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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  The Great Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By middlebt - March 17 - 7:03 am

  I have always thought the Scion xB was very unique in several ways. First being that the car looks like no other, and that it got really good gas milage. Now that I am a owner of a 2006 xB I really love its ride. I notice several people driving around me looking at the car probably thinking that it has no "ZIP". Oh how they are so wrong. This car has a great "zip" in the beginning. As far as getting the car up beyond the 85 mph its pretty hard, but that is against the law in many states. :( But anyway this car is great. I am 61 and I have tons of rooms for me to relax in the front or back seats.

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  Great Toaster - 2005 Scion XB
  By jdsusumu - March 14 - 5:33 am

  I love my xB. It is the perfect color and drives like a dream. I am always being stopped and asked what it is and how many miles per gallon it gets. I wish I could have 5 of them.

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  Love the 08 - 2008 Scion XB
  By Anewton86 - March 9 - 8:46 pm

  I had an 06XB. Loved it when I bought it and then as the year passed on I began to find things I disliked about it. I didnt like the room between me and the passenger, the leg room for the passenger, or the lack of getting up and going. I traded in my 06 3 days ago and got an 08. I love it! They fixed everything I didnt like. The ride is so much smoother.

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  Luv my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By M Henry - March 1 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! It is a blast to drive and I love the way it handles. I didnt like the looks of it at first. Then I drove it! It has tons of space and it has a great sound system. This car has the heart of a much bigger vehicle.

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  Mad In Love - 2009 Scion XB
  By MansfieldRider - February 26 - 12:10 pm

  I went to dealership to buy 2010 Venza.When I drove up saw the Red 6.0 Series. Told my husband that I wanted to test drive it before I ordered my Venza. Too bad for Venza that I did. Fell in love. Went in and ordered Classic Silver Metallic XB. Coolest thing I have driven. Put numerous accessories on it. Took them a wk to install them after they got it. I got leather seats, sport steering wheel, sport shift knob, door sill illumination, overhead console box, auto dimming mirror, upgraded audio system, tinted windows, floor and cargo mats, cargo cover. Sure I missed some and still not finished adding yet. Everyone loves it but not as much as me.Its a head turner.Mad in love. Everyone needs 1.

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  Its a shoe box - 2005 Scion XB
  By ShoeBox - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its unique, classic and fun to drive with a good gas milleage.

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  LUV IT! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Chelli - February 22 - 2:33 am

  Luv this car so far. Comfortable and I am a BIG guy. People love it after they ride in it. Dont mind the ugly aspect, I think it looks like a cool, funky hearse. I do 130 miles a day on I95. The power boost is there when I need it...30 to 70 in a couple seconds leaves those 18 wheelers in the dust! Dealer provides the 1st two checks @ 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Great room in the back when I drop the seats. It doesnt feel like a strong built car, but only time will tell.

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  No Cruise Control? - 2006 Scion XB
  By G-Man - February 13 - 7:33 am

  I got the new Envy Green special edition automatic Scion xB. I really do love this little car/truck/suv thing. I downsized from a Chevrolet Avalanche! It hums right along at 80 mph. 0-60 it isnt the greatest, but then who would be surprised by that. Its plenty peppy. With my first tank of gas in mixed driving I got 28 mpg.

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  Scion xB Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By Geoff - February 12 - 11:03 pm

  Love it or hate it exterior design; incredibly roomy interior for passengers; lots of technology for the price; short length on the outside makes it very easy to park; rather stiff, harsh, and bouncy ride; short on interior storage spaces for small items; fun to drive with sporty feel and very good visibility; lacks side curtain airbags; excellent gas mileage; easy for passengers to enter and exit vehicle. I want to see it with side curtain airbags and a hybrid engine in the next couple of years, then Ill trade my 2005 for a new one. As it stands, very good value for the money.

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  2005 XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By DF - February 7 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my XB for almost 3 months, I have already put on 3500 miles, avg 31.5 to 34.0 mpg. The car is great for hauling commuting, and have had no problems everyone that rides in it is amazed with all the room they have. Other than taking the XB for an oil change no other maintence has been needed.