gas doesnt hurt your wallet!
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Just got my Scion Xb - 2004 Scion XB
By Just4Mail1269 - June 2 - 2:00 amWow, thats all I have to say... there are a few things that the xb are missing are an armrest and a map light up frount. The car is a fun ride... and I love it! Im telling all my friends to get one!
