Scion xB Review

2008 Scion xB Wagon Shown

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. Additionally, Scion has made it easy for its customer base to personalize their xBs by offering an extensive list of aftermarket-type dealer-installed accessories, including advanced audio systems, wheels, body kits and mild performance modifications. Pricing is no-haggle style, and Scion builds your vehicle to order in about a week.

While the original xB was a rebadged version of a Japanese-market Toyota, the second-generation model was designed with the American market in mind. The new xB is exactly 1 foot longer than the last box, 3 inches wider and actually 2 inches shorter in height. This creates a more substantial, less toylike appearance, and a more useful overall vehicle. A more powerful four-cylinder engine means that its acceleration is also less toylike and borderline quick.

Typically, cars in this price range aren't much fun to drive, and while the Scion xB has never been overly sporty, its suspension and steering have been tuned to deliver crisp handling, furthering the impression that you're getting more than you paid for when you buy this compact wagon. With all these advantages, it comes as no surprise that the Scion xB has indeed proven popular with the younger clientele the company was hoping to attract. However, its appeal has not been lost on older buyers who need a lot of room but don't want to spend a lot.

Current Scion xB

The current Scion xB was all-new for 2008. Although it maintains the previous generation's boxy profile, it is a much different vehicle, with larger dimensions and more thrust. A 2.4-liter inline-4 shared with the Scion tC and Toyota Camry boosts output to 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency went down, but we think that's an acceptable trade-off considering its substantial acceleration improvement.

Inside, the xB's boxy lines translate to a surprisingly roomy interior that allows young socialites to transport three to four friends with no complaints from the backseat. Besides that, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, making the Scion xB an ideal cargo hauler for the move back into the dorms with a whopping 70 cubic feet of space. The instrument panel now presents radio and climate controls in a higher, more ergonomic position, but we could definitely live without the small centrally mounted gauges. When equipped with the touchscreen navigation system, the xB's display screen can be used to interface with an iPod, making it certainly the easiest and safest way to control an MP3 player while driving.

In road tests of the second-generation xB we found it to be a significant improvement over the car it replaced. It feels more substantial and stable than the old box -- particularly at higher speeds -- and its more powerful engine was better suited to the chores of a wagon. Regardless of whether you fall into Scion's target demographic of younger urbanites, as long as you can live with its funky shape, we think the xB is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a well-equipped, safe and versatile small utility vehicle.

Past Scion xB

The first-generation Scion xB was introduced as a 2004 model in June 2003. 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; however, for the 2006 model year, new SAE certification procedures dropped the rating to 103 hp and 101 lb-ft. The xB's engine and acceleration were unchanged, though. 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. Acceleration could be sluggish with the four-speed automatic. Fuel economy on the compact wagon rates a frugal 31 mpg in the city and 34-35 mpg on the highway.

For the 2006 model year, the xB's stereo head unit was redesigned to incorporate an MP3 player jack. Additionally, dedicated iPod owners have the option of purchasing a specialized unit that allows for player control and recharging through the xB's stereo controls. Other accessories to consider include 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.