Used 2005 Scion xB Consumer Reviews
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2005 SCION XB
05XBINSC, 03/06/2010
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my XB new in 2005 because I got tired of working on my previous car a Ford/Mazda Probe GT. Big change in terms of power and handling but I adjusted fairly easy. I find myself driving the XB HARD so I can't really complain about 28MPG, that being said, after 58K miles I have had not one single mechanical problem! I had a small chip in the windshield in the first month, used a "repair kit" and did not have to replace that until Jan of 2009. Getting ready to replace my 2nd set of tires. Lots of interior room, poor interior lighting, good seating position, good (not great) stereo. Buzzy on the highway, could use an extra gear, or "taller" 5th. Great value for the money! Paid 13,750.
Swiss army knife of cars, the XB Utility vehicle
Randy Lahey, 08/01/2017
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 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.
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Toaster is bigger on the inside
Orac, 03/06/2016
updated 03/14/2017
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
At 95K miles it's been a reliable car, still on the factory battery! It's handy in an urban setting, gets into parking spots others can't. I use it to haul tools to work and dogs to the park as well as grocery getting and it handles all this quite well. It's the smallest van I could find ;) Mine's an auto trans and I would recommend a fluid change at ~70K miles. The coolant got weak at ~ 90K, R&Red that too. Other than that, routine maintenance was all I did and I'm happy with the car. Update; 3/17. Still going strong. Finally had to replace the OEM battery, lasted 12 years 😳 .
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Awesome Car, with alot of Room and good MPG!
johnmolanii, 12/27/2011
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Have a 2005 xB and i'm a easy driver. Get around 33 MPG city/highway mix. It doesn't have alot of Horsepower but it gets me from point a to point xB ;-)
The best of the rest!
Charly, 06/16/2010
2005 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Ours is a Rel 2.0 Series w/ground effects factory package. (Yellow only) and is loaded with all factory options Pioneer Stereo + dark window tint + white wheel covers + cruise. We average 32 MPG overall and see 35 on trips. We have installed a front stabilizer bar and turbo K&N intake. It handles like a sports car but insures like a wagon.
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