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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  Better then my Matrix - 2005 Scion XB
  By wethankyou - March 16 - 10:00 am

  First off I would like to say my experience with Scion of Naperville was beyond excellent, Between the people to the cars it was all out perfect. I love the xb because it gives me what I need more then my toyota matrix could and I paid 5-6 thousand more the xb. So when I seen the xb and the price I jumped right on trading my matrix in. Best choice I ever made. Sure people look at it funny at first, but once they see the inside and go for a ride they are sold.

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  BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY - 2005 Scion XB
  By Deanster - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Scion XB is a definite head turner. People cannot help but ask on every stop light, every chance given. Its definitely not for the enclosed, traditional and closed minded person. Because, "its different". It is not a Car, nor a Van, or an SUV. Scion is in its own category and class. It was originally designed to attract young people, thats why they have priced it very affordable specially for students or first time buyers, but litle that they know,middle age up to seniors are loving this car. Why drive what everybody drives? Be different, be noticed, and step out of "the box", but step in into a "cool and unique box".

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  cant lick this box - 2005 Scion XB
  By rob1102 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  best value on the road. dont waste money on high priced gas hogs....

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  Your Money Goes Far - 2008 Scion XB
  By Marci - March 16 - 4:20 am

  This is a fun car! Just bought my 2008 HB I really like it. Although thought I would get better gas mileage. Great look and it provides the much needed space that smaller cars typically dont. Love it!!

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  best car i ever bought - 2005 Scion XB
  By Xb_lover - March 15 - 6:26 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I was in love with it the first time I sat in it. I looked at many other cars, such as the Mazda 3, Toyota Matrix, and Nissan Sentra, before I finally decided on this one.It is so much fun to drive and I get looks from other people where ever I go. I love the roominess and everything else about it. It is deffinately the best car I have ever owned and I used to own a Mustang, Honda Civic, and Subaru Impreza RS. I reccomend this car to anyone.

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  My little red box - 2005 Scion XB
  By JDSusumu - March 7 - 11:30 am

  My little red xB is fun to drive, people talk about it all the time, it works great for the family and they are popping up all over town. There are 4 in my complex alone. Anyone who has driven in or just sat in one is crazy about them. They cant believe the cost and the milage! IT ROCKS!

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  The Poor Persons Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By XB - March 2 - 9:56 am

  Excellent gas mileage, reliability, priced to afford to buy, lots of room for cargo space, funny looks but public thinks it is COOL, lots of cubby holes to put stuff in, not expensive to maintain, and built by Toyota (the absolute best car builder with affordable prices-low maintenance. I am delighted with this affordable, large car and will keep it a long time as it fulfills all my needs!

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  Toys - 2006 Scion XB
  By stephen - March 2 - 1:30 am

  Bought the box just before Christmas 05, have 35k on it as of Apr 07. Had the dealership add carpet, arm rest, bumper tread, and cruise when new, purchased tires and rims from Tire Rack when I got it home. Added rear cargo light, hitch, side window visors, and map lights soon after. Been a great vehicle, averaging 32 mpg mixed driving, 34 hwy empty at 75 mph, and 27 or so hwy pulling a trailer with my motorcycle of jet-ski. My parents liked it so much they bought one as well.

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  What a fun box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Amber - February 25 - 2:13 pm

  I just got my XB on Saturday. It rides more smooth then my previous SUV.(Jeep) The noise on the freeway is so quiet. The gas, well that is just one of several perks, it LASTS! I cant even begin to say how much I enjoy this joyride. Every day is adventure!

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  Great car - 2008 Scion XB
  By bgr - February 25 - 1:06 pm

  This is my first new car and I love it. Ive had it for around three weeks and already have 1100 miles. The interior is very roomy, and being 64" that is very important. The performance of the car is not great, but if you get the TRD performance exahust and the cold air intake, it really helps. The exterior design is amazing. When Im stopped or just driving around I get people stopping and staring.