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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  A fun and practical car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Robert Strckland - January 7 - 8:56 pm

  Ive had my 2008, manual, Hypnotic Teal xB for about a week and have already put 700 miles on it. Its a real pleasure to drive and has lots of features and options that would normally be found in a much more expensive car. For a relatively small car it feels huge inside and is very comfortable. I highly recommend upgrading the stock stereo to the Scion navigation system. Its a much better sounding stereo and a great nav system all in one. Im averaging 27.5 mpg at the moment with mostly highway driving. I did a lot of research on the xB, Honda Element, Toyota Matrix and Dodge Caliber and the xB stood out as the clear winner. I couldnt be more pleased with my choice.

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  Toyota quality slipping - 2004 Scion XB
  By Steven41 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Scion Xb about three weeks ago and for the most part its a good car/wagon/whatever. It has tonsof room inside yet it is so small on the outside. The 6-disc stereo is far better than the BOSE stereo in my Audi A4. The bad --rear bumper is already loose and looks like its coming off. Rubber trim coming off, rattles in dash. Rotten MPG

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  Outside the Demographic - 2008 Scion XB
  By John B - December 28 - 6:20 pm

  This is a nice car for money with very good room inside. Very good quality and lots of nice features for nothing extra. I would recommend getting none of the add-ons unless you are absolutely sure you need them because they really reduce the economy of the car. Great combo of power, build quality, ergonomics, price. Only negatives are the fuel mileage (you have to make a trade for the power & I’m still getting 26), no arm rest for passenger, and engine is a little noisy. Overall, very happy with purchase.

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  Our xB: an almost perfect small car... - 2005 Scion XB
  By S. Mudry - December 19 - 2:56 pm

  Perfect car with only one drawback: noise at highway speed (70mph+ cruising is a chore.) Would be close to ideal with an overdrive five speed auto.

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  Just Great - 2004 Scion XB
  By Phat - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is 1 of the best cars i have ever driven.

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  fun! - 2004 Scion XB
  By metooalso - December 19 - 10:00 am

  fit an football inside even the head room!

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  Reliable Space Capsule - 2006 Scion XB
  By Smith - December 17 - 7:56 pm

  The Scion xB has great interior space for a tall man and it is as reliable as a Toyota, of course. My only wish is for a bit more sound-deadening of the interior and a bit more comfort (brighter interior dome light, softer seating, etc.) - perhaps there should be a Lexus xB?

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  Sweetest Ride - 2008 Scion XB
  By infiniteparadox - December 17 - 2:23 pm

  This is my first car at 17 almost 18. Honestly I could not be happier with this ride. I decided to go with the aqua green color (Hypnotic Teal Mica) and this color/car is definitely a head turner. In fact when I was driving, my neighbors literally couldnt believe I was driving in this hip car. So after driving the car for about a good 1/2 hour this is what I have to say about it. The car on the outside doesnt look that big but on the inside there is a lot of interior. The thing I like the most about it is just how easy it is to get out and in. Plus the seats are the most comfortable Ive ever been in. Feels like they were custom made just for me. The car has a quiet interior, very smooth.

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  Some good, some bad - 2008 Scion XB
  By woodywrkng - December 13 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2008 XB used, with 26k miles at around 25 months old. Its a 5-speed model, and was at a dealership for a very nice price, perhaps because most people dont drive cars with manuals these days. Most of these Scions are holding their value very well, so it was hard to pass this one up. Im a 50 year old guy, whos now more interested in a roomy, economical, and reliable car, than one which I hope will impress people. Ive owned it for over one year now, and have some good impressions, and some not so good. Driving experience: The car handles and brakes surprisingly well. The suspension is very simple and should prove rugged and reliable. The steering ratio is quick, the turning radius short, and the suspension quite firm without being harsh. The driving position however seems at odds with the handling prowess of the car. From the drivers seat, it just doesnt feel particularly sporty. There are minimal seat adjustments, decent but not well bolstered seats, and a rather high mounted shift lever, with the end result just feeling a bit awkward if you try to drive in too agressive of a manner. While the seats are indeed better than most I found in this price/class of vehicle, it would be nice for a lumbar control or lower seat angle adjustment. The drivers seat will raise and lower, but its pivoted at the front, thus when raised you tip forward. On the highway its surprisingly quiet and composed for an econocar. One odd problem Ive found is when wearing my size 11 work boots, my left toe rubs on the clutch pedal lever unless I pull my leg back un-naturally, while my right foot can just barely fit between the brake pedal and the center housing to reach the gas pedal. There simply isnt much room under there for an average work boot. My normal shoes dont experience this problem. Theres a sizable right rear blind spot, which makes it a crap shoot backing out of an angled parking space, as well as large side view mirrors which obstruct your view to the side. If you tend to drive in nice weather with the window down and your arm hanging out, you may want to begin looking for a decent physical therapist since the window opening is quite high and youll eventually tear your rotator cuff. Winter driving: The standard tires are round, and thats about it. The traction control works very well, asuming its working (more later) and its needed, due to the lame tread pattern of the Bridgestone tires, and very low ground clearance of the car. Many people lower these cars, which should make them a real adventure when encountering a pothole. Speaking of tires, the spacesaver spare is mounted on a wheel, the color of which should be called puke yellow. I reckon thats so you wont be tempted to leave it on for long. Theres no discrete vent always aimed at the drivers side window to keep the side view mirror visible on frosty days, so youll need to aim your dash vent in that direction. The passenger side has a separate vent. Perhaps its the small wheel wells, but ice tends to form in the front wheel wells and rub on the tires, more than in most cars. Engine: Impressive low rpm punch, acceleration, snort, whatever you want to call it. This thing just plain scoots if you want it to. I do my own repairs, and the normal maintenance items are easy to find under the hood, with the parts that will eventually fail (alternator, water pump, A/C compressor) easy to see and reach. There is some chatter on a Scion forum about leaking water pumps, and mine isnt visibly leaking yet, although there is a pink stripe directly above the pump on the underside of the hood. Gas mileage-wise, I get 23-26 in city winter driving, in the cold state of Iowa, which I feel is fine since my daily commute is only a few miles each way. In warm weather the number rises to 25-28 in town, and up to 35 on a mixture of 55 and 65 mph roads. These figures are when the car is carefully driven however. Transmission: A smooth but long throw hydraulic clutch, widely spaced gear ratios, and a high mounted shifter without a reverse lock result in a car that doesnt ask to be driven aggressively. It took me a few weeks of driving to make nice smooth shifts. People do praise the automatic transmission, but I never drove one. 65 mph occurs at 2700 rpm, which is fairly normal for a car like this, although I do feel the car has the power to be geared higher. Interior: I like the blank dash in front of my face when looking straight down the road. Having the instruments slightly to the right gives you an un-cluttered view of where youre going, which is a good thing. A few of the oddities are slightly annoying however. The only clock is part of the trip computer, which has 8 functions. You can only view one at a time, so if youre watching the gas mileage, you dont see the clock. If you could choose which function to view from the steering wheel there would be no problem, but you cant. The standard radio is actually closer to the passenger than the driver, which is a bit odd, and the climate controls temperature knob is behind the shifter knob when in odd numbered gears. Speaking of the standard Pioneer stereo system, its impressive. Im an audio nut from long ago, and can honestly say that unless youre a kid wishing to annoy entire neighborhoods with hip-hop, you wont be upset with the sound quality, assuming you learn how to use the various features of the stereo. Most factory stereos in a car of this price are fairly basic, but this one is a nice surprise. Well done Scion. The interior feels cavernous, with easy access (meeting the approval of my 89 year old Mom), backseat legroom like a limo, and enough hard surfaces to create echos. The center console is a few inches too low to be of any use as an armrest, but its storage area is deep enough to hold CDs. The drivers seat has a fold down arm rest, that gets in the way of the seat belt when up, so thats a minor annoyance. Theres a storage area under the rear seats, which is a fine idea, except that whatever you put under there tends to slide around a lot on the hard plastic. I recently loaded a standard sized kitchen range into the rear and closed the hatch, so there is indeed lots of useful space. Exterior: Yeah, its odd looking, so what? It would be nice to have a key lock for the rear hatch, just in case. The only keyhole on the outside of the car is for the drivers door. The roof is the longest, flattest expanse seen since the early 70s full sized station wagons, which is a good thing since I use an aftermarket roof rack for a canoe or kayak, and the further apart the bars are, the better. The paint seems to be very thin and dainty. Its just too easy to scratch, so youll be needing a container of touch-up paint, which judging from the price at the Scion dealer, contains precious metals and diamonds. Problems: Being the first year for this model, there are indeed some bugs. Some quite serious and pricy, if they occur after the warranty expires. In my case, my anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control are now kaput due to a known problem with a rear wheel speed sensor, and being two months out of warranty, Im looking at a 700 - 900 dollar repair. And thats only for one of the sensors. Double that number when the other one fails. It seems as though they arent waterproof. Scion knows about the problem, theres a TSB on it, but chooses not to issue a recall or an extended warranty on this issue. Since it concerns most of the safety functions of the car, I find that disturbing. There are also issues with the water pump, electric power steering, windshield cracking, and an assortment of creaks and groans to name a few. Overall, Im basically pleased with the car, but disturbed by the reliabilty concerns. It reminds me of the Ford Fiestas from the late 70s, on a larger scale, but without the simplicity and reliability.

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  best car for humans - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kryten - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderfully thought out in design. It is made with the human being in mind. Armrests are where they are supposed to be, windshield is larger.The roof supports have been removed from the vision are. If you are handicapped in anyway, it is simply marvelous. The seats are at just the right height and the doors open wide. The head room is phenomenal, making the car feel roomy and non-confining.