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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Love it! - 2011 Scion XB
By klub182 - May 15 - 3:53 amLove the look inside and out. Roomy. Very smooth drive. Feels like you are in a little race car. It has more zip than I expected. You cant beat it for the price.
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Overstayed Its Welcome - 2005 Scion XB
By jed - May 15 - 2:46 amThe good qualities of the Scion Xb, lots of room and exceptional visibility remain. However, they are overshadowed by a harsh and noisy ride, and terrible gas mileage. Ive tried everything, and the best mileage I can squeeze out of this car is 27 mpg in the summer and a ridiculous 20 mpg in the winter. Also, cruise control isnt available and the interior lighting is poor.
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Awesome Car - 2006 Scion XB
By Jafo - May 13 - 7:06 pmThis is an AWESOME car. My wife and family said I was crazy to buy it. I now laugh at them as I pass the gas station and they are filling up twice a week. The car drives well and handles well also. As the fuel prices are going higher and higher I am so happy I own this cool car.
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What A Surprise! - 2010 Scion XB
By Toni C - May 11 - 11:46 amA baby boomer who loves the sporty feel of a very practical car. I simply love my Scion XB and really got into the buying process. With the addition of many of the performance features, the car is a joy to drive. The addition of interior and exterior features makes for a very classy look. I have gotten better than reported gas mileage, particular with the addition of the sports muffler that helps with coasting and keeps me from speeding! The sunroof addition has increased my driving experience on those pleasant summer evenings where you can enjoy the intermix of music and soft breezes.
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Out with the old, in with the new - 2008 Scion XB
By Mary Jo - May 10 - 7:00 amI just traded my 05 xB for the 08 xB, I wanted more power and more weight because I drive on the highway most of the time and the other box lacked power. I checked many cars before going for another xB and in all of them I felt claustrophobic, no space at all. The new Scion fit my budget and my need for more power. It will take some time to get used to the new model, at first I did not like the older xB, then I loved it. I am sure this car shape being different will take some time to get used to too. Its way ahead of its time. I love the stance of the car and the price has no comparison with any other brand. For the same specs you need to shell from five to seven thousand more. Enjoy, I do.
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BEST CAR IVE OWNED - 2004 Scion XB
By SCIONMAN - May 9 - 10:00 amFUN CAR, SPORTY, QUICK, VERY ROOMY. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND WE HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM. THE PRICE CANT BE BEAT. I BOUGHT IT WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE. IT CAME WITH THE 18" WHEELS AND THE COLD AIR INTAKE. I OWN A DENALI, BMW AND A BENZ,AND IF I HAD TO KEEP ONE, IT WOULD BE THE SCION...
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Good balance of everything i needed - 2008 Scion XB
By ShugaShane - May 6 - 7:53 amI have had my 08 xb just over 2 years and have approx 75,000 miles on it. Not one issue ever. Plenty of power, and my avg mpg on the dash currently says 29.8 I drive alot of highway at roughly 73mph, when I was driving at around 68mph on these trips I would get around 31mpg. I love this car, holds all my stuff for camping, and a large dog. only complaint...that stupid skinny arm rest. fatten that thing up!!
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My Great Escape - 2009 Scion XB
By My Great Escape - May 5 - 11:03 pmMy wife and I were visiting friends on Cape Cod this summer and they had a 2008 Scion XB. I dont remember the last time I was so impressed with a car. I told my wife I was going to buy one when we returned home and that is exactly what I did. Only have had it a month buy love it so far. Named it POOKIE. No idea why, just kind of fits.
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Best Car I ever Bought !!!!! - 2010 Scion XB
By towstr - May 2 - 12:40 amI bought the Scion xb in 05. After owning it for almost 5 years and saw the new model, I just fell in love all over again. This time I got the Release Series 7.0 , 186 of 2000 is whats on my car. I also purchased the spoilers. It didnt get the manual on my 05 Scion so this time I made sure I did. The car feels so much bigger and I can really tell. Love the color. Did someone said it only had one setting on wipers? You better look again buddy !
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A Car For Any Age - 2009 Scion XB
By xFistsClenchedx - May 1 - 11:06 pmI love my xB! I have 800+ miles on my xB at the moment. Its quick, Im averaging around 27mpg, rides nicely and is comfortable. It really is a vehicle for everyone. Older/disabled folks will love that its easy to get in and out of and younger people will love how amazing xBs look lowered with different wheels/tires. I purchased the floor mats, sport steering wheel, upgraded pioneer head unit and rear bumper appliqué. The sound system is great for stock. Although its not recommended, some people do light towing with their xBs (such as one Waverunner or one ATV). Visibility is quite good. Windows are large and you have a great view of everything. The xB is very safe as well.
