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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  Kool Car but cheap for a reason! - 2006 Scion XB
  By xbguy84 - August 10 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car new. I had to pay extra for cruise and a cheap piece of plastic with a cloth covered piece of plastic called an arm rest. my elbow barely fits on. This did add a rear cup holder which made it better. My windshield suffered a stress crack 6 days after i purchased and i have rode around with a cracked windshield ever since. This is a well known problem but not covered under warranty. Have strange rattle in dash that is annoying. Cruise control is a cheap after market piece of plastic. It does not stay at a constant speed so i never use it. Also is not flushly mounted. Over all this is a cool car with great mpg and room but misses the mark on the small things.

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  I like it very much - 2005 Scion XB
  By XB - August 8 - 12:43 am

  This was my daughters dream car and she only had 900 miles on it when she was murdered. It is now my office on wheels as l work in many places. l have tried to make it a tribute to her, the license plate is her screen name and her name Vanessa, means butterfly; it is covered in butterflies now. l get comments on the butterflies all the time, usually from women, however, even a guy gives a thumbs up now and then as he passes me driving his own xB. l would give the car up in a second along with anything else to have my baby back but feel a bit closer to her driving the car she wanted long before it became available in Florida.

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  Old Timers opinion - 2006 Scion XB
  By William Iler - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The XB was designed with the young in mind, but I think they missed it altogether! It is a seniors car! It has excellent visibility and performance, and you can get in and out without scalping yourself or pretzelizing your body! We get 38 MPG, which helps on a retirement income too! and we heartily recommend the XB to all Old timers like us. Im 88 years old.

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  Best Review of an xB ever! - 2004 Scion XB
  By cbpubhead - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Let me tell you..I bought an xB in Nov. of 2003 and only having it for about a month now it is the best and most fun car i have driven EVER..this car gets so much attention its ridiculous.. everyone asks "what the heck is that".. It takes a while for the style of the car to grow on them but everyone seems to love it..I cant give a higher recommedation to any car out there right now because i have already have had so much fun in this car..buy one! you wont regret it

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  The Best Little Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By Angie Bear - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I got my Scion in October. This is a great car for any age range. For teenagers theres a great soundsystem that comes standard, and tons of room for friends. For people that like to travel, it has great fuel economy and the rear bench seat is removable for extra space. Taller people have lots of head space, and their long legs are not crammed. Its great to drive, & so quiet. It may not have a big engine, but its got a lot of zip when you need it.

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  Pretty cool ride, but nothing flashy - 2004 Scion XB
  By jadan15 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my xB for about 6 months now, and its a great get around town car. Weve taken it on a couple of road trips (nothing flashy, just a 5 hour drive up the coast), and it can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, but what car doesnt? Good gas mileage, decent get-up-and-go, and a very cool sound system with lots of upgradables if wanted. Defenitely worth the price!! One note: get the cold air intake! It takes away the air conditioning torque deficit.

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  "The Incredible Little Box" - 2004 Scion XB
  By JOE123 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our first "NEW" car in many years. Since we are much older (44 and 38) then the target demographic, we were initally turned off by the odd shape of the car. Once we took it for a drive, we were sold. With a great combination of passenger and cargo room, good fuel economy, proven Toyota reliability and a great "out the door" price, whats not to like. Its always a great conversation starter everywhere we go!

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  I love my xB - 2011 Scion XB
  By Nick510451 - July 19 - 4:53 pm

  Just traded my 08 xB manual for a brand new 11 xB automatic (wife wanted an auto). Having owned a 08 for three years and having a close family member with a 06 xB I can tell you that Scions are wonderful cars. The 2.4 engine makes the car more competent in all driving situations than the 1.5. The car feels substantial, bumps are much better absorbed than in older models. The brakes inspire confidence (4wheel disc with ABS, and EBD). My 2008 averaged 27+MPG mostly city driving. One tank averaged 33mpg on a 300+ mile road trip. All of the issues I had with my 08 have been fixed on this "11 Larger armrest, larger center console, reverse lights, seats, telescopic wheel.

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  Best Thing built since the "WHEEL" - 2006 Scion XB
  By NEHC - July 10 - 4:20 am

  I have a Scion xB, from Toyota. I bought it new and it now has 900 miles on it, but I can see why "You love it, or hate it, no gray area." It is perfect for their wrong target area, 62 year-olds, they aimed 18-40 year-olds. Id buy another in a heart beat if I could. Buy the pre-2008 model they will be instant classics. They changed the style. If I had room and the money Id get one in every color and series. Its Performance would be a 10 if it went 0-60 mph in the 4 second range, just missed :-)

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  2013 Scion xB - 2013 Scion XB
  By B Diane Bounds - July 7 - 1:59 pm

  Ive only owned the car a month after driving my Toyota Corolla for 18 years, but so far it is great; very peppy. It is easier to get in and out of than the Toyota and Im sitting taller so its easier to see around me.