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:

• 

  Love Affair - 2004 Scion XB
  By scion xb - August 1 - 9:03 pm

  I am completely excited about my xB now, just as I was the day that I spotted her. I love her sleek boxy look, and the looks that I get from others while in it. The drive is very smooth and it handles well. I wish it had more horse power though.

• 

  Much better than i expected - 2010 Scion XB
  By rb7385899 - July 27 - 3:50 am

  I test drove a 2006 XB a few years ago and rejected it, too slow and noisy. This revised model is a major improvement. Im getting the advertised 23 mpg or so around town, but on a 50 mile (mostly rural) drive to Lancaster PA it returned 33 - far above the 28 mpg sticker for hwy. Its quiet, crisp handling, and has excellent visibility and interior space. Im sorry i didnt test drive sooner. And you cant beat the pricing.

• 

  Unbelievable - 2004 Scion XB
  By mark qualls - July 24 - 7:03 am

  I bought my xB knowing it lacked brute horsepower, but have not yet been in a situation where I needed it. It seems to have enough power and I cant believe the high speed cornering this car is capable of. It handles like a sports car, a good one. Im going to buy another new car soon and it will be eityher a Corvette or an xB, probably the xB because "I can afford it".

• 

  it is the greatest car!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By cheryl coughlin - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car in Reno,Nev. and drove it all the way to New York and back and enjoyed every minute of it. It was great on gas, comfort and room. We just LOVE it.The best car for the money. It is so much fun to drive...recommend it HIGHLY!!!

• 

  Bubbas Toy - 2005 Scion XB
  By RevRic - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I am having a lot of fun with my Scion xB. It is a very distinctive looking car and I get comments all the time. They are either love it or hate though it doesnt matter to me cause its mine and I love it. The roominess is really unbelievable. I have a ggod friend and he is 6 8" and had him and his wife with us one night to go out to dinner> I suggested I would drive and he said no way. Well once he got in he was very impressed with the room. Even commented that he had more head room that his pickup.

• 

  My xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By BoxMama - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my Scion xB! It has incredible headroom; no cramped feeling for me! It handles like a sports car. It looks "funky" which suits me fine. It is small, but why would a family of three need an oceanliner to drive around town? Ive only been driving it for about a month and havent tried all the features such as fold-down seats, but think its just great! (I get a big bang out of the stares and smiles as I drive by!)

• 

  New Purple Grape - 2005 Scion XB
  By mimi2 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My baby hummer is too cute. All that aside, I like it so far. Issues with AC are that is doesnt get cold fast enough for my liking and air comes up top vents even when wanted only on feet. =( Sound system is loud and fun. Lots of room inside. Shifts slowly and sometimes clumsily, gas milage is affected. I love the looks I get and the power everything that comes standard. Head Rests... ARGGHHH... They are too far forward in the front seats. I fixed them by taking them out and turning them backwards. Jack and other tools are in 2 different places too. Take jack and place in rear storage compartment. Get lots of comments.

• 

  so far OK - 2005 Scion XB
  By clowntown - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the looks of the car. mileage is not what they said it would be. I had a Rav4 and it had 171,000 miles on it and I had it for 6 years. It was more fun to drive but the mileage wasnt there. The average is 28 not much difference than the Rav4 and the ride is not nearly as fun. I guess the flip side is I drive slower now and I speeding is not a problem. It doesnt had the turning ability as the Rav4, it doesnt sit as high as the Rav4 did. The wind can be a problem.

• 

  xb scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By big boy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  excellent car with many extras. very fun and turns alot of heads.

• 

  Love My Scion XB - 2009 Scion XB
  By Susan Donatelli - July 21 - 9:00 pm

  Ive only had my Scion XB for a week, but I just love the way it handles making turns, sitting in it is so comfortable, gas mileage is very good. It has so much room. It drives so smooth that I have to watch my speed because I dont realize that Im going that fast. The drivers door arm rest could be a little higher but that isnt a big deal. Definitely would recommend it.