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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Avoid this car - 2006 Scion XB
By rcc90 - December 27 - 4:25 amWe purchased this car in 06. I will not ever buy another XB. We had one expense a year ago that ran over $600 to fix. Currently, we have a leaking water pump - another $500. This is a lemon! We had a slight bump up a year ago. A car bumped into us. The whole front bender had to be replaced. We didnt have to pay for this but it has made me realize how unsafe this car is. I hate driving it on the interstate. This will be our last XB. I told my husband we should have purchased another Camry.
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Love it! - 2008 Scion XB
By Jen - December 19 - 2:36 amI am absolutely in love with my XB! I traded in my Cavalier coupe and I am loving the room in the XB. My fiance who is 64 could not fit in my old car and was amazed at how much room the XB has. Everyone that sees the interior is shocked at how big it is since it looks so small from the outside. I got it in white and I love the way it looks with the tinted windows and the dark interior. Very happy with all of the standard features, I have not added any options at all. I shopped around for almost 6 months trying to find the "perfect" car for me and this is it. When compared to other similar vehicles, the XB really gives you more features for less money.
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Scion xB - Needs a Diesel Engine - 2005 Scion XB
By dave behrens - December 17 - 3:20 amThe 2005 Scion xB is fun to drive, has nice acceleration, a great view, loads of head room, and handles well with a front strut tower brace. Mine has Denso 0.4 mm iridium plugs and a K&N million mile air filter (not a CAI). I have used Mobil 1 in it from Day 1. I also added a hood wind deflector. Dont buy in-channel window air deflectors..they dont fit correctly causing the windows to not completely close. I got front and rear seatcovers for mine from seatcovers.net, and a Scion center armrest through eBay. I like the sound of the original sound system.
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Im sorry, I have buyers remorse - 2006 Scion XB
By Marian - December 15 - 7:00 amI have almost 5,000 miles on my 2006 XB. So far the windshield wiper rubber part came off of the metal causing theit to stick up and scrape the paint off my car. It is now rusting. The windshield is so straight that rocks chip it VERY easy (4 times already)! I need a new one. The radio sounds horrible and when I turn volume up. When I turn sharp corners the radio station changes. Ive lived at beach for years never had problems with door parts getting bent due to the wind!! A "little" peice of metal is bent and I have to slam door shut to close it and now the window only rolls down 3 inches! Also the interior lighting is bad. Its seats are VERY uncomfortable. And it drives like a go cart. If you are used to small cars this wont be a problem for you.
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A real bargin - 2006 Scion XB
By NS - December 14 - 6:33 amThe xB is great overall, but its gas mileage doesnt meet my expectations.
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THE BEST darn car i ever owned - 2005 Scion XB
By JUMPnPUP - December 11 - 1:23 pmThis this is perfect for both young and old. I say old because the doors are so big and the car sits so low its very easy to get in and out.
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A thing of beauty... - 2012 Scion XB
By auto_fan - December 9 - 2:29 pmI used a Galant I had for five years as a trade-in toward my Scion XB. I have to say, the XB blows the Galant out of the H2O. The Scion is a lot of fun to drive. It blends the practicality of an SUV with the safety of a sedan. It seems small on the outside but is roomy on the inside. It also comes with free maintenance for 25K miles. And by the way, I got the best deal around from Fitzmall.
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Love My xB - 2006 Scion XB
By xbfan - December 6 - 1:20 amMy xB is a great car. I have been in the mountains with it. It hugs the turns like a sports car. It gets great gas mileage, too. It has easy access for my grandma to get in and out plus it is real roomy in back. I am always talkin to people about the car whenever I stop. I should be sellin them.
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A few days in. - 2008 Scion XB
By Genki - December 3 - 2:40 pmJust bought this car about 3 days ago and already I can see some fantastic features. Some of the notable upgrades from my 05 Chevy Colorado are the center mounted gauges that make it easier for someone like myself being 63", to see them without the steering wheel interfering. This is the first vehicle outside of larger SUVs and some of the larger extended cab trucks that allow a 6+ person to sit directly behind a 6+ driver and not have to be awkwardly positioned to the side. Last thing to mention is that the only upgrade I have with mine is the improved sound system with the stereo head unit that includes the RCA outputs, which is the best system for the money that Ive seen yet.
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nice - 2004 Scion XB
By whoa10 - December 2 - 10:00 amthought it was the best
