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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  My Fun Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By cswalley - February 6 - 3:23 am

  This is the best car I ever had. People stare at the strange box, but it runs great and has lots of space. I have a bad back but the seats offer good support and I dont get out stiff from riding. I have to be careful about the speed. It has lots of get-up-and-go power and easily cruises at 80 to 90 mph. The only thing missing is a cruise control option. The 4 cyl 16 valve dual OHC engine was borrowed from the Toyota Echo and is smooth and quiet. The 160 watt Pioneer stereo is a joy to play.

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  It drives great!!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By arky - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I think this a car that has been a long time coming for the younger people. We a vehicle that express individuality and that what the Scion does for all of us.

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  My Third Scion - 2006 Scion XB
  By Paul - January 29 - 8:30 pm

  My Release 2.0 Scion xB is the 3rd xB Ive purchased. My xB black box was one of the first California xBs released in June 2003 (people stopped me on the road to look at it). Then I purchased a Hot Lava release 1.0 for my wife. Then I got the yellow one for an upgrade. All total of about 70,000 trouble free xB miles! No other car does what the xB does. It provides lots of space, gets great gas mileage, is extrenely reliable and fun to drive. Its even more fun to see the looks on the face of SUV owners see me fill up with 9.8 gallons.

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  Pretty Awesome Car - 2010 Scion XB
  By frank - January 27 - 11:23 am

  I love this car. I traded from a 2006 Ford Focus. This car handles like a dream. It easily makes tight turns at 50 mph and will go it to a power slide which is great. I put a cold air intake and it dramatically improved the acceleration across the entire power curve. I put on a new exhaust system and the car lost its delay from pressing the gas to acceleration. My only complaint is the fuel. I get about 25 less miles per gallon but this isnt a big concern because of the horsepower the car has

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  Still Having Fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By Big Ty - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am having a good time. I have 2 Land Rovers and this car is gets all of the attention from me. Its different and I can go places without worrying about gas and it turns heads. I love it!

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  Awesome first car!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ryan - January 23 - 7:13 pm

  My dad got the xB back in May 2007 with the spoiler and fog lights, and was his main car. A few months after, we put the TRD exhaust, racing springs, and front strut bar on, along with ASA rims and interior lights. In December 2007 I got my license, the xB, and a TRD cold air intake to go with it. Now, the handling, acceleration, sound - everything is amazing. I just cant help hitting the gas a bit to show off. The CAI sounds amazing under load. My iPod is hooked up 24/7, and I always have it playing whenever Im in the car. Sound quality of the base stereo is great, and the bass is great, but I am looking to get a subwoofer. Im also looking to add headers to the performance collection.

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  Awesome little box! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Thomas - January 23 - 10:13 am

  This is a great little car. Not only is it fun to drive (I have the 5 speed manual) but I get looks everywhere I go. And its so big inside! Tons of room! I only have 675 miles on it so far, but have averaged 27.5 miles per gallon in mixed city/hwy driving, which is a far cry from the 10-12 MPG I was getting in my F150. Build quality is better than Ive seen in other cars in its price range, and I looked at a lot before I drove this one. If youre looking for a lower priced, gas sipping, fun to drive car, you should really check out the Scion xB. Youll love it!

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  Im Lovin It! - 2004 Scion XB
  By xbman - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This thing is great. Have only gotten around 31 mpg so far, but is still very new (950 miles). Very tight and controlled handling, and fairly quick (i only driven the 5 spd manual). Is actually quickier than my 03 Mit Eclipse Spyder GS. Comfortable seats, however, they only adjust forward and back, and of course the back reclines all the way. No height adjustments or lumbar support though. Ergonomics are great (including the center odometer), and storage is awesome. Plenty of nucks and crannys to store all kinds of stuff in. Not to mention great hauling capability to store your big stuff. Whether in the market for a compact-midsize car or small suv/van, this is something to consider.

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  This is a good, fun ride - 2005 Scion XB
  By OkThat - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my minivan for the Scion and so far have been pleased. Its a good tall persons car (Im 6-7) and I have 3 inches of headroom clearance. The feel is like sitting in a chair, although i do want an aftermarket armrest. I miss map lights and doors that lock at speed, but the car is packed with about $2,000 worth of options. Cold Air inductions gives more hp and a bit better gas mileage. It handles highway acceleration well for a 4-cylinder. All in all, a fun car. Im looking forward to seeing how it handles winter.

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  price vs expectation - 2008 Scion XB
  By neutral user - January 20 - 3:50 am

  To be fair, you get what you paid for. At $18, xxx dont expect performance like a Porsche. I read other reviewers, you going to get some damage when you hit the curb unless you drive a tank. Build is great at this price, pretty quiet ride. Huge space picking up passengers from airport. Quality/comfort is up to my expectation at this price. My friend has a Mercedes which cost 3 times more. You cant compare at that price range. Overall, happy with this car. One thing is at 8xxx miles, engine start shaking and vsc lights on. Took it to dealership and the replaced the engine wiring hardness. So far, its ok. Didnt expect this issue from a Toyota 11 months old car.