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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  Big interior and Great Price - 2015 Scion XB
  By Scott Davis - April 29 - 11:29 pm

  Just purchased 2015 Scion xB and I am averaging 29.3 MPG for the first 3500 miles on the road. The vehicle is a manual transmission model. Not sure why others are reporting poor MPG. I live in the midwest with very few hills and I have a manual transmission so perhaps that might be the reason. Plenty of stop and go traffic and some highway driving and still achieve 29 MPG. I actually like the center gauges. At night I do not have the annoying gauge lights below me while viewing the road. It is quite easy on the eyes. Also the digital speedometer is a big plus over dial gauge. We place an iPad on the passenger side dash and lays there flat nicely. I am a 64" person and this vehicle is unbelievably roomy (headroom and leg room are stellar) even in the back seat. I initially was not keen on the boxy look of the vehicle but after tinting the windows and installing fog lights myself the exterior is very appealing. I have several comments on the look and the BIG interior. Reliability with Toyota Camry engine should be well above average. I do not observe the road noise as others have stated. I looked at a Kia Soul. You will be very disappointed in the interior size. Very small. Initial features of the car are not great. Get the vehicle for $17K with no options and then add aftermarket or the Toyota options yourself. They are available at lower prices from online Toyota dealers.

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  Most Fun Car I Have Ever Owned - 2005 Scion XB
  By Codycat - April 29 - 1:50 am

  I am the owner of a limited edition yellow Scion xB. The car is so much fun to drive that I look forward to taking it out as much as possible. I usually have people asking questions about it where ever I go. I am 62" and have plenty of extra head room and leg room. Its pickup is more than adequate and the gas mileage is between 30/35 MPG. The tank is just under 12 gallons. The xB is by far one of the hottest most sought after vehicles as proven by being out of stock in just about every showroom. Ordering one will take about a month. It is well worth the wait. If you are looking to bring the fun back into driving, look no further than the Scion xB. It is a winner.

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  Again, Toyota makes the best in all area - 2005 Scion XB
  By Charly - April 26 - 3:23 pm

  Bought this for my wife to drive 40 work roundtrip miles. Whenever possible I get to drive it for fun. Of the 40+ cars & trucks owned in the past 50+ yrs (Chevys, Fords, Subaru, Mercedes), this xB outpaces every other vehicle in all categories. It is very comfortable on long trips (I am 6 & 240 lbs) and is quick to react in heavy traffic. I can wear my cowboy hat & not hit the headliner and with the front seats back, most can sit in the back and cross their legs without hitting the backs of the front seats. More passenger room that most full-size cars. Safety and engineering features that are not even available on most cars until you hit the 40K price range. Quality? Its Toyota!

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  PT Cruiser with an Edge - 2004 Scion XB
  By chuck858 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Similar only in in small outside/roomy inside. But as good as the Crooz may be, this box is funkier, handles quite well, gets better gas mileage, and doesnt feel slow in real-world driving. The five speed with optional front strut support and cold air intake is fun to drive, especially with my added 16x7" wheels and 205WR50/16 tires. No racer, but practical and very comfy for 4 XL adults. Its 30+ mpg makes most SUVs obscene by comparison, for street and highway use.

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  I Love my Toaster - 2006 Scion XB
  By lizzie - April 25 - 1:13 am

  The Scion xB is affordable, fun to drive, and unusual. This may be the best car Ive ever owned, all things considered.

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  1,500 mile review - 2006 Scion XB
  By Woody - April 17 - 6:13 am

  To review this car, you must put things in perspective. This is a $15,000 car and not a luxury car. My scores are based upon this. It is pretty roomy and comfortable, gets good mileage if driven sensibly, has stylish looks, Toyota quality (hopefully), and sufficient performance, etc... Are you going to blow anybody off of the road? No, but dont buy this car for that reason. This is reliable transportation with pretty good gas mileage, that is funky, stylish, and fun to drive. That said, I think that this is one of the best auto buys out there. If the auto makers get serious about small cars and mileage in this country, then there might be some competition, but until then; Scion seems to top the list.

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  loved it... so we purchased 2 xBs - 2006 Scion XB
  By S.A. Baldwin - April 16 - 9:40 pm

  My wife and I each have an xB. They are roomy on the inside, very dependable, and quite fun to drive.even though Scion aims for the younger generation. I am 56 and the wife is over 50. These little "toasters" are much easier for the older drivers and passengers to enter and exit. Parking is a snap. Its as easy as a golf cart. although it does not have a "luxury ride" the "Toaster" will do what retirees need without breaking the bank (even on a fixed income). The fit and finish are superior to nearly any car on the market, reguardless of price. The xB is an excellent value both in purchase price and cost of operation. I highly recommend at least driving the xB before purchasing any similar vehicle.

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  Perfect car for me! - 2004 Scion XB
  By HollywoodFloral - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle about a week now and it has been nothing but fun, fun, fun....the looks I am getting here in Dallas are surprise and interest in this fun new car. Very pleased with the great sound system and gas mileage. All of my friends are amazed at the leg room in the back seat. I have never had a very good experience buying a new car, but this one was definitely the exception. I built it on line with what I wanted and that is the price I paid with no haggling. I am definitely not a youngster anymore, just young at heart and this car makes it for me!

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  Mid-Life Crisis Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By House of Steel - April 9 - 10:00 am

  WOW - I own one of the Hot Lava Models and I must say that this probably has been the best purchase I ever made. We are a family of 4 and we have more than enough room inside, comes standard with many great features, we have driven it and enjoy the ride, gas mileage is amazing ..... Take one for a drive and you will see why this is going to be a Cool Little Ride .......

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  Cant Wait - 2005 Scion XB
  By schwartzie78 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Cant wait to get my Scion. Ordered last weekend after a test drive. I know lots of people hate the look, but every time I see it it makes me smile.