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:

• 

  I Love My xBox - 2004 Scion XB
  By Mke - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I really love this little box on wheels, in only the 1st week I put on more than 2400 miles. It is sooo much fun to drive. Great handling, good MPG (30+) and I dont baby the gas either, runs great on the freeways. I love this car and Im an old (57)fart too.

• 

  xB....A PRETTY GOOD BUY. - 2004 Scion XB
  By DAN SHAW - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I ORDERED THE xB IN JUNE AND FINALLY HAD THE DEALER FINISHING PUTTING OPTIONS IN IT BY MID AUGUST. I DONT THINK THEY HAD ALL OF THE BUGS WORKED OUT OF THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AT THE TIME. AS FAR AS THE CAR, I AM VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT. LOTS OF ROOM (ESPECIALLY THE REAR SEAT LEG ROOM). PERFORMANCE IS ADEQUATE FOR A CAR OF THIS TYPE AND SIZE. ON A TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON FROM CALIFORNIA WE AVG. 35 MILES PER GALLON. CLIMBING SOME OF THE 6% GRADES REQUIRED TURNING OFF THE OVERDRIVE, BUT THEN YOU COULD KEEP UP WITH EVERYONE @ ABOUT 70 - 80 M.P.H.. AROUND TOWN MILEAGE USUALLY RUNS AROUND 25 M.P.G.

• 

  great car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Todd H. Freeman - January 29 - 10:16 pm

  This is the second Scion xB that I have owned. I loved both. I wrecked the first one. It held up well after being hit in the rear by a school bus . I was pushed into a full sized SUV that was stopped, the bus was doing 45 mph. I was so impressed by the way it held up. I bought anouther one . I just wished they came in a V6.

• 

  Nice - 2011 Scion XB
  By Ih8reno - January 29 - 2:00 am

  had to return my last car and was checking for 1 month every dealership i could think of. ended up at Toyota and test drove the Matrix. Came close to signing but saw the Xb close by and had to try it. i loved it, and a week later am driving it. Nice looks, fully loaded, and smooth to drive.

• 

  My Friend, the Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Xyra - January 26 - 7:50 pm

  Consumer Reports called the Scion xB The Box that Rocks and its true! Not only is it Toyotas Energizer Bunny, its a comfortable, roomy vehicle with inimitable style and ergonomically correct seating that MORE than gets you where you want to go. At first, I felt annoyed when I saw another one on the road. These cars look so unique that you proudly buzz along, deluding yourself into believing that yours is the only one. Now, when I see another Box, I feel a sense of tribal attitude and belonging. Options for the xB are awesome, and only serve to enhance the basic design. My Box is named Angus, after Angus Young. He rocks the road! It sounds crazy, but I talk to him.

• 

  My cool "Box" on wheels :) - 2004 Scion XB
  By Dustin Branton - January 21 - 10:00 am

  No hassle buying experience. Love it or hate it looks, we love it. Some really cool options. Great interior design and space. Fuel economy 30/34! Fun to drive.

• 

  a car not just for teens - 2005 Scion XB
  By caerpa - January 16 - 9:56 pm

  Car has no gray areas. People either love it, or hate it. For the dollar, it is one of the best cars I have ever purchased/.;

• 

  8.5 - 2008 Scion XB
  By Greg/Placerville - January 14 - 3:00 am

  We had a 2005 xB, but it was totaled in a wreck. It crashed well, and we decided to go ahead with a new 08. We like the new safety feature of a side curtain airbag. The ride is smoother, the acceleration faster, and the noise level has been greatly decreased. My wife and I have both noticed that you have to keep an eye on the speedometer as you can be going 80+ and not realize it. We got 30-32 MPG with the 05, but only get 26-28 MPG with the new 08. It handles well, but I occasionally have a problem with the ground clearance. I have to be careful backing out of driveways with a sharp drop off. The "cyclops" backup light is no brighter than a regular backup light, so only half the light.

• 

  More than I expected ... - 2006 Scion XB
  By Philip McCririe - January 6 - 7:50 pm

  I got the xB release model. It is really a head turner as well a a car that is fun to drive. I am a high mileage commute driver and for the money this is a hard car to beat. The gas mileage I have received has exceeded the Scion sticker numbers on every tank of gas I have pumped. With the five speed manual transmission, the power seems to be more than enough to get me to and from work. With my previous USA car, I had to constantly downshift to get over the hills or merge into freeway traffic. With my xB I just leave it in fifth gear and climb hills or enter freeways easily. I love my xB and would recommend that all commuters give it a good look. Great car for the money.

• 

  Love This Car! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Wendy - January 6 - 5:40 pm

  I have a family of four, and I am so pleased with all that this car has to offer. While the exterior of the car would lead you to believe that its small, it is extremely spacious. Its comfortable to drive. We had an SUV, but with gas prices climbing, we were looking for something more fuel efficient, yet still roomy. Its great on gas and comfort. Its also great to look at. Its really something different, and I see heads turn all the time. I would recommend this car to anyone.