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 Little Box Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By sigjuliussen - November 3 - 10:16 am

  Love this car. I get 31.5 MPG all city driving. Just had first snow fall and this car handles great. Im 64" and 310 lbs and I fit fine in front or back seat. Best small car it you need to hall big people. I have fit 4 6+ adults.

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  Love My xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By jheiden - November 1 - 5:06 am

  I just bought my Scion xB because I wanted better gas mileage than my 14 mpg SUV. I love the interior space and couldnt bear to buy a compact car. The exterior and interior design is great, and the xB is suprisingly quick from a stop. Second and third gear are a bit sluggish, but at cruising speed it will keep up with anything on the freeway. Its ride is very smooth and quiet. The A/C works great on mine, and I am in 115 degree heat in Palm Springs in the summer. The interior could use a few small tweaks, but is overall satisfactory. The low price makes the xB a fantastic value, and mine is getting around 32 mpg on 2/3 freeway and 1/3 city driving. I hope more accessories come out soon!

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  Best Car I Have HAD Yet - 2004 Scion XB
  By eebetty - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Great litte car, good ride, lots of room,great fuel mileage. Fun to drive.Has Toyota quality build in.

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  So Ugly Its Cute - 2006 Scion XB
  By Layout1 - October 30 - 4:06 am

  The Scion xB was meant to be for the younger generation, but it appears that a good number of older folks are finding it to be quite the car. The gas mileage does not lie. We get 31-32 mpg in town and 33-34 hwy. This car has plenty of zip to merge onto freeways. It has lots of glass and and it easy to see out of. All of the glass except for the windshield can be cleaned by standing outside. Sometimes the rear window is a bear to get to. The back seats lay down to allow more cargo space. We like to think of it as a poor mans SUV. One thing Ive found odd is that most used xBs seem to cost more than the new ones. Maybe that is because they have more extras when bought new.

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  Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By joday9953 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Rides great, gets 30 miles to the gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. Room inside is great, I have a son 62" that can sit in the back seat with the front seat moved all the way back. Its not a speed demon but has enough get up to reach highway speeds by the end of the onramp.

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  xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By Vadim8682 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  all around excellent car, cant beat the price especially all the standard features you get on this car. very customizable but i wouldnt buy anything from the dealer they charge a lot more then other individual high performance stores so do your research. and dont be scared when people start coming up to you asking you what the car is or giving them a little presentation :o)

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  My xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mary - October 24 - 5:13 pm

  Overall, I have had no buyers remorse after purchasing this car. Its truly an engineering marvel considering how small it looks from the outside in comparison to how big it is on the inside. The exterior had to grow on me for awhile before purchasing it, but after seeing the inside I was sold. Buyers beware: if you are expecting some high performance, high-end vehicle, you should not purchase this car. The small 4-cylinder engine does have trouble in passing and uphill situations. The interior is basic, yet very functional. So far I have not yet achieved the estimated gas mileage (about 28 mpg in mixed city and highway driving).

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  I know xB in a very object way - 2008 Scion XB
  By brytface - October 23 - 10:46 pm

  We have driven xB for over 2 years. Our experience with this vehicle has been deteriorating mainly because of continuing mechanical problems and poor interior material quality. First, some plastic under passenger seat fell off within 6 months normal usage. Big surprise! And the engine stopped in the middle of the way. (wife almost made an accident) Toyota fixed it under warranty. However, problems continues.. When waits for the signal with brakes on, the car shakes and make noises. I knew Toyota Quality slips away but I thought Built-in Japan Scion would be fine. My mistake! when a company fails to do what they are supposed to do (making value products)consumers suffer.

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  only (2) weeks - 2008 Scion XB
  By tom - October 22 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased this car for several reasons. My 06 HHR had 70K miles and was starting to FALL APART! I needed a wagon type for business giving good mileage. I purchased a Black XB and added 18" X 8.5 Enkei wheels with 225/40 tires. Tinted the front windows to match rears. So far the car is good, few complaints, cant see the radio during day light is Big issue. Arm rest is useless, trying to get dealer to install one on pass. side. Mileage about 24 average, hope it gets better. I put so many miles on a car in just a few years, I hope resale and reliability is better then HHR.

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  MY SCION XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By MELLBELL - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE SCION XB. I BOUGHT A BLACK SAND PEARL MODEL FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP.ITS FUN AND HIP, HAS LOTS OF ROOM WHICH IS HELPFUL HAVING 2 KIDS.NICE SLEEK STYLE AND DEFINATLY TURNS HEADS. ALSO IS JUST FUN TO DRIVE.FROM INTERIOR TO EXTERIOR, JUST A BEAUTIFUL RIDE.