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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  scions fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By canyon289 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The car looks cool and is small but big inside. It looks big when its the only car around and it has a great feeling to drive

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  my xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By screamnchikn - April 4 - 10:36 am

  Lots of interior room

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  My new Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By Cathouse - April 2 - 10:00 am

  My new Scion XB is very smart in appearance. I love the way it feels in the interior and the fuel economy. I love my Scion. I have found my car of choice.

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  Best value for the $ hands down! - 2005 Scion XB
  By jonbreeze - April 1 - 8:44 am

  My scion was just totaled after 8 years of ownership. I loved it so much I felt I needed to review it for others to know. I bought it as a salvage in 06 with 16k miles on it and I put 170k miles on it. I did do some routine maintenance but it wasnt super consistent and definitely not on time. I never had a single mechanical problem with it other than replacing some simple belts once. After a few years of ownership I crashed it and had to replace my good, front fenders, front bumper, radiator, and some wiring and even after it ran flawlessly. Im a younger guy and drove it pretty hard and took it On long trips with lots of luggage and it performed great! Minor cosmetic flaws but great value!!

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  AMAZING! - 2005 Scion XB
  By MrDavid - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is the coolest thing. The windows are like picture windows. The back seats are as roomy as the front seats. It looks like a small car so its east to park, but it is big on the inside. Its a happy car. You have to smile when you look at it. The only complaint is that it does not yet come with cruise control. When it is available I will have it installed. I cant recommend the car highly enough, and I do mostly highway driving.

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  Great car, fun to drive :-) - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ced - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price. Great warranty. Excellent fuel economie. Fun and easy to drive. Very confortable.

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  Good All-Rounder - 2010 Scion XB
  By camp6ell - March 28 - 12:53 am

  Traded in an 07 tC and am delighted with similar performance but much more utility. Is more pleasant to drive and has a good ride quality balance - compliant enough in corners and over bumps, but not too stiff. Tons of room inside was a big reason for buying. Does everything we need it to do well, though I would always like to see better fuel mileage.

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  Scion Xb is a FUN car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Gary - March 27 - 9:10 pm

  This is a FUN car! Consumer Reports indicated that it has too much road noise. Mine is quiet. I think, Im actually getting better gas mileage than its stated 30 city / 38 highway. It has plenty of interior room. I just wish it had came with a roof rack for carying longer items like ladders or plywood. I think anyone would enjoy this vehicle. It looks like a vehicle out of the future.

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  Puts a smile on my face when I drive it! - 2010 Scion XB
  By Eric - March 20 - 8:20 pm

  Most fun car I have had in years. Had many Camrys with more creature comforts but I added MANY options so it is now very comfortable. The Camry motor in the xB makes a huge difference in performance. It could use a 5th gear but does well with a 4- speed auto. Back seats fold flat and their is an incredible amount of space. Put after-market alloys on mine and get many compliments. My fiance loves to drive it so getting driving time is getting more challenging. Sound system is awesome. Even if they were options, needs telescoping steering wheel, heated mirrors, power drivers seat,5- speed auto, and a few other things. Otherwise, love the car.

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  My Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By lesper - March 19 - 7:50 pm

  For the price, this is an outstanding car.