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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  GREAT DEAL - 2008 Scion XB
  By dro - June 3 - 3:33 am

  Fantastic car for transporting elderly parent. They can get in and out without stepping up or down to get in and out of the Scion xB. I am also a tall person and this was the one car I can sit up in with out having to lean the seat back. A good value!!!

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  One slammin sweet ride. - 2005 Scion XB
  By kerbyron - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I thought Ib blow Toyotas demographics to heck and by an XB. Im 50...yea a half-a- century. I just might be the first AARP eligible driver to purchase one of these. I have a young, former punk rocker wife, two daughters, mother in law and a compact dog. They all fit! With extra room. I can ever fit lots of photo gear in it so I can make the payments on this cool box. This sweet ride is stylin - jazz on the slammin CD changer is killer. Its comfy, cruises down the highway quitely. Has that Toyota thing going for it. I dont even mind when my wife cues up a Sex Pistols CD and gets all teary eyed! Life is good in a Scion box. Party on!!!

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  My Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By BTownMeezer - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Ive had it for two months now and Im really glad I bought it. Its fun to drive and the room inside is just amazing - especially the head room. The gas mileage is just terrific. Its better than I expected. Would only change one thing - - this car needs a bit more engine power.

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  A great car for the money! - 2008 Scion XB
  By BrandtRN - May 31 - 12:40 am

  My husband and I just bought this car about two weeks ago, and were enjoying it very much! The interior is roomy and quite comfortable, and Im very happy with the stereo. This car is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. The value for our money, in my opinion, was excellent, and Im very happy we bought this car.

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  fun but not comfortable - 2009 Scion XB
  By waw - May 27 - 9:56 am

  This is by far the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven. The seat bottom is short and offers little support. The steering wheel is too far away. The armrest is too low and the sill is too high. My knee hits the console at a very uncomfortable spot. The trans shifts at the slightest incline. The brakes are sensitive as well as the gas pedal.

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  05 XB manual - 2005 Scion XB
  By will - May 25 - 2:53 am

  We purchased our XB manual about 2 weeks ago. I just want to say that this is exactly the car weve been looking for. We went from an Explorer to the XB and Im loving the gas mileage improvement, and the fact that it does not take up 1/2 of my garage :) I felt that the manual transmission was the way to go, we do a lot of snow/mountain pass driving and I felt that the "get up and go" was a little stronger with the manual. If youre on the fence I would highly recomend this car. The dealership was fantastic as well. Easiest car we have purchased! I was playing "taxi" after our Christmas party, and this car holds 5 adults with no problem.

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  My Doodle Bug is GREAT! - 2006 Scion XB
  By john - May 19 - 1:40 pm

  I love the driving experience in town and on the road! I have added a middle arm rest (which should be std.), cruise control (which also should be std.), driving lights (should be std), euro style rear lights (nice addition), undercoating (really reduced the road noise), a cold air intake and cat back free flow exhaust (they really improved the performance and mpg), new wheels and a $600 graphics wrap job to produce a very satisfying and distinctive ride. I love my new little doodle bug. Its low initial cost allowed me to make the additions that I wanted.

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  Great space - 2011 Scion XB
  By jt5912 - May 18 - 11:22 pm

  I wish that they would put a 6-speed Auto transmission in the XB. Because the gas milage isnt so great. After you fill it up it seems that in a couple days your down to 1/2 tank. I was used to my Camry, I would get about 200 miles when it reached half tank. I get about 20-22 mpg city. I dont know on highway yet. But I really like the car. So maybe a bigger tank and 6sp A/T. That would be really nice. And also High back front seats please. Im 6 foot and the back of the seats hits my lower shoulder blades. Dont take my wrong their is pleanty of front room for leg and headroom. And a rearseat armrest with cup holder like the camry.

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  A Bang of Safety for the Buck - 2008 Scion XB
  By mikep - May 17 - 2:43 pm

  I only added one option to the vehicle, the 16 inch alloy wheels. You cant get a car with more standard features and safety features than the xB for the price. The style has improved 10-fold from the original model. Its longer, a little wider, and about the same height. Fuel economy could be a squeeze better, but I love the torque. The base radio is quite adequate, and the sound is great. The one thing I am most impressed with is how quiet the car is, road noise is almost non existent. All this and it is so much fun to drive, and to be the first one in town with a new toy!

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  2009 XB Fun even for an old guy - 2009 Scion XB
  By ocived - May 11 - 5:25 pm

  I bought this car for my daughter in Aug. of 08 after she moved to Colorado in 12 and needed a AWD I took it off her hands, since Id need a car in a year or so. I love driving it. Very quick off the line and @4000 the VVT kicks in and its on. For a 2.4 L. 4 cyl wagon its a blast to drive. Toyota quality is all over this car. 83,000 + and no maintenance issues. One recall for coil packs R&R was it.