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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  Age is no factor - 2005 Scion XB
  By Pseudolus - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Although the marketing brochure leads one to believe that an xB owner should be bopping to an MP3 player and have several body piercings, my 56 year-old mind really enjoys this car. It corners effortlessly and the 5-speed I chose puts a lot of fun back in driving. Inside it is spacious and roomy, and since I drive on the inside, thats what counts to me. I watch frequently as people surround the car when parked, misprounouncing the name as SKY-ON and smiling. And all this at the low price makes me smile too. Hint - consider every option as you build your xB. The sport pedals and satellite radio add a lot to my pleasure in owning one.

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  my xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By james leslie dyle - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is quick of the starting line and gets excellent gas milage, ive been getting 34 to 37 mpg, no wind noise and the radio is really high quality, everyone calls it my boxcar. im a big guy,300lbs and i can get in easy with plenty of room to spare

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  The Box is Well Worth the Price - 2005 Scion XB
  By scott ekstrom - January 25 - 6:56 am

  With the price tag at $18,006 with all the bells the xB is well worth the price. It is fun to drive and gets great gas milage. After 1.5 years of ownership it still turns heads. The fit and finish are well done. A cross country trip was done in comfort with about 36 mpg over all with almost 40 on the highway at 60 to 65 mph. This vehicle has true Toyota quality.

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  Most awesome car at this price - 2008 Scion XB
  By Dave - January 21 - 10:06 pm

  I now have over 30,000 miles on this car in just over a year, and I love it more every day. I did have a wheel sensor that went bad, but dealer fixed it no problem. This is my second scion and as long as they make car that fit my needs, I will be a customer for life. For the first 10 months I was only averaging about 24mpg but just like with my first Scion, once I got towards 30,000 miles I am now averaging 29mpg and I do a lot of around town driving.

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  Great car - 2008 Scion XB
  By dene - January 20 - 7:36 am

  I purchased the 2008 Scion xB last week and have driven it all over - it handles well, has a great turning radius, little car/road noise and responds well and quickly.

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  Value - Safety, Performance, Utility - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jeff - January 14 - 11:16 pm

  I have had this car for a week, but have found it all that it is advertised to be and the other reviews accurate. As an engineer, I research all other potential vehicles thoroughly. The xB is without doubt the best value for the price. My attitude is that a car is an appliance and must meet a list of needs. Scion has created a very utilitarian vehicle -- I dont care about all the style discussions. But you might. The vehicle has all the advanced safety features and incredible space with seats down. The vehicle has all the expected creature comforts and is of expected Toyota quality. Ride is firm but comfortable. MPG on first tank was 30 mpg mixed on hilly PA highways and city.

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  Owner Review - 2004 Scion XB
  By mark mcdaniel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We love Them so much "We bought two"!!

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  Hot Little Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By Flyer 1 G - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Reliability (100,000 mile warranty), Fuel Economy (32 mpg), and Price (14 Gs) also included great new look!

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  GREAT CAR... - 2006 Scion XB
  By Dan - January 9 - 9:06 pm

  I have long been a Toyota fan and loved this little "xbox" from the get go. I purchased mine a year ago and I have really enjoyed it. I am a big guy and I find that most cars are uncomfortable and cramped. Not so with this one!!! I can sit in the front or back and have plenty of head and leg room. I work as a REALTOR and all of my clients are surprised by the roominess of my xB. Mine has the TRD cold air intake and exhaust, so I have improved horsepower and gas mileage. I average about 30 in town and I have gotten 38 on the highway, while loaded with 4 people, and luggage, driving at 80 mph. This car had my full approval and gets a great big thumbs up!!!

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  New xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By xB Owners - January 9 - 9:56 am

  My husband and I purchased this car as a replacement - my car was dieing. This xB is awesome! It drives great, and is very comfortable - a great buy for the money. The ride is a tad bouncy on the highway. A lot more room than you think! I thought it was weird looking at first, and now I think its super cute! Gas mileage is good, but gas seems to run out fast. I HIGHLY recommend this car! Toyota Reliability and solidly built!