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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  Scion xB 101 - 2005 Scion XB
  By Charlie - March 6 - 5:36 am

  I just bought a Scion xB and it rules! They are more spacious than most SUVs and very cozy. The sound system is awesome, but the large inside consumes alot of sound. Wityh a not too impressive 150 watts i find myself wishing it could go louder. o well its a fun freaking car and...uhm well buy one theyre fun as shyt

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  A tale of 2 Scions - 2004 Scion XB
  By marc scordato - March 3 - 9:20 am

  I have been waiting for someone to build a car that has more interior space then a camry yet costs less then a corrola.The scion xb is that car.I purchased one equiped with an automatic transmission for my wife.I was so impressed with this little cube car I just puchased a 5 speed for myself.The xb has a unique combination of virtues. No other vehical at this price point offers suv like interior volume, econocar fuel mileage, toyota reliability and a sport tuned suspension.

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  my camo xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By eric - March 1 - 9:26 am

  i look foward to driving. not since my 72 firebird have i had this much fun. the car is pure enjoyment.

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  Good Little Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Joanne Griffin - February 26 - 5:36 pm

  I had a 2005 Scion XB and loved it but it was a little slower than I liked. So I traded it in for the 2008 Scion with the new body style. Love the car. She has enough power to get out of the way of fast approaching vehicles that dont want to let you merge into traffic.

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  Wheeeeeee! - 2006 Scion XB
  By sk8teacher - February 21 - 4:54 am

  Bought my xB a year ago with 28K miles on it. Pure stock with automatic. Driving around the Northern VA/DC area averaging 32-33mpg, max mpg was a trip between NVA and Williamsburg - 38mpg. Ride is OK for a small car, handling fantastic. Keep the RPMs around 3K and your mpg will be great (that will give you 70mph on the highway). I call it my mini-truck. Hauls a LOT of stuff. I plan on running until it dies! Maintenance costs are a bit stiff if you follow the book and go to the dealer, but overall a fantastic little car.

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  Its CUTE. - 2005 Scion XB
  By mcp - February 20 - 11:50 pm

  It looks like it wants to be a Peterbilt when it grows up. Or maybe a hearse. But its comfortable, easy to drive, parks anywhere, and I can get my 62" son and two friends in the backseat. Consistently gets 30+mpg ... city, highway, stuck on the expressway...whatever.

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  Geat Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By fifelo - February 18 - 9:16 pm

  I couldnt be more pleased with my car, it was most everything I was looking for. Im 66", and this car had the leg room and head room I was looking for, the low cost, good gas mileage, extended warrenty, and that "turns heads" factor that Ive come to enjoy. I was looking for a simple comfortable car that I could drive for many years and still haul some friends around in, and this car fits the bill perfectly. Ive had the car a short while, but Im betting on toyotas typical high quality and low frequency of repairs. As long as this car doesnt break down often I will be very pleased for years to come.

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  My New SCION - 2009 Scion XB
  By Stephen Taylor - February 17 - 1:00 pm

  Having put the first 1000 miles on my new SCION xB, I am very impressed with the power, drivability, and comfort. I am a big guy and I have plenty of leg and head room. The car itself seems much larger inside than one would expect. I am averaging 28.9 MPG so far, which I am very happy about as well. Overall, I could not be happier...

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  My Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Linda - February 11 - 12:20 am

  I love this car. My family thinks that Im nuts and that it is for young people. Well, if that is the case then I refuse to grow up. I am 52 years young.

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  2005 Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By texas_jesuslover - February 10 - 12:06 pm

  This vehicle is everything I expected it to be. Consumer Reports says it has a very uncomfortable ride and has a large turning circle. These are completely false. I have no problems. I recommend the Scion line to everyone. They are affordable, great on mileage, and they are Toyotas!