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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  A Fun Car/SUV - 2009 Scion XB
  By Greg - May 3 - 9:16 am

  Well, I traded in my 4.7L Toyota Tundra for the Scion Xb earlier this week. I went from an average of 14.7 ml/gal to 26 ml/gal. Although the Xb is small on the road, it has a big roomy interior. Very good pick-up and go power, a little bit bumpy ride but is tolerable, a little road noise but again is tolerable. The Xb is fun to take exit ramps fast, handling curves with ease, comparable to go-cart handling, little body roll. My family loves the interior and the extra leg room in the back, and they think its a cool car over all. I did test drive many cars such as Chevy HHR, Subaru impreza & forester, Ford escape, focus, fusion, the Scion Xb won hands down.

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  Green Goblin! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Fine car! - May 1 - 4:03 am

  My Scion xB limited edition 3.0 is a fine green car. It has lots of room inside and a good driving position. It also has a terrific DVD system with 7 inch LCD screens in the headrests. It gets good gas mileage - 30 miles per gallon in mixed driving. This vehicle is great for a family of four. Im very happy with my purchase and highly recommend the xB.

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  Who Knew a Box Could be so Fun! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Seth - April 29 - 9:03 pm

  When I had originally purchased my 2005 Scion xB, I was in dire need of a car that worked, and I was sick of fixing up my old junker. I needed a reliable car to get to work and back home. Thankfully, a good friend of mine had turned me onto the Scion xB. With its spacious interior and daring new looks, it was more than just a car. It redefined what it meant to drive a car. The Scion xB is great in all aspects of a new car; great standard options, a roomy interior for friends and family, wonderful fuel economy, and a fresh new look, all starting just under $15,000. This car is truely wonderful, and Im proud to say, "I drive a box."

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  xb testdrive - 2005 Scion XB
  By Stephen1212 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Very easy entrance / exit for the vehicle. Comfortable and really fun to drive. Handles very well. Test drove the vehicle on a windy day here in Lincoln - hardly noticed.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Scion XB
  By swampsajerzy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Everything you could possibly need in a city car. Big enough for a family and small enough to park in a Minis space.

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  Heres your Scion - 2009 Scion XB
  By tb8173 - April 20 - 10:43 am

  I had a 06 Element. I drove that car for 1.75 years. I hate the suicide doors and the road noise. I went to Scion for a giggle to see if I could get a decent deal on XB well I did. I test drove it and fell in love with instantly. I have had it for about two weeks now. I absolutely love this little car. I drives like a dream, has 4 doors and is quite unlike the Element.

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  What a Wagon! - 2006 Scion XB
  By mommy2one - April 17 - 9:26 am

  This car is wonderful. I have to admit at first I was totally against the car because of the body style but after buying one because of husband I love it. The xB is fun to drive, has more room than you could image, and it gets great gas mileage. Looking at the outside I thought it would be small inside, but NO. I have a 300 pound 6 ft. 3 in. husband and there is still plenty of room in the back seat when he drives. I would like for it to have more get up and go but Im a lead foot person. Plus, they give a wonderful environmental package that sound proofs from outside and scotch guards the inside. All I have to say is, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE...

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  Plesantly Surprised - 2009 Scion XB
  By S. Ellis - April 16 - 8:10 am

  I bought my xB because I needed something family sized and though I wasnt too keen on its looks, I had heard great reviews from a friend who has an earlier model. Overall, I think its a great value, good fuel economy, great handling, lots of interior space, and the guaranteed reliability of a Toyota (of course). I think its a great vehicle for someone with a small family or someone who wants a different kind of small suv/wagon.

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  2008 GOLD RUSH MICA SCION XB R.S. 5.0 - 2008 Scion XB
  By chris - April 15 - 11:00 pm

  I was so impressed with this car when I test drove It I put a down payment the same day and I bought it the next. It has everything I was looking for in a car, 4 cylinder engine, a lot of seating room because I am 61" tall, decent fuel economy without compromising performance, safety with six air bags, and toyotas legendary dependability and longevity. The brakes stop firmly without the ABS overly intruding. The steering is not soft or hard it is just right. The car takes corners without to much leaning.

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  XB Country Box - 2010 Scion XB
  By Georgeimpact - April 15 - 3:43 am

  Had my XB 2 months now. Fuel economy was one of my top concerns. Along with room for the family. I use it to commute against traffic as I work for a manufacturer in the country town opposite Dallas. Everyone at my plant drive pickups and laugh at me when they see me pull up in my box. I guess Ill be the only one laughing when gas goes back up to $4.00 a gallon. Im averaging about 31 mpg but I constantly am watching the fuel economy gauge to see how far up I can get it. I have a manual transmission so I coast down all hills in neutral. Plenty of room inside for the family. My daughters love the look of the box.