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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  Scion Xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By Gawd - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The scion Xb is by far the most fun driving that I have ever had. It handles perfectly, the stick has great pick up and a friendly to use clutch. With all the accessories that you can add to this car every scion is sure to be unique in its own way.

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  All around comfort and reliability - 2009 Scion XB
  By metallicatruck - December 2 - 5:56 am

  I have had the car for just less than a week and I am already extremely pleased with its performance. The car has a great little "pick up and go" style to it. Plenty of room on the inside and easy access for the disabled/elderly. Great car for the price.

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  Scionic Man and Friends - 2005 Scion XB
  By Alternagirl - December 1 - 3:36 am

  Its a great car - excellent value. Lots of room for the size. Lots of leg room in the back seat even with the front seats all the way back, and with the back seats folded down, I can carry most things I need. The standard options are great - nice sound system. I added XM radio, and I like the fact that its integrated into the existing system. I get an average of 30 mi/gal, but my travel is mostly in the city. Its a Toyota, so I know it will be reliable.

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  scion xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By sidunique21 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i really like the way my scion looks and feels when i drive it. also, the gas mileage is great

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  nice - 2004 Scion XB
  By Brandyn Ippolito - December 1 - 2:00 am

  nice car, very desirable, and rommy. fun to drive and cool to the look but not to the touch

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  Consumer Rating - 2005 Scion XB
  By thomaslt - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The XB is the best car I have ever purchased. My XB handles like a small car and turns on a dime. The boxy build of the XB does not interfer with the aerodynamics of the handling and ride of the XB. The space inside of the XB beyond belief. I have to be careful not to let too many people know that I have a lot of room in my wagon. My XB is not the local moving van.

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  Owners Report - 2004 Scion XB
  By ferndale - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the fact that I get great gas milage. My teenage sons really like the way the car makes heads turn. The ride is a little rough because the car sits close to the ground. You will feel EVERY bump in the road. It takes a little getting used to when driving at night. There is NO dash panel that US drivers are accustomed. The 6-CD changer is a MUST. You will hear some wind noise when driving even with all windows up and doors locked. I think Toyota could have had a tighter build with the door panels.

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  a blast to drive - 2005 Scion XB
  By spinoza - November 18 - 5:26 am

  Because the car is so light and low to the ground, it is a joy to drive around in, with great handling and performance characteristics. Its very agile and quick, and easily can cruise at 80 mph. All this, and the gas mileage is unbeatable at around 32 mpg! Its great for transporting things, though I miss a decent roof rack (the Yakima rack has very light load limits). Its not an SUV replacement, but it has other qualities that outweigh the disadvantages, like the great gas mileage.

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  Unbelievable Buy for the Money - 2005 Scion XB
  By Juice Mavin - November 14 - 9:40 pm

  There is a reason this thing gets such great reviews. Everyone says the same thing...it gets excellent mileage, has good leg room, nice style, etc. I have only had my xB for a month and am confident that it has been my best purchase ever. It was super easy to wave goodbye to the horrible VW I had and I drove away smiling. It is unbelievable how much you get for the money. Traction control is standard plus all of the options that everyone else is mentioning. I love my Scion.

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  Xb 2 - 2012 Scion XB
  By cleard2land - November 14 - 1:21 pm

  Much improved from my 06 Xb. More room and power, better mpg with the same Toyota quality. Did change the tires for a much queiter ride.