Used 2005 Scion xB Consumer Reviews
Used xB for sale
3...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
My Box
mwj12487, 03/02/2009
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I financed this car with less than 23k miles on it, and so far have about 54k on it. In that time I haven't had to replace anything but a blown tire and a headlight bulb. Scion, although marketed towards those of us in the younger generations, I find to be majorly consumed by those of you in your early to late 50's. The Toyota reliability is completely apparent. If you are searching for a great commuter car that slowly sips on the gas, the Scion xB might just be your heaven-sent. If you are looking for a speed-demon, a luxury soaked dream cruise, look someplace else. Although I adore my "foxy box", it doesn't ever trick you into believing it's anywhere above an economy car.
2005 xB
2toasters, 06/20/2011
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My wife bought a used 2005 xB and we liked it so much that I bought an identical (except color) one for myself. We are both older and drive accordingly, so we get about 33MPG in city and 37+ on Hwy. Both xB's have about 50k miles on them and we love them. The 1500cc engines pay off. We would not buy the newer, larger xB's because of their economy and looks. A big mistake on Toyota's part, we think. A typical comment: "this back seat is like a Lincoln Town Car". We will definitely keep these cars and repair them for as long as possible. This may be the car for you, too?
I Want to Tow
scionking, 11/18/2006
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First off, if you're big and tall and sick of trying to fit in those little cars, this is your ride. I've had my xB going on 1.5 years now and I really enjoy it. I drive in a lot of high traffic areas and I'm positive no full size SUV can match it. Yeah sure, I can't tow stuff, but I can park anywhere and getting around 30 mpg is a life saver. It's great on lane changes and when you lay the seats down you have a lot of room to carry all sorts of goodies. I've even slept in it twice, no not because I'm a weirdo, but because the tent just isn't as fun as it once was. I had the cold air induction put on and the exhaust added but you really don't get much bang from those mods. At least it sounds kinda neat.
Swiss army knife of cars, the XB Utility vehicle
Randy Lahey, 08/01/2017
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've daily driven my Scion for over 40,000 miles so you better know I'm an expert on it. In short for potential buyers: The XB is as reliable as the sunrise and more practical than a minivan for daily operation and frequent trips. It's not fast, 0-60 happens in 9 seconds flat, with the manual, which isn't as bad as you think considering the weed wacker under the hood. Seats 5- 'comfortable with each other' individuals, or four NBA STARS. Headroom and rear storage space is unmatched and un-believable in a car that can get 40mpg while remaining fun, stylish, (if you're into the look) and reliable. It takes turns like any other fun small car would despite the high seating position but low clearance, and throttle response is instantaneous. Oh yeah, AND it does snow fine. Here's MY experience with the xB. In my years, it's never broken down or failed to start once, basic maintenance, original engine and 5 speed manual after 277,000 miles and it STILL does not feel like it's worn out. Think about that for a second. This car has gone to Saturn's rings and back, and has had over $14,000 worth of fuel dumped into it and to my knowledge has shown no trouble. I'm not trying to be dramatic, just think about that. Mine, and another I've driven both have the same acceleration and fuel economy. About that, this car may not be fast, in fact it's so slow my 2nd gen Honda Odyssey would gap it in seconds like dog launching off a deck after a squirrel. Even so, the 5 speed makes it FEEL fast or at least fun. It was my first stick and set the standard for literally every other car I will ever own, I mean I'm never owning another automatic besides my Astro and Odyssey. This car is a gem, a gem like you would never know unless you've been with it for 50,000 miles and across half the world pretty much. This car is like a '90s Honda Civic for people who need to haul more stuff or people, both of which this comically shaped car does great. You might not think a box on wheels sounds like a good idea, but think of it as a sub compact van that works in urban areas and returns great economy. With the rear seats removed, which can be done fairly easily, it's eerie how much you can fit in the back, when you step back and look at the car's size and height. Speaking of a car this size, gas mileage is what you would expect; 30 city, done deal, even if you drive it like I drive it. 35 highway, and chill out and don't pass everyone and you're over 40, easy. Also easy is this car, which being my first manual made it real easy. Clutch is forgiving and simple, but tight and can be difficult not to squeal the wheels when in traffic on a hill, especially since it's so light. The car itself, is also very light, it feels like it's 2,000lbs even but it's actually 2,600lbs with me inside it. I'm 5'11" 200lbs by the way, and my neighbor is 6'6" and fits in the BACK SEAT with room to spare. I wasn't joking about NBA stars. What have I put into it? Less than $500 for about three minor repairs. Rear hatch latch is an electronic button that opens the door, and it WILL break and you will need to replace that. My car having 270k on it with original suspension buckles and bounds whenever I turn in, so replace those shocks, it drives SO much better and more planted. Even with my off road suspension, I feel safe and secure driving it. The worst part about the car is also my favorite part about the car, the manual transmission. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it's here, but it's nothing to write home about. It's not a Honda gearbox and it never will be. It's clunky and doesn't like to be shifted hard and rough like a Honda would. This may not be a 'car enthusiast' car but it can be a car guy car, or a utility car, or a first car, up to you, and considering you can get all this for like $1-4 grand, it's one of my all time favorite cars ever made, and it really is a shame it got publicity over it's appearance rather than it's utility and fun. It's not perfect, but in a world of ticky tacky crossovers all the same, there are worse cars you could buy.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pebbles in a can
marvin andrson, 01/30/2005
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Between the discomfort of the pint-sized seats of the Scion xB and the feel of every grain of sand on the road, this vehicle is totally a pain to drive on long trips. By the time my family and I reach a destination of more than 100 mles, after being shaken like pebbles in a can, with tail bones and legs aching from the seating and the jarring of every slight bump in the road, no amount of good gas mileage can compensate for our discomfort and regret for buying this vehicle.
3...