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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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2005 Scion XB
  By b desaw - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought 2006 Scion xB and have put 700 miles on it so far. On my first tank of gas, I got 30 mpg and on my second tank I got 29 mpg. The xB is a GREAT small car! Its very fun (easy) to drive, has a great sound system, and a cool/funky design. I bought it partly because I wanted to fit a wheelchair in back (I am replacing a Honda Odyssey), and partly because gas just went up to $3.60 a gallon. It is not a sportscar, but a logical and efficient way to get from here to there, in comfort, with sufficient power, and LOTS of interior space! I am very happy! I would defininitely recommend this vehicle to smart consumers. Idiots who need massive power to suppliment their ego shouldnt buy this car, it wont suit their needs. It suits my needs perfectly.

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  I love "The Box!" - 2006 Scion XB
  By BeachDad - March 29 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this used after owning a Ford Explorer SportTrac. Im a 52 YO dad with a 9-year-old kid and this is the first truly cool/hip vehicle Ive ever owned. I find myself smiling uncontrollably as I bop around town in this thing. Even my kid thinks it is/we are cool. The headroom is amazing The seats are beyond comfortable. I love paying $30 to fill it, rather than $60. I havent had this much fun since the Fiat 124 in the 1970s (also a misunderstood vehicle).

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  Old guys like cool cars tooooo!!!!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Old Guy Bald Head - March 24 - 10:46 am

  Im 57 years old, and my wife and I love our xB. We think its so ugly its cute, and so do all of our friends. Im an old drag racer and have already redone the intake and the exhaust. I am building a subwolfer box that fits in the storage compartment in the back. It handles great, workmanship is great, gets great gas mileage. I am working on phantom flames on the front end. I think it is the coolest car I have owned since I bought a 65 Mustang new.

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  Former BMW Owner - 2010 Scion XB
  By Former BMW X3 Owners - March 19 - 4:30 pm

  We just traded in our 2005 BMW X3 on a 2010 XB. The XB is almost the same size inside and actually fits a booster seat for our 3 year old daughter better in the back. The BMW was a terrible fit for car seats and the the booster seats. Nothing would fit in between the seatbelts. This car fits much better, but still not perfect. Its nowhere near as quiet inside, but hopefully it will not have the problems. We were getting ready to spend over 3k in repairs as our BMW has many issues including bad all wheel drive motor (1.8k to fix), A/C wasnt working, passenger seat wasnt working, and bluetooth stopped working.

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  All Around Quality - 2009 Scion XB
  By TexasTennisChamp - March 14 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in my SUV for a car with better mileage. I researched and test drove all of the competing brands and could not find a car with as much quality. I have been amazed at how much fun this car is to drive. It handles like a go-cart after driving an SUV for years. The power is great, much quicker than the SUV. Plus you can put it in manual shift and downshift for passing power. With the seats folder down i have put two 80 lbs. Dobermans in the back with plenty of room. The interior is very nice with comfortable seats and a great stereo. There are more standard features than in any other car I drove. The iPod connection is great with controls on the steering wheel. Great car!

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  2005 Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By JohnB - March 5 - 5:00 pm

  The 2005 Scion xB is a great, fun to drive car. It actually did better than I thought it would in the winter weather. I am pleased with the total package. It is a lot of car for little money. You cant go wrong with it.

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  2009 Scion - 2009 Scion XB
  By Howard Jones - March 4 - 9:10 pm

  The 09 Scion is the best designed car I have ever owned and I am a mechanical designer and a detail nut. Every design aspect of this car is very well thought out. It reminds me of the interior of a boat in the efficiency of the storage compartments. It should be Car of the Year for 09.

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  Love My Scon xB! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Roxanne - March 4 - 11:36 am

  I love my Scion xB! It handles well. Great gas mileage! I love the way it looks. I plan to keep this car for a long time. I cannot wait to get it accessorized! I know that this car was made specifically for the "Young" folks. My husband and I are in our late forties and love this car for going around town and back and forth to work!

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  I love my Fridge!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By fidget - March 1 - 6:20 pm

  Whether people call my car a fridge or a toaster, it is anything but a small appliance. It is the first car I have bought and I couldnt have picked better. Very roomy to fit my friends for long drives, or to haul around my art things. The dealership also installed black and white contrast leather interior, so I feel like I am driving a much fancier car. Also, with the toyota name behind it, I feel safe. Someone hit me recently and for the impact I felt, there was very little damage. Great gas mileage, too, so affordable at purchase time and thereafter.

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  My Gold Rush Scions 1st Road Trip - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jimi Harris - February 28 - 3:30 pm

  Went down to Columbia South Carolina when my Scion had less that 2000 miles on it got the first 500 miles with a tank and a half gas, it comfort and safety it was pouring rain all through NC in to Columbia. Driving time was 8.5 hours one way. Drove all over Columbia and then went down to Charleston, SC to check it out and stayed over night shopped at the Outlet stores and filled my XB up. Drove straight through back to Maryland stopping for gas etc. Got awesome gas mileage, cruise control is awesome, my old behind did not fall asleep once even after 4.5 hours. Was windy and raining hard never felt that my XB was not giving me awesome traction and wind buffeting was kept to a minimum. Jimi