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:

• 

  So far, oh so good - 2006 Scion XB
  By albie3063 - December 2 - 11:13 am

  When the Scion xB was first introduced I did not like the style, however the more I have seen them the more they grew on me. After test driving it I change my mind. The right color, Black Cherry, makes this car.

• 

  PERFECT CAR - 2006 Scion XB
  By DANNY - November 30 - 9:13 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I am so happy with its roominess and fun drivability, Oh and I only paid only $14,000 for it. Its worth every penny.

• 

  Beezers Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Brad - November 30 - 4:13 am

  I bought a Black Sand Pearl Scion XB back in 2004. It is so much fun to drive and because of the uniqueness of it compared to other vehicles on the road a lot of attention is drawn to it. Many people have complimented me on it and asked me how I like it. There is a tremendous amount of leg room in the front, and even more leg room in the back seats. The Pioneer CD/AM/FM radio which is standard sounds great. The gas mileage is also very good. I put alot of miles on per week, and just love driving my Scion XB.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2009 Scion XB
  By Jessica - November 29 - 2:16 pm

  Im just in love with this vehicle. I traded in an 07 Nissan Altima which I absolutely hated and Im so happy I did. There is not one thing I dislike about this car. Its so roomy but still small and incredibly fun to drive. I love how you sit up in it and can see out of it so well like an SUV. Its very peppy with the 2.4L engine and it handles perfectly. I have the Stingray color and it is just beautiful. I adore the styling of this car...its so cute! This is an awesome ride for truly anyone. Im a 25 year old girl on the go and it does everything I want it to. Test drive one of these and you will understand why this car rocks.

• 

  My gocart with an A/C - 2011 Scion XB
  By bilbowill - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Just that, it preforms like a 158 hp go cart, , I chose the White color with Gray/black interior, , the center dash does take some getting used to, but I got over that as soon as I plugged my iPod, , and my iphone in, I even use my iphone as the iPod and can get calls, the cargo area is large enough to slid my 3 wheel bike in I get 30.2 mpg in the city, , thats great, , went from a murano, with only 64 cubic feet of storage to this, , 70 cf, its great

• 

  Fun to drive - 2006 Scion XB
  By Kathy - November 17 - 3:03 am

  I traded in my luxury van for better mileage. At first I thought I had made a mistake because I have had vans for 14 years so this was a big jump backwards at first thought. Ive driven it for a few days now and I actually like it, the mileage is great and its fun to drive. Thought this was only for the younger crowd but everyone I see driving it is my age (almost 40) or older. Glad I made the decision to buy a Scion xB I think Ill be real happy when I finally need gas!

• 

  Dont Let the "Toaster" Deceive You - 2008 Scion XB
  By cmoriarty7 - November 16 - 9:38 am

  As someone who is 64", Im astounded by having 4 inches of clearance over my head when I sit in the car. At the same time, I loved having plenty of leg room in the rear even with the front seats all the way back.The trunk has held up to 4 sets of golf clubs as well. You cant go wrong with the city MPG constantly between 25-27 and the highway between 28-30. The Toyota turning radius and engine is a joy and the engine has enough pep that sub-160 HP feel like a lot more. The acceleration capability is hard to comprehend with the thought of it being a box. I never had a vital part come close to failing after 60K miles. The car also handled in a way that tire wear was incredibly slow.

• 

  xB = Fun - 2006 Scion XB
  By RLC - November 16 - 5:23 am

  The xB is fun to drive in the way that my VW van was fun to drive. It has lots of room inside and it is cheap to run. Load it up and go to the beach, or river or whereever.

• 

  Love my xB - 2004 Scion XB
  By memphissnow - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 2001 Honda Civic to the xB. Even though the Scion has less horsepower than the Civic, there is no noticable power difference. I Scion drives better than the Civic ever did. I love that I got a roomy car for a very reasonable price- and it turns out that I am expecting in November (Plenty of baby room!!). One thing that is for certain- the xB will get you attention- good or bad. (I am the first person in my West Tennessee area to be driving a Scion.) Overall- I love my Scion!!

• 

  Greatest Car I ever owned - 2004 Scion XB
  By NemoBronsky - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Only have 800 miles so far, but its by far the most fun car Ive ever driven. This car is a cruiser so speed isnt its strong point, but the standard options and suprisingly effective factory sound system more than make up for a lack of horsepower. A must own for first time new car buyers and the young at heart.