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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  Boxes can be fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By BoXedUP - May 29 - 8:50 pm

  I fell in love with my box (aka XB) when I first saw it. It was unlike anything else on the market at that time or really since then. I bought it for three main reasons. 1) I loved the way it looked. 2) I loved the mileage it was reported to get. And 3) It was more customizable and had more personality than any vehicle I had ever encountered. Now three years and almost 40,000 miles later I still catch myself with a smile on my face as I drive down the interstate to work. I have owned many cars in the past but never one that I have truly loved. This year I am considering on trading in my Box. What will I replace it with? The next generation XB. I love this car and the Scion experience.

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  Great, but Drive It First - 2005 Scion XB
  By scottysail - May 25 - 10:06 am

  The Scion xB is a cool car. Its affordable for post-college students is and just neat to drive. I like it a lot. Mine has just a very basic setup (but for the cost no complaints should be allowed).

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  05 xB Convert - 2005 Scion XB
  By Roy - May 20 - 12:03 am

  I have driven my xB now for just over one year and it is still fun to drive. I have had no mechanical problems with it. It does have a few minor rattles from the front door pillars, but otherwise it is an exellent vehicle for the price. It stops on a dime, and the Vehicle Skid Control works perfectly.

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  Best kept Secret - 2008 Scion XB
  By Dan - May 19 - 4:46 pm

  The xB may be the best kept secret of the year.Mine is an awesome conveyance, [this, from someone who has owned about 30 vehicles and did for over 25 years, drive over 40K miles per year. As with my 94 Previa AWD van that has 260K and still runs well, my xB is no disappointment when it comes to reliability,[not a single problem yet],and now that it has 20K and the engine has settled in, I just observed over 30 MPG [only got about 25 whthru the Mt.s of WV, and the hills of VA/PA, [this, with over 500 lbs of luggage/demo gear plus my 230+ wt.]. It has plenty of acceleration and although suspension could be stiffer, [I could cure that for a few hundred $ in factory add-ons], its fine, as is.

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  Follow-up review - 2006 Scion XB
  By Gisch - May 19 - 2:03 am

  I have had my xB for 6 months and 7,000 miles and thought an extended use report may be useful to some. Still love my xB. I have taken a couple of road trips and it has done great. I did customize my car with factory upgrades and it still turns heads going down the road. People of all ages give me compliments. Its gas mileage is good, I average about 32 mpg in town and 36 on the interstate. This car can carry a good amount of luggage (fold down rear seats) for trips involving 2-3 people. It has lots of head and leg room. The only problem I have involves build quality. My rear seat makes a noise in the upright position. Also, I get an annoying vibration from the front seat belts where they adjust up and down.

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  Happy with my Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By a new owner - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I really thought I wanted to purchase the xA and went to the delaership to see one in person. It was WAY TOO SMALL! You have to move the front seats forward in order to put the rear seats down. I tried the Matrix and then the xB. Everything was great! TONS OF ROOM even with the front seats all the way back! I was not totally sold on the exterior design, but it grows on you. Simple controls, GREAT visability. Overall, a fun and funky little car!

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  couldbebetter - 2005 Scion XB
  By xbassateak - May 15 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is adorable,but, it seems like it was thrown together. maybe thats why it was so cheap. the look is great. it is comfortable,yet, that could be upgraded a bit. gas mileage is decent. it is extremely fun to drive. like a little baha mobile.

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  The Ups and Downs - 2005 Scion XB
  By mxpro338 - May 5 - 4:23 pm

  I have owned this car for a year and have put over 30,000 miles on it. What I like: it is reliable and roomy! The xB is a very practical "around town" car, it gets good fuel mileage, is unique, has suprisingly strong engine for its displacement, has phenominal handling (even in the snow!), and is affordable. What I dont like: it lacks passing power at high RPM, the original radio, lots of wind noise, and it had no armrest when new. In the end, if you are looking at this car you have to weigh out what is important to you. It is not great fuel mileage (30-32 mpg avg.) and it is not powerful (100 - 110hp), but it is fun to own and will attract lots of attention around your town.

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  Great value! - 2006 Scion XB
  By pharklefam - May 2 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my Scion XB for about a year and a half and think its great. It gets excellent gas mileage and visibility is very good. My Scion has a rattle almost from day one on the drivers side dashboard. Dealer has tried two or three times to fix it but cant seem to find it. Also the interior lighting is too dim. Cant find anything at night. Very, very uncomfortable on long trips -- 3 hours plus. I do enjoy driving it locally -- easy to park, brakes work well, low maintenance, etc. But at 27,000 miles, my tires are just about worn out. I have rotated the tires every 3 to 4,000 miles. I guess this must be average. Anyway, Id buy it again if I had the chance.

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  The tap dancing xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Disappointed - April 30 - 8:03 pm

  I got mine after I read the favorable consumer ratings. I made a wrong decision.The driver seat is so uncomfortable and wablly, I feel like I am sitting on a half inflated ballon. A small bump on the road would send this car jumping all over because of the very soft suspension. The ride is punishing. If nothing else, the car should be recalled for lack of suspension. Toyotas focus should be balanced and away from selling accessories at the expense of comfort and safety. I do not want to buy the firmer lowering kit for better suspension. What an arrogance on toyotas part to have only one color of fabric for the seats!I have had this car for almost 3 months now and it is already rattling.