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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  Reliability and gas mileage - 2010 Scion XB
  By Jim - November 11 - 8:23 am

  I just bought the 10 xB and couldnt be happier. We already have put almost 4K miles on it and it is a pleasure to drive. The gas mileage we found on the highway could get up to 30 mpg. All in all I would highly recommend this car.

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  I LOVE my Scion xB - 2013 Scion XB
  By acastillo1107 - November 9 - 7:49 pm

  I purchased this car brand new from a reliable Toyota/Scion dealership. I have mine in Super White. I like the spacious interior. But there are a few things I wish were a bit different. The USB/AUX port inside the arm rest doesnt work because of the audio (touchscreen) isnt compatible with it. I wish that the splash guards for the bottom were standard. I shouldnt have to pay over $200 for them to install them. Ride is smooth, and performance wise, its great. Gas milage could be better, but overall I love the car. The dashboard is placed in the center and took a bit to get used to. Pricing was okay. For all the things not included, I feel it could have been lower in price.

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  scion xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By stan wlas - November 7 - 10:06 pm

  fun to drive roomy interior i`m 6 4 and 250 lbs great stereo great gas millage and handeling

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  Great car for the price you pay - 2008 Scion XB
  By Michael W - November 7 - 6:10 pm

  My wife and I arrived in the US one year ago and decided to buy a Scion for the price/feature ratio. The standard model comes with everything we needed (AC/CD player/curtain air bags/power wheels/power doors etc). You pretty much get everything with it. The appearance is not bad as well and being a Toyota (made in Japan) you cant go wrong on the mechanics of it. Comparing to the FIAT Palio 1.0L I had before this car is like a Ferrari...

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  love the xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By brandiwyne - November 3 - 10:00 am

  great on gas, looks good, gets a lot of comments, roomy, not to mention it doesnt break the bank and you still get a brand new car

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  need more like this one - 2005 Scion XB
  By tobin - November 3 - 10:00 am

  easy on the back and pocketbook

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  fun to own - 2005 Scion XB
  By bruceg - November 3 - 10:00 am

  the bomb-love this car-great milage- much room-awesoom toons-black is beautiful-like a mirror-check it out

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  Why buy anything else (at this price)? - 2005 Scion XB
  By jayman785 - October 28 - 7:30 am

  I love it. Got it for my wife. We live in a major city, and I manage an exotic car dealership, where I get to drive virutally everything. This was what she wanted. I didnt really like the idea of the Scion xB, but she got it. I drive a 2006 BMW M5 everyday, and since weve had it (about 90 days), the BMW has been parked in favor of this incredible little car (truck, suv, whatever). Great fuel economy, fun to drive, very refined, excellent storage space, excellent visibility, easy to park, cheap to insure, what more could you want out of a car? As a self-professed auto expert, you cannot get more for your money than in a Scion xB.

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  Super Cool - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jim - October 23 - 10:43 pm

  Bought my xB in late December 2004. Needed a vehicle that I could carry my disabled Sweetheart and be able to get her in and out without trouble. Told the salesguy if I could get the wheelchair in the luggage area, I would buy it and buy it we did. Has just over 23000 miles and couldnt ask for a better vehicle. Lots of power and energy, great mileage, and enough room for my 68" 300 lb son to drive with comfort. Installed luggage rack and aluminum alloy wheels from internet. Never used a drop of oil and no maintenance problems whatsoever. Best car I ever owned, and Ive always driven sports/small cars (Triumph Spitfire, Opel Mimi-Corvette, Suzuki Samurai) and this one is the best.

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  Great box - 2008 Scion XB
  By Anthony Z - October 21 - 11:33 pm

  This car was put on the road May 1st 2008, and have been a delightful experience, Ive driven 3500 miles and loved every minute in it. I added floor mats, interior leather, a sway bar, XM radio, it has the 2.4 L engine motor which is very adequate, zips in out in traffic, park just any where, Im getting about an average of 33 to 34 miles per gallon, very consistently, no racing here, very easy on the throttle, and coast every time I have a chance, it is easy to do it with standard transmission, I love this little car, go ahead buy one, you will enjoy.