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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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Amber - July 3 - 2:10 am

  I recently became an xB owner two weeks ago - and I absolutely love it. It is nice and roomy. I love the sound system. I have a toddler who is tall and am 58" myself and it gives us plenty of space along with great gas milage. I would recommend this car to anyone. Definetly consider this car, its very awesome!

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  Little cube on a skate - 2005 Scion XB
  By Old Codger - July 1 - 2:53 pm

  My little white cube on a skate is so tiny outside, yet, so cavernous inside. Nimble in traffic, easy to park. Its fun to look at, fun to drive. Sound system is great. My xB Scion makes me feel like a young man again. Im in my sixties.

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  Found the Perfect Match - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daren - June 28 - 2:43 pm

  After owning a Mazda3 sedan for a year then a Ford Escape for a year I finally found the vehicle that is perfect utility tool. Has the gas mileage and comfort of a car with the hauling capacity of an SUV, all while being a great eye-catcher and conversation starter! Right now on my MPG display it says 33 mpg with 120 highway miles and a touch of city. I usually end my tank with about 26-29 mpg which I can definitely live with. The only problem I have with the car is that the interior dash and exterior paint are both extremely easy to scratch. I have a small dog and he has done his damage. Both the Mazda and Ford.

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  The neatest car I ever owned and fast... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Yellow Sub - June 27 - 12:16 am

  I wouldnt trade or sell this for anything.. It has re-juvinated me. The 5-speed is fast fun and furious. Gotta drive this before you die.

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  so cool - 2004 Scion XB
  By drater - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the ultimate urban transpot/party wagon. Looks good, drives good, dirt cheap. What more could you ask for?

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  i wish - 2004 Scion XB
  By car - June 25 - 10:00 am

  excellent but too small engine not enough power especially going uphill

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  Highly impressed - 2008 Scion XB
  By Impressed - June 24 - 4:03 pm

  I laughed when I first saw the older Scion "boxes with wheels". The more I saw them the better they grew on me. We just bought the 08 xB and we are really impressed with the ride, performance and accessibility. We really went overboard on extras and ended up with a remarkable classy vehicle. We added the Alpine navigation/radio system, leather interior (charcoal and ash), Camry alloy wheels and sports steering wheel. The audio system is awesome and navigation system has largest screen I have ever seen. You can sit and play DVD movies in the nav system while you are sitting and the surround sound is spectacular. I recommend that you become a proud owner of one.

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  Compared to 2003 Camry LE 4 cyl - 2008 Scion XB
  By Bob Bobsky - June 12 - 6:50 am

  I recently traded my 03 Camry LE 4 cyl. in for 08 xB. xBs acceleration is similar or better. Suspension is way more firm. I get 27 MPG in the city (Chicago suburbs), better my Camry. Its smaller outside, but it has a lot of room inside. My 11 y.o. son likes it a lot, so do his friends. On the road, we get a lot of looks from passing cars. Safety features are much better. I like the way the dashboard is configured everything is in the middle. AC/heater vents are awesome; theyre adjustable all ways. xB doesn’t have a vent for the rear; however my son feels more air coming to the rear seats cause of the configuration of the vents. It’s not as wide, so 3 full size people dont fit in the back.

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  Just a test drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By Edik - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Recently had a test drive and did not find what I expected (after reading all positive reviews). I have 2003 Corolla S and 2003 Mitsu Outlander. Compare to them there is nothing in this car except exterior look. The gas mileage worse then Corollas (despite smaller engine). There is less space then in Outlander. The performance much worse then on any of them two. (I was scared how easy to make 6000 RPM on this car). The price is $200 more then Corolla S and only $2000 less then Outlander. (based on the engine size this is the car from ECHO/Accent league) I think the Matrix is much better value, if you want to have the fifth door and Toyota Quality.

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  makes you smile - 2005 Scion XB
  By ked - June 8 - 11:16 am

  My third Toyota and by far the most enjoyable to drive. Fun car with lots of room and great mileage. All the safety features you expect from a Toyota.