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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  "Sell the Buick, Martha! Get this car!" - 2008 Scion XB
  By Bill J52 - October 18 - 3:53 pm

  Pulled the trigger on this 2008 xB yesterday and hey, words fail me. Except for one... competency. This wagon does every task without even breathing hard. If you need easy access and egress, safety, good looks, fuel economy, and low "cost-to-own" this is your car. Technically, its amazing, pure and simple. Electric steering and brakes, stability control, antislip, smart suspension that feels more like a Lincoln Towncar than a 4 banger entry level car. In short, the xB is a car for all people, Take a test drive and see! Its marketed for young adults but we baby boomers will not be denied!

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  Whats with the Ignition - 2005 Scion XB
  By MEB404 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We have really been enjoying this car. Gets lots of attention. Is roomy. But after a month of owning it the key got stuck in the ignition. Had to take it to the dealer and get a new ignition (or whatever) put in. Now after about a month or so, again key is stuck. Wonder if others have had this problem. Did we get a lemon?

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  joys review - 2005 Scion XB
  By millvillage - October 16 - 10:00 am

  very responsive,fun to drive love the small turning radius plenty of room to get in and out and low to the ground for us senior citizens.

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  Beats My Jeep Cherokee - 2009 Scion XB
  By Sgt Bill - October 15 - 9:33 am

  From 16 MPG (Jeep) to 25 MPG city (xB), Oh my, what a relief in these days of inflated gas prices. Only a couple of weeks old, but the love affair with this little Gem continues to build. A near future trip is planned and if all goes well, will be one of many this year. I love all the cargo space and when taking my 95 pound Boxer, he is comfortable too. Just a great vehicle and the best of many I test drove before purchasing.

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  Wanted an xB for Years - 2010 Scion XB
  By Diane - October 15 - 8:06 am

  Just got my xB a month ago and I already have 2K miles on it. It does good on the freeway and in stop and go traffic on my 24 mile daily commute in LA. Love the style (my boxy car!). I do have a little rattle in my passenger side front door. Hopefully they will be able to resolve that. Has great power although I wish the gas tank was a few gallons larger so I could go all week without gassing up. I went from a Saturn L200 which I absolutely loved, but this is more comfortable and roomier in the back seat. This is my first car with an IPod hook up, so that has been really fun. The stereo is great for a standard option. Wish the interior was not black.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By LL - October 14 - 5:56 am

  Bought this car new and not one trip back to the dealership since. Very Reliable, comfortable, and fun to drive. Consistently getting 28-30 mpg. No problem with the windshield like some posts had mentioned. No problem with anything whatsoever. A/C works good even in the hot days.

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  Cool car, great gas mileage - 2005 Scion XB
  By davide - October 11 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my Scion Xb for a year now. It is the most distinctive car around. It does lack in the get up & go department but I knew that going in. (I sold a WRX to get the Xb, cheaper on insurance & gas & tires.) Ive averaged just over 31 mpg with an automatic. Has plenty of room, looks cool

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2009 Scion XB
  By Bob S - October 10 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in a 2006 Mini Cooper for this little Limited Edition Absolutely Red Xb and I have no regrets! This car is value packed, and offers practicality at an affordable price! This edition comes with a built in navigation system that is great (equal to my Garmin), bluetooth, etc. and is a joy to drive. Previous to buying, I looked at the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Rogue, and Mini Clubman and for the value, Scion was the clear choice! The pickup is great, the interior is well thought, and the materials used are better than I would have got if I had purchased another make...

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  economical - 2006 Scion XB
  By mona - October 7 - 10:30 pm

  Bought for 1) gas mileage and 2) interior room has been reliable - 2 warranty issues were automatic door locks sticking and dvd player not working. Only complaint is rough ride and road noise. I bought the year "special model" w/ dvd, I-pod package. Great price for reliable car.

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  Love It - 2005 Scion XB
  By eleven - October 4 - 4:53 pm

  We shopped everything $15,000 and under, for 5 weeks. Some things that should be standard safety features are not offered in this price range for an SUV or Van. We were considering upping our price range just to get 4 wheel ABS. It was either that or go to a later model vehicle, which either way was disappointing. I am reading that the Scion xB is designed to appeal to 20-something year olds. I can tell you that at 41 years of age, I was thrilled to find a car with all the safety and economy features I was hoping to find. And its pretty, unique, has great storage, and my tall husband has lots of head room.