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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bought my xb for economy, love it!!! - 2005 Scion XB
By gregdj - December 7 - 10:00 ambought my xb in 02-04...i drive at least 150 miles per day, 6 days a week...i am a working dj, and people are amazed when they see my set up and then see the car i bring it in...roomy, fun, but could use an armrest! cruise control would be nice as well, but you make do without it...the money i save on gas each month makes my car payment, as i used to drive a full size dodge club cab...will buy another!
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Good honest car - 2005 Scion XB
By joe - December 5 - 8:06 amThe Scion xB provides the best value, utility, and reliability expectations in this price range. Plus is has a good expected trade in value and low maintenance expenses. It has a good ride, the noise level is acceptable, cargo space is amazing, and its finish quality good - havent found anything disappointing yet. i have been [leased with my dealerships professionalism, and found the car to be sound and secure feeling. Its boxy design, with vertical sides, give ample shoulder room for three people in the back seat, but the vertical widshield catches a lot of bugs! It needs a good deflector.
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Lots of Bang for your Buck! Gold Rush ! - 2008 Scion XB
By TiffsMom - December 5 - 3:33 amI have my 2008 Scion XB Limited Edition Gold Rush a month. Before purchasing, I came to this site to read the many reviews,very informative. I simply LOVE the Scion. I was amazed how spacious the interior was. I slipped in and out very comfortably and felt the ride was extremely easy to handle, zippy pick up. The interior was 2 tone/very stylish. I passed on the $400 "Teflon" treatment from dealer and found 5 step Simonize Teflon treatment for $20 on eBay. I did get the spoiler & remote starter, mats. Also ordered side molding and touch up paint. I didnt start out to buy the limited edition,but dealer had only one,and I felt in love. Getting about 24 city, 28 highway. Lots of fun
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Better than a Prius - 2006 Scion XB
By Dwayne - November 25 - 1:36 pmFirst, I have read several of the reviews complaining about fuel economy. This car is _not_ a Corvette. If you drive it like some kind of sports car with jackrabit starts and irregular and harsh acceleration you will get trashy fuel mileage. I am enjoying a 37 MPG car with my daily 15 mile trips to and from work. I fully expect that number to reach 40 MPG on the highway. For the cost of the car, expected lifespan, and the potential good mileage this is a strong alternative to the Prius Hybrid. IMHO, I think the Scion xB may prove to be more economal than the Prius given the complexity and exotic parts required for the Prius.
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Fun to Drive - 2008 Scion XB
By Frank - November 19 - 9:53 amThis is my first "small" vehicle, I have had a Dodge Durango for the past 10 years, mostly for the towing ability. This car is great and fun to drive. I am a 400 pound guy and I have plenty of room. Gas mileage is very good. The ride is much better than I expected. Plenty of get up and go and a quiet ride. The sound system is good with plenty of power. I just ordered the XM receiver.
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Think "Bigger Picture" - 2008 Scion XB
By BIGGER PICTURE - November 18 - 12:36 amGreat execution of safety, space, comfort, economy, quality build, and std. features for price! I first saw them Mothers Day weekend, I thought "for real", then I actually drove it and I thought "cool". Then I loaded it up with the family and a 300 lb salesman and test drove it, I thought "WOW, I am impressed!" That is coming from someone whose last car was a Mini Cooper S. Smooth and quiet ride (not as sophisticated as an Accord or Camry, but I prefer driving the xB over my wifes 07 Accord). Handling is at or above expectations for a spacious car. Avg 26 mpg on 1st tank w/ a lot of idling, currently, at 32 mpg on LA FWY driving. Way cool!
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Great car-or is it a truck? - 2004 Scion XB
By Patrick - November 14 - 8:36 pmThis is a fun car to drive and a great utility vehicle to carry anything that can be loaded through the huge back and side doors.
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A Tall Persons Car - 2005 Scion XB
By VeryTall - November 10 - 1:13 amIm 6-7. This is the first socially responsible car Ive driven in which I can sit up straight. Its like sitting in a chair while driving, which makes all the little annoyances melt away. The car is fun to drive and has a good, basic sound system. Yes, I could have spent twice as much on a big ol SUV and challenged the road, but thats not what driving should be able. This is a fun car that gets noticed and does a lot of things right.
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Did my own crash test, unfortunately. - 2005 Scion XB
By Lee - November 8 - 12:03 pmI was hit in the drivers side rear door of my Scion xB, spun around three times, jumped the curb, and stopped when I hit a tree. I got out without a scratch. These take the impact for you, and apparently dont roll over like I thought they might. All of the cars glass was still intact. Id let my niece drive it and not worry now...well, that is when they put it back together. I love this little thing. Also, I have had about 1,000 lbs. in the back and it drives like its empty. We own two of xBs and the 2004 model seems faster than the 2005. We have exactly the same features on both. This car is a great buy and a safe ride.
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Bang for your Buck - 2008 Scion XB
By Razo - October 30 - 10:10 amEXCELLENT build, mileage, performance, and quality in ITS CLASS. Keep that in mind. My wife traded in her Chrysler T&C and she fell in love with this car. We have two kids and its so roomy. The windshield is huge and impressive. The bigger engine helps pull this small car in traffic. Its about the same size as a BMW X3 and had gotten positive comments from family and friends who never liked the previous models. Im more of an Acura guy and I have to give respect to this Scion. I would purchase it. Always test drive first.
