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:

• 

  lil old lady - 2009 Scion XB
  By pat zimmerman - February 24 - 2:30 am

  I am a 65 year old grandmother and absolutely love this awesome little car which I cant say for the previous 10 I owned. It is so responsive I have to really keep my eye on the speedometer (which is extremely easy to do in this car). Everyone is so impressed by the room inside. Would like to see a better armrest and a little less plastic on the door. All in all, its a keeper! Blackberry crush is a terrific color and I am getting alloys soon.

• 

  Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Patrick_peters - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Okay People, I was invited to the Scion Launch at the Orange Co. Fair grounds on the 14th of May 2003.. Let me tell you I was IMPRESSED with this "Car". They let us drive the Heck out of thr XA & the XB. It reminded me of my younger gocart days in the school parking lot. with the standard traction controll and the standard anit-locking brakes the car drove like it was on rails. My only recomendation is get the supercharger (an optional accessory)to take the 108 hp 4cyl. engine to a whopping 200+ hp. Like a rocket on a skateboard!

• 

  Scion xBox - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ramon - February 22 - 11:43 am

  Im a new owner. Ive heard a lot of positive things about the car before. Now, I can say that its true. Theres a lot of power, handles well, and a very practical vehicle. My wife and daughter love it too.

• 

  Cant Beat it for the Money - 2006 Scion XB
  By DriveBy - February 19 - 3:06 am

  I bought my xB automatic today. After looking at the Honda CR-V, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the Toyota Matrix, I decided upon the xB. It is much cheaper than the CR-V, yet has more standard features than any others in the wagon/hatchback class. It has just as much room as many SUVs, but gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive. It feels like a whole other world inside the cabin. Its size is quite deceiving from the outside. Its high roof gives the feel of even more room.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By oj411 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this car bought it for my wife I flew out to Cali to pick this car up and drive 1600 miles back to Houston, Texas and become the first Xb in Texas.

• 

  Best car/truck ive ever owned - 2006 Scion XB
  By toolmanlan - February 15 - 2:45 pm

  I travel on the road over 35,ooo miles per year and have purchased 5 scion XBs,Best of all Ive drivin,No major or minor complaints plan on buying another after this one dies,Have not killed one yet, always trade high miles to back to lower miles,only vehicle ive owned that still today i have seen many 2006 Scions advertised for more than list price brand new in 2006 with over 50000 miles on them WHY you ask,drive one or even get in one,2004-2006 only made for 3 years before scion screwed up the whole car nothing the same interior handleing room,seating,all messed up including the mileage,26-37 mpg,

• 

  Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By acstorfer - February 15 - 12:40 am

  The Scion xB is a great vehicle. It is incredibly practical and has everything you need and most things you want in a car.

• 

  I Love this Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Don - February 14 - 7:50 am

  I am retired and I wanted a fun and economical car with space to carry things. I drove 12 cars before buying my xB. I like the ride, the handling, and the large cargo space. The car is responsive and fun to drive. To make it even more fun, I added several Toyota dealer installed products including a cold air intake, free flow exhaust, 18" wheels and performance tires. The normal good acceleration is now fantastic. Best of all, the highway mileage is now over 31 mpg.

• 

  Sci Fi - 2005 Scion XB
  By picccc - February 6 - 5:10 pm

  Its a toaster, a breadbox, ugly, you name it and Im sure youll hear it. All that matters is that its a good car that needs more power and thats about it.

• 

  Fit my needs perfectly - 2014 Scion XB
  By tedstor - February 6 - 7:41 am

  I was in the market for a Corolla or a Camry, but when I went to the Toyota/Scion dealer, the Xb caught my eye. The boxy look wasnt exactly what I had in-mind, but I quickly came to realize that the Xb fit my needs incredibly well. I needed an inexpensive(ish) vehicle that would comfortably accommodate my 63" frame, with a back seat that would accommodate my three kids. The Xb hit the mark. I bought my Xb for virtually the same price as a Corolla, but had the larger cabin that I needed. Performance is fine. Fit and finish is good. A very easy car to drive and park. Not many features to speak of, but has everything I need. Nice stereo. Scion service boost is a nice added value.