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:

• 

  Blue X Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By The Hud - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love it. However I guess I may have busted Toyotas young culture theroy wide open as I am a 51 year old man. I have the AT version and I dont get all the fuss about nonperformance. The box is fun to drive on winding runs and although not a pocket rocket seems to get to Interstate speed adequately. Seats are more than comfortable and the rest of the standard features are great. BTW my wife loves it too!

• 

  Whats In Da Box?!?! - 2004 Scion XB
  By verbalaweSITI - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a car that has definitely got many people in the Virginia Beach area intrigued thats for sure. People just cant get over the design and roomy interior of "the box." The drive is real smooth with the occasional feel for bumps. The strut bar I got has really made cornering a thing of beauty. All of the lighting options inside the car have caught the attention of many, not to mention the single speedometer display. The sound quality is excellent with 3 sound settings and the "hear" setting is like nothing Ive ever heard. I can hear it thumping on the outside with factory Pioneer speakers. Definitely a crowd pleaser and a good family car as well.

• 

  Wow! (I say it louder!) - 2009 Scion XB
  By jc - October 18 - 1:43 pm

  Im 64" and this is a perfect car for me. Ive been a big truck person, but I have less need for that size vehicle. I really enjoy this feisty little wagon. I have back problems, but the cars seats fit me perfectly and I can drive hundreds of miles with no pain. It is no sports car, but it is sporty and fun to drive. I have music gear I haul around frequently, so its a great "gigging" car. My two kids dig it as well. I like the automatic, it shifts just when I think it should and compliments the torquey 2.4 L well. The sound system is decent too, supporting 3 digital music formats on CD, plus a cool iPod interface. For the money, its hard to beat. Toyota did good with this car.

• 

  2005 Scion Xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By Mark - October 15 - 12:20 am

  With the gas prices on the rise, I quickly got tired of spending so much $$ on gas.. As I was researching used cars with good gas economy, I had found 2 cars that I liked. After doing more research on the Xb and finding out this model was first sold in Japan in 2000, it became a popular car. Saw all the great reviews and finally went for the plunge. The unorthodox design of the car reminds me of the compacts you would normally see in Japan. I test drove both auto and manual and was surprised that this compact had decent power. The manual transmission which has a high gear ratio which helps tremendously for acceleration. I ended up picking up a nice used one from a local Toyota dealer.

• 

  Love Love Love my wagon! - 2008 Scion XB
  By JaeTee - October 13 - 11:03 pm

  I love this car! Sure, its funny looking, but just sit inside it and you wont have any more complaints about that. The interior is so roomy and the backseat is wonderful, theres no backseat-middle hump, so people love taking my car when we have a full load. Plus theres tons of head and legroom, its easy to get into, and I love the rear tinted windows. Of course, the cargo space is the reason this 21 year old wanted a wagon. I fit all my junk in it when I moved away to college, and still had room to leave visibility in the passenger rear window and the passenger side half of the hatch window. Lastly, the car drives wonderfully, like a little car, and has a great stereo system.

• 

  More to follow! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Pkr Bkr - October 2 - 6:23 pm

  We purchased this car as a B-day gift for my Wifes brother, and kept it garaged for 2 months. Before we gave it to him, but after only driving it 30 + miles my Wife was ready to get herself one. Which has not happened since we bought her 1979 Rabbit Diesel, but will happen as soon as the Diesel dies, its cylinder head is finally going after + 200,000 miles.

• 

  still fun after 2 years - 2008 Scion XB
  By charlieplex - October 2 - 3:00 am

  Ive had this car over 2 years and have racked up over 55,000 miles. I still find the xB very enjoyable to drive. The only problem Ive had is with the rubber strips that run along the roof. I had 2 blow off shortly after running it through a car wash. They were both replaced under warranty. It runs like a champ and easily cruises down the highway at 80+ mph. The kids prefer it to our other cars because they have so much room in the back seat. Im 61 and there is plenty of room in there. I average 27- 28 mpg and Id classify myself as a pretty aggressive driver. Ive driven conservatively a few times and have gotten 400 miles on a single tank of gas.

• 

  Scion xB 2009 - 2009 Scion XB
  By sbs56 - October 2 - 12:43 am

  Very pleased with my xB - averaging 28+ mpg - 50/50 around town & highway driving (what is "so-so" about that?) - Im sure it will average 30+ mpg on a long (highway) trip. Practical and fun to drive - 2.4L has plenty of pep. Interior is sparse but functional. I like the 2008+ body style - I receive a lot of compliments and there is plenty of room inside. I dont find the center mount gauges distracting and the steering wheel position is just fine. I find it interesting that "professional" reviewers generally knock the car yet actual owners love it.

• 

  Utility Defined - 2006 Scion XB
  By usedtowearabox - September 21 - 6:50 am

  I know that Scion is marketed toward youngsters, but this "box" is too good to pass up. It has excellent fuel economy and handling, and beaucoup room, plus Toyota fit, finish, and reliability. It takes curves like a slot car. all for a price less than one would pay for a bone stock Civic or a loaded Kia. Yes, there are lots of options for the kids, but they are mainly useless gimicks and shiny trinkets. All you need (and more) comes standard: air comditioning, power everything, keyless entry, a 160 watt Pioneer stereo (so I can listen to Click and Clack at a volume that will bring down low flying Aircraft), stability and traction control. I am very very pleased with it, mine gets 34 mpg in mixed driving.

• 

  very impressed - 2004 Scion XB
  By mrlaker1 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  i sell other makes of cars and i bought this one because of its value. its just a great car for the money