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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  My toy Scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By Trishski - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Been driving the XB Scion for 10 months. So much fun to drive, but little disappointed in gas mileage. I drive to work/return through 12 miles of mountains and this takes a toll on the economy, but wouldnt trade it for any other. Im music/dance teacher and carries all my books, equipment, sound system, etc. Im tall and I have no want for extra leg room or height, both front and back seats.

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  Love Your XBox - 2006 Scion XB
  By Cybberness - May 30 - 7:10 pm

  The car is an all around excellent buy. It gives you good mileage and is very comfortable.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR- GREAT VALUE - 2004 Scion XB
  By MIKBENDER - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VALUE IN THE CAR BUSINESS. ALL THIS (AND THAT) FOR UNDER 17 GRAND. WOW

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  My new xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dennis Vogel - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive right past the gas stations. It handles well but gets blown around in strong crosswinds because its so boxey.

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  fun fun fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By rose - May 28 - 10:00 am

  fun- 5 people - just today - right after i bought it - yelled out the window or their car and asked - "what kind of car is that" then gave me a thumbs up!

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  Small Price for a Great Car - 2011 Scion XB
  By maxie6 - May 23 - 12:09 pm

  We have had the car for a week now and we just love it. Especially my wife whom I didnt think she would take a liking to it. But she did and it is hard to get her out of it. We are both retired and were looking for something to replace to the two cars we had. (sold them both on the same day over the internet). I have been driving an Infiniti for the past 10 years, and I cannot believe all the euipment that comes as standard on this car. I was surprised how quiet it is and the amount of space that you have, espercially with the back seats down. I just read that "Kiplinger" has rated the xB as on of the top ten 2011 cars for Best New Car Resale Values.

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  I love my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Crystal - May 21 - 9:50 pm

  I love my xB. We bought it for the fuel economy and the interior room. This is one of only a few compact vehicles that my 64" husband can sit in comfortably.

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  Can It Replace a Camaro SS? - 2005 Scion XB
  By Willie McCraney - May 18 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my xB in MD after totaling my Camaro SS. I must have had a concussion, this is not my usual choice of car. I drove it 800 miles home to Alabama at freeway speeds and got over 30 mpg! I am now averaging +/- 34 mpg, up to 40. I added cruise-control. My only concern is the rough ride because of the lowered suspension and low-sidewall tires. I am considering putting the original springs back on it to improve ride. I may also mount 70 series tires on it for better comfort. This car is bulletproof. The upright windshield is a rock magnet though. Also a computer glitch has set a false check engine code, which the dealership in Alabama is trying to track down. All systems are OK.

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  the toaster - 2008 Scion XB
  By bloke - May 17 - 1:13 pm

  It has been a great car for the price and I wanted something good on gas and the interior size was a big surprise.I will be selling mine soon as I want to go back to AWD and something with more of a luxury feel.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Scion XB
  By AK - May 16 - 4:06 am

  I have gone 1800 miles so far and am averaging just over 32 miles a gallon. Those getting less must have a lead foot. Car is better than expected and glad I did not get the Fit, Maxima or Versa which I test drove. The safety features in this car are great.