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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My XB 0822 - 2005 Scion XB
By 01-0822 - August 27 - 10:00 pmMy XB is fun to drive. Has lots of room for my big body. It gets very good mileage and the best part is that it is Orange. The only let down is it doesnt handle good in high cross winds.
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I love this Box - 2006 Scion XB
By HattawayC - August 26 - 9:23 pmOk, at first I was a little skeptical to buy this car because it kinda looked like a toaster, but so many things grew on me after awhile when I saw the gas mileage, loads of interior room and endless acessories. This car is truly the real deal. On an 11.9 gallon tank this car can go on the highway about 325 miles roughly...at least thats what I calculated. I get so many compliments on this car. I just tell em you gotta drive it to really believe it.
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Square Peg....Round Garage - 2005 Scion XB
By CoolGayDad - August 22 - 10:56 pmWow what a car. I barely talked my significant other out of an xA but now everybody is glad I did. This car offers more interior comfort and space than most mid-size SUVs in the front AND rear. Great economy. Coolest looks on the road. Nimble and efficient. Go with the Sirius Satellite Radio. Last but not least...Toyota Quality.
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Almost perfect for me - 2008 Scion XB
By Pierce - August 20 - 1:36 pmI went from an F150 SuperCrew to this car. Major downsize, but I still fit very comfortably in this car. Ive had for it a couple weeks and the average mileage has crept up to 27mpg. This is very functional and fun car.
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Slick Compromise - 2005 Scion XB
By Amerhicka - August 20 - 1:53 amThe Scion xB is quirky. Its small enough to walk around in the garage and to squeeze into parking spaces only a Mini Cooper would look at twice, but big enough to cross your legs, with your hands crossed behind your head...in the back seat. Its fun enough to drive that it surprises, often all the way into a smile. It drinks less gas than most vehicles and makes you feel slightly less guilty about the planet you ride upon. Toyota didnt have to reinvent the wheel for the cB, just smoosh together the best traits of the city car: affordability, a reasonably well-appointed interior, roominess, safety, and it is charming. This car strikes so many sensible compromises that I am glad to see it loved by ravers and retirees.
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Scion xB (@ 750 miles - 2008 Scion XB
By Mark19 - August 11 - 3:56 amClutch has a long throw. Radio did not have a manual.
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Value Value value! - 2005 Scion XB
By ScionXb2005 - August 9 - 10:00 amYes I did say value three times. I have had my 2005 Scion XB for about a month now and I couldnt be any happier. I looked into the Honda Civic and I said to myself why do I have to have the same car everyone else is driving. My xb also came with every power option available and cost much less than a Civic EX. You also dont have to wonder witch civic is yours in the parking lot of the local supermarket. My Scion Xb has been a pleasure to drive and own. If you want and incredible value and the awsome reputation of Toyota look into the Scion Xb.
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love this little box - 2005 Scion XB
By Adrinap - August 9 - 10:00 ami love, love, love this little box of mine. the only bummer for me is the fact that there are no plans for toyota to design a hitch or a way to add a hitch for this little thing so i can take a couple of bicycles along with me. i dont want a roof rack for the bikes (the car is just too tall for that).
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Satisfied with my Midlife Crisis - 2008 Scion XB
By Eric - August 4 - 8:50 pmCar is exactly as advertised. The blackberry crush color is amazing beautiful. Planned on wrapping it, but I am having a hard time covering up the color. The car is great on gas mileage (just got 33 mpg on a highway trip).
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Heck of a toaster oven - 2008 Scion XB
By Clark - August 4 - 1:40 pmThis is our 3rd car, intended for hauling dogs, skis, and toys. Great value for $16K. Interior no frills but very functional: perfect for intended use. Good sound, fairly quiet ride, seats okay. Very roomy: huge plus. Performance and handling more than ok, considering that I dont drive it in a spirited way; just want to haul toys and dogs in comfort. It is, after all, an econo-box. Ive got my Porsche Cayman S if I feel like driving spirited. Gas mileage has been great, probably cause I dont push it. Ave 30-32 mpg combined hwy-city; 33 hwy const. 67 mph. Dont get how some report 22 mpg; they must think they are driving sports car but cant afford a real one. xB not a sports car.
