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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  No Problems, XB Is a Great Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By XBGuido - May 29 - 10:46 am

  My XB is now 6 months old. No issues what so ever. Runs great, very good gas mileage and FUN to drive. This car is a daily driver, grocery getter and weekend hauler. Cost was $14,995 although I have added cruise, fog lights, 17" wheels and tires, arm rest and, a few performance options. A couple of items that could use improvement in the next model year: 1. Better Cabin air Filter 2. Automatic door locks 3. Larger rear-view mirror All in all this is the best car I have ever owned considering price to value, performance and fun... I would rather drive this than my C320 Mercedes!

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Scion XB
  By Bill - May 28 - 7:13 am

  The Scion xB easily fits a normal size person (64"). It has sports car driving, but is so easy to get in and out of. It comes with a great standard feature set! Mature drivers quickly realize that driving can be fun again. Of the five xBs in my really small town, non are driven by kids! It is inexpensive, but it is not cheap. It has shades of the VW Bug from 40 years ago. Make sure to get the arm rest and cruse control.

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  2006 xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By rhagy - May 27 - 1:03 pm

  This car runs great, is fun to drive and is pretty cool! The 18" Alloy wheels look great, but the ride is pretty hard. Next time Ill go for the 15" alloy wheels. All around, I would buy another one tomorrow! The car is a blast! It could use a little more power, but its OK the way it is.

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  Ive never "loved" a car before this XB - 2010 Scion XB
  By tarah2005 - May 22 - 6:56 am

  So much fun to drive. The updated exterior is way better than the first...more girly. I traded in my 2008 4runner while it still had some equity. I commute 60 miles per day so MPG was attractive on the Scion XB because I still wanted extra space. At first I overlooked the car, but after driving it am in love!!! I am not sure how well an automatic would accelerate but the manual is a blast.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Scion XB
  By mikey - May 14 - 9:53 am

  My wife and I bought a 2008 xB as our family car (we have 1 small child), and so far it has been wonderful. We just recently took a very long trip across the country, and the dual DVD monitors really came in handy keeping our son entertained!! Fuel economy is good, performance is great, love the iPod hookup and folding rear seats!!

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  2012 xB: A Great Car - 2012 Scion XB
  By cscrutinizer - May 14 - 2:59 am

  After stalking this model for a couple of years, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a used 2012 to replace by dying Saturn Vue. I couldnt be happier. The style is odd and will not appeal to many people, but funny enough, driving a box in todays world actually makes one stand out. Oh the irony. This is a fun car to drive, peppy and agile. The tight suspension and low profile tires makes it feel like a Porsche, minus the horses of course. Im a big guy (6/250lbs ) and I have tons of room. The seats are supportive and everything is within reach of the pilots seat. It has more interior room than my extended cab Silverado. Im averaging 28MPG. I love this car.

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  Love It - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kim - May 11 - 3:30 pm

  spend the extra money for the armrest.

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  Wow......... - 2004 Scion XB
  By Big "O" - May 9 - 2:00 am

  First off let me say to all of you who think this is a little persons car.... youre dead wrong!!!!!!! I am 61", 250 lbs. And believe me, the xB can hold all of me and then some. I became interested in the car about 3 months ago when I was at work one day and saw it rolling past me. It almost looked like a baby Hummer H2! HA HA HA! I still didnt pay much attention until I blew the tranny in my 97 Dodge Intrepid and figured instead of spending $2500 to fix it, Id check into getting an economy car instead.

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  good in a rollover - 2006 Scion XB
  By ct84 - May 8 - 12:28 pm

  I had this car for almost 5 years and put 82K miles on it. I never had to bring it to the shop outside of oil changes, breaks, and a new set of tires. The car is very light and the wind can push you pretty hard. I got into an accident and rolled the car four times landing on the roof. I walked away without a scratch. It’s a good car for the money cheap to maintain but not very comfortable for long drives. The engine is very loud over 40 mph.

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  I still love it! - 2004 Scion XB
  By GoldenOtter - May 7 - 8:20 pm

  I loved this car the first time I sat in it. The placement of the instruments, the amazing interior room, the outstanding visibility is great. I am 67" and have 6" head clearance as the driver and my 69" son can sit behind me without having his knees in my back or his head on the ceiling. Ive been in quite a few different SUVs, and NONE have had as much room for 5 adults as the xB. My only gripe is the steering wheel does impinge on the leg room a bit, but that happens with virtually every car Ive driven except large luxury cars. It handles well, and has a great feel for the road, though can be a bit of a rough ride if you are used to luxury rides. The storage space is minimal.