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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  xB is OK - 2005 Scion XB
  By mathmjo - May 1 - 7:33 am

  This car has no side impact airbags. This car does not handle well over bumps in the road due to it being low to the ground.

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  Love My Burgundymobile - 2005 Scion XB
  By happy customer - May 1 - 12:26 am

  The car handles well, even in strong winds. We get a very clear view of the road as the driver sits up above the dashboard. Our milage is about 29 - 30mpg. The Scion xB has plenty of storage for a smaller car and is very comfortable for passengers in front and back seats.

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  Neat Ride - 2009 Scion XB
  By Craig - April 28 - 9:33 pm

  Bought this car for its looks and special features. It is a Absolutely Red, series 6 with upgraded floor mats, fog lights, bumper protector, Nav. system standard on this one. I was looking at an xd but really liked this special addition. So long story short I love it. Had to put some black and chrome wheels on it so I spent right at 20k for it. I get about 4 more miles to the gal. city/hwy than what was on the msrp. Quality is outstanding for the price and the Toyota quality control sure shows in this car. Only drive about 4500 miles a year but some day someone is going to get a great used car. Neat Ride

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  Something different - 2009 Scion XB
  By Ardie - April 23 - 1:26 am

  Ive driven a Camry for the past 6 years; a nice but terribly boring car in every way. I was looking for something safe as my oldest just turned 16, and the Camry had no side airbags, ABS or traction control. The XB is fun to drive, very safe, better in the snow than the Camry, incredibly roomy, has a small turning radius, and a reasonably smooth ride. I drive 30 miles each way to work, and Im averaging 28 MPG at about 70 MPH. On long trips Ive exceeded 31 MPG. The car is a like a Tardis, small on the outside but huge on the inside. And Im very confident in the safety features for my new driver. I like having a car you dont see everywhere.

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  30,000 miles and counting - 2004 Scion XB
  By Chuckie - April 19 - 10:23 am

  My xBs only downside is the choppy ride. I love the fact that all four tall adults can ride with their hats on and not be cramped. With the rear seats folded down, trips to Costco or the nursery are easier than in any sedan. The noise level at high speeds is about the same as in my new Odyssey.

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  A Little Sports Car Lies Beneath - 2004 Scion XB
  By 26 xB owner - April 16 - 8:30 pm

  Forget the xBs exterior styling, you wont see it inside the car. In fact, its box shape makes it a roomy car. Buy one and youll think youre stealing from Toyota. Ive brought home a 27" TV with its package. I doubt you can pull that one off in a Camry. Its so roomy itll have people fighting over the rear seats. The ABS help me saved a little kid within a week of delivery. When the curve says 25, you can throw it in there at 35 and edge it up to 45. The steering is light but NOT numb like many other Toyota products. I only wish it had an extra gear (more on that). If the Miata is a solid 10 in fun to drive and the Celica is a 9, the xB is a respectible 8. But those are only toy cars.

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  The best overall vehicle I have ever had - 2012 Scion XB
  By Victor Capen - April 15 - 6:19 am

  One of the best handling, efficient, goes like hell vehicles you would ever want (due to the Camry engine). I have hauled more stuff on my numerous trips between Scottsdale, AZ and Los Angeles on the I 10 freeway (75 to 85 mph in AZ and 70 to 80 mph in CA). I know that Scion has now been incorporated into the general Toyota brands but, if you get a chance to drive one you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  xb pimping - 2009 Scion XB
  By xb in nashville - April 11 - 8:33 am

  i have always liked the xbs but it wasnt until the new design, i actually thought about buying one. its fun to drive and it looks amazing, i did however buy one that had a few extras on it so that makes a little more inviting. so far i have had my xb for a week now and wonder why i didnt buy one sooner. love it

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  ScionXB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Elizabeth2004 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is so much fun to drive. It hugs the turns and has a lot of pick up. I have the manual 5 speed and it is so cool. I also have a Ford F-150 and now I dont want to even drive it. The sound system is awesome also. I am doing a lot of highway driving and it gets great fuel economy. Also parking in the city is easy with its compact size. With the back seats down there is a ton of room in the rear of the vehicle. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  211,083 miles and STILL RELIABLE !!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By George - April 8 - 6:56 pm

  This is an update on my previous review titled. 140K Upright Go-Kart Written by George on 06/14/2008. This lilcar with lots of interior room is still super reliable. I have replaced normal wear items like tires, power steering/water pump belt and front brake pads. I change the oil and oil filter every 5k, air filter every 6mo. and transmission gear oil every year. I suck out the power steering and brake fluid with a turkey baster and refill every year. The xB is pretty good in the snow with all season tires, however, its super stable and near impossible to get stuck with snow tires.