Used 2013 Scion xB Consumer Reviews

I LOVE my Scion xB

I purchased this car brand new from a reliable Toyota/Scion dealership. I have mine in Super White. I like the spacious interior. But there are a few things I wish were a bit different. The USB/AUX port inside the arm rest doesn't work because of the audio (touchscreen) isn't compatible with it. I wish that the splash guards for the bottom were standard. I shouldn't have to pay over $200 for them to install them. Ride is smooth, and performance wise, it's great. Gas milage could be better, but overall I love the car. The dashboard is placed in the center and took a bit to get used to. Pricing was okay. For all the things not included, I feel it could have been lower in price.

Traded from Rav4 - Surprised and Satisfied!

I had an 04 Rav4 that blew a head gasket with 120k miles. Unfortunate and unlikely, but it happened. This brought us to the dealer to repair the Rav4 or buy a new one. After considering a new Rav, and much deliberation, we decided on a 2012 Scion xB instead. I must say it was a good decision. It's hard to get the cargo, features, and quality for under $20K. We are very happy with our decision. Cargo is not much smaller than an SUV in the Rav4 class and the TCO is much lower. Smaller tires and engine, similar MPG's, cheaper oil changes, insurance rates, etc.

Made the Jump from XA to XB--Love My Scion!

With my little Scion XA paid off, I figured it was time to go new car shopping. My daughter is tugging me on one side to look at a RAV4, my fiance is tugging me on the other side to look at a Honda CRV, both are tugging me to check out the Nissan Rogue. So, I go to test-drive a Rouge. Nice, but for me, it just seemed a tad too wide--and since I am blind in my right eye, it could be --well, kinda not that good. OK? So I firmly put my foot down and went to look at the Scion XB. I test drove. I immediately felt comfortable. The car is deceptively large--it appears to be not that roomy from the outside, but once you get in, tons of room. Smooth Ride. Great Car!

Perfect for every Day and Trips!!

I traded my Black 2007 on a white 2012 I liked the last one so much!! Granted, I only had 24k miles on it but never once did I have any kind of problem. The 2012 is a huge improvement, the instrument Cluster is much better, they have made much better use of the available realestate by showing the outside temperature and time without having to toggle through the display. Also, the sliding Armrest is way better than the skinny drop-down one. It's a perfect cummuter, although city mileage isn't great, I get a 22.4 average constantly, but that's with a 1.8 mile commute with 5 traffic lights. The standard is awesome with HD Radio, Bluetooth and iPod connection etc. Great sound.

Great Vehicle!

We had to purchase a 2012 because I unfortunately totaled out my wife's 2008. We loved our 2008, but this 2012 is alot better. It seems to be a little quiter than our 2008, but has more features. It's nice to have the room of an SUV, but the driveabiltiy of a car - we fit 2 car seats pretty easily! It rides pretty good, but you can feel the bumps (sport tuned suspension).

2 ScionXB GREAT FOR THE $

This is my second Scion XB. POSITIVES . I loved the no barter sales What it was online was the price.Period . A great car for the practical person but i like the looks too.Not a muscle car peppy but good enough.Handles well. Scion XB comes with lots of great features as standard.I love the bkuevtoith which turns the radio sound off as you talk back on when done My First was a manual so bare bones but had everything i wanted and then some. .Second Scion XB i did opted for an automatic as they had them on the lot but not the manual.Auto was my only concession to how it came. Scion XB Has the biggest cargo area i could find for this price car. Main reason i bought one again. I have two 170 Mastiffs which fit well in this car. Str 22ndaw bales 50 lb feed bags building material.3X2 foot cage for chickens . everything fits with the back seat down plenty of extra room.and goes down with touch of a button top of each seat No hastle at all. Roomy seating decent gas mileage between 32 to 35 mpg I like the brightly lit instrument panel in the center although different Best.. It heats quickly to cozy hot and cools quickly to very cool as well. NEGATIVES.... RADIO....my 2010 had a mute button on the radio and steering wheel as well which the 2012 doesnt ..Better long distance reception MATERIAL...BIG sticking point with me is material and carpet are very hard to clean.. Debri gets stuck in the fibers and wont come out no matter what.Dog hair and straw mostly. Seat covers do clean up better than 2010 which were the worst ive ever had on a car but carpet is still just as bad. Terrible really.They should take a clue from Focus on easy maintainence seat and carpet material. Plus I wish id had a choice of color for floor and seat covering This black would NOT be my choice.! Best if no choice would be medium grey much more practical brighten and open the interior even more. CARGO LIGHT doesnt stay on long enough to get out my groceries but minor issue BLIND SPOT. My biggest criticism of this vehicle is the large blind spots on both sides.A real danger.Many times i have seen nobody in the mirrors but a car was there . FOR SURE LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER WISH LIST ... Id love an alarm to let you know sonethings behind you as the back windshield is pretty high . Better lighter color carpeting and bring back the radio mute button All and all i probably will buy this car a third time. .For the price the many standard features size roomy seats very roomy storage... just cant beat it with any other car .

Great Car --- Great Value

Suprised just how quick the car is. Easy to be 10 over the limit. Bought for the comfort and ease of entry exit for a guy over 60. My kids, 7 and 4 really like it. Several hundred miles on it since new and am averaging 28-34 mpg. Kid seats are easy to install and for the kids to use. Young families and oldsters should check it out as well at the single folks. What a value for well under 20K even with sales tax. Check one out, you will not be disappointed

2012 xB: A Great Car

After stalking this model for a couple of years, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a used 2012 to replace by dying Saturn Vue. I couldn't be happier. The style is odd and will not appeal to many people, but funny enough, driving a box in today's world actually makes one stand out. Oh the irony. This is a fun car to drive, peppy and agile. The tight suspension and low profile tires makes it feel like a Porsche, minus the horses of course. I'm a big guy (6'/250lbs ) and I have tons of room. The seats are supportive and everything is within reach of the pilot's seat. It has more interior room than my extended cab Silverado. I'm averaging 28MPG. I love this car.

Just what I was looking for

This was the first car that I bought brand new. I did a lot of research over a couple years to find just what I was looking for. I was at the Cleveland auto show when I sat in the 2012 XB for the first time. It was love at first sight. It now had an arm rest, which is a must and adjustable steering. I love the electronic steering because I work real hard at work and would much rather not fight with the steering wheel after a hard days work. I was looking for a SUV that was good on gas, reliable, could haul just about anything and looked good while doing so. I love the center mounted dash because the steering wheel doesn't get in the way of what you need to see. I upgraded the radio, purchased the cold air intake and TDR muffler. The car felt sluggish to me because I traded in my Jetta turbo for my new XB. This improved the performance and gave it the pep I was looking for. You honestly can fit almost anything in the back of this beast. I purchased a 60 inch TV that fit it in the back, in the box but did have to move the front seats forward a couple inches. I moved everything in my house except for a few pieces of bedroom furniture and my kitchen table. Let's face it, you can not get by with just a sedan being a home owner. This vehicle has meet my expectations and has exceeded them. I look forward to owning this vehicle for many many years.

Best of both worlds.

Best of both worlds: A spacious, sporty vehicle but with decent economy and great maneuverability. Love the center mounted gauges! In fact, since they are not hidden behind a steering wheel hub like most car's gauges, the Scion xB's center mounted gauges are very easy to read at a quick glance. The occupant compartment is spacious and airy, with plenty of headroom and wiggle room. Passengers often comment how much space the vehicle has and how comfortable and quiet it is.

Love this Amazing vehicle!

Very recently bought a used 2012 Scion xB Wagon, 2.4L I-4, 16-valve, ohc, 5-spd Manual, to replace my hard-driven '97 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab with 221,800+ miles. My Tacoma also had an earlier iteration of the same power plant as the xB. Consumer Reports review for the 2012 xB are all full red dots (excellent) except for Trim/Paint, which was half-a-red-dot (very good). The example I found and bought had been a personal lease vehicle, returned to its original dealership, with only around 15, 586 miles on it; very low for a 2012. I consider myself fortunate to have gotten this car. This is a very dependable, long-used Toyota engine design. Build and assembly quality is very solid. I have yet to put 500 miles on this vehicle, but I absolutely love driving it, and it's getting better as I'm becoming accustomed to the feel and handling. Positives: Handling: Very quick; sports-car like. Small turning circle accentuates this. Front-wheel drive also accentuates this, tending to understeer because the steering wheels are also the driving wheels. Cornering: like being on rails; flat, little tip; the boxy shape is deceptively stable. Very wide stance plus low profile; a box with a wheel on each corner. Center of gravity is pretty low; not as low as a Subaru or Porsche, which have boxer engine configurations that lay flat, but it's still great. The I-4 engine is tilted back slightly with the weight approximately centered over the front wheels. Most fun I've had since I first drove a '64 VW Beetle 4-speed. Clutch: Moderately light; easy to hold; an advantage in LA traffic. A bit grippy in 1st, shift to 2nd quickly and smooths out. Brakes: As much as I have so far experienced, the 4-wheel discs bring it to a stop really fast. Vented discs in front, solid discs in rear. Gearing: Surprisingly, what seems to me to be a little low; at 70 miles per hour, I'm running 3,000 rpm in 5th (my '97 Tacoma with same engine but rear-wheel drive, ran 2500 at 70 mph). However, I can see the logic of the design, because they've tweaked it to be just under its peak torque curve at common highway speeds. You can still accelerate away pretty well in 5th without downshifting. The tach doesn't show redline until 6500 rpm! If gearing were slightly higher, fuel mileage could probably be improved a bit, but it might not be as much fun to drive! Interior: Nice fit and finish. Little cubby bins everywhere, cup/can holders front and rear. Driver's seat could benefit from an infinitely-adjustable electric design. While this model features tilt-telescope steering wheel, and a six-way manually adjustable seat, the slightly odd driving position within the confines of the "box" cry out for more adjustability, particularly with the 5-speed, because of active clutching and braking. Automatic drivers won't care. The manual adjustable seat adjusts seat-cushion angle, seat-back angle, and forward-backward seat position. There is no height adjustment The seat adjustments, plus the steering adjustments mean most drivers can find a combination that is CLOSE to what they want, but they won't be able to make it PERFECT. Many Toyota models without electric seats suffer from this problem. Weakest spot, by far, Scion: INADEQUATE SUN-VISORS. The big windows, which contribute to great visibility for most drivers, ALSO puts one's head at a low angle compared to the top line of the windows, thus allowing indiscriminate BLINDING BY THE LIGHT. A simple fix would be to use sun-visors with those slide-out-the-end panels to extend them the full width of the window, thus keeping our eyes functioning. Don't forget to bring your "shades" when you drive, and wear headgear with a bill or brim. Inadequate cargo area lighting: One little light on the left side of the rearmost cargo area. Low, and manually switched. Better placed above, inside the top of the hatch frame to spread light over the area. Flat floor due to front-wheel drive allows for lower placement of space-saver spare, and a "storage tray" which rests on top of the spare, but under the floor panel. And in my particular car, carpeted/monogrammed mat on top of that. Storage cubbies around the spare under the floor panel, and open storage bins on right and left side of cargo floor. There was room for more storage on inside of rear roof support pillars, if it had been utilized. In the molded paneling, there are depressions as if some designer thought about making a storage bin, but just didn't follow through with it. As I said, I haven't had this car very long, but I anticipate driving it for a WHILE, and enjoying every minute of it. So far, have seen very few things to criticize. My biggest disappointment was reading in someone else's review that Scion will not be making the xB after 2016—is that right? That's a shame, because it's a great car. Of course, the up side is, that it'll make mine worth more down the road, because it'll still be desirable!!

My baby

I love my "box car" you really don't realize how big these cars are until you get inside. This was my first car that I bought through a dealership and I loved every minute of it. The air conditioning was amazing in the front seats, though I heard from the back seat it was average. The car had a lot of storage space and really helped out when it was moving time. The stereo system was great! I don't want to trade him in, but with a baby on the way the price is a little expensive for me. If it wasn't I would keep the car until the wheels fell off. This is a great family car and is very safe! I would recommend to family and my own children

I love this car

This is the first new car I've ever purchased for myself. It was purchased to offset my other car, a 2006 Dodge Magnum with the Hemi, which doesn't get good gas mileage in city driving, but is acceptable on the highway. At the time of purchase for the Scion, August 2012, I was still working a 9 to 5 job that I am now retired from, and my drive to, and from work averaged about 7 or 8 miles round trip, city driving, and I was getting around 13 mpg in the Magnum. I am also a musician, and need a vehicle capable of hauling my equipment, which was one reason I bought the Magnum after the van I had died. I liked the concept of a squared off car, and had looked at a couple of XB's that people at work had bought. I looked at other small SUV's that got good gas mileage, and considered the Kia Soul, but it was smaller, and the brand didn't have the reputation for dependability as did a Toyota, which the Scion is. The price was higher for the Scion, but I figured it would pay for itself with it reputation for longevity, and the extra cargo space. The car is the base model, but I love the way it handles, and can only imagine how it would handle if I add some improvements like better tires, and suspension parts. I'm a big person, and weigh over 300 pounds, but can easily get in and out of the car, and the seats are fairly comfortable for me, even on long trips. This is my "daily" driver, and I love this car. I wish it had a six or seven speed automatic transmission, and all wheel drive option. I love, and enjoy driving my Magnum, but I have to consciously choose to drive it, which happens about once every two weeks. My choice for driving is my Scion. My warranty is out, since it has been over three years, although I only have 27, 000 miles on it. I understand that the XB will not be made for 2016 which is a shame, as I would consider trading mine in if an upgraded transmission, and all wheel drive were offered. They apparently will offer nothing but cars/sedans in the upcoming year. So, I'll make my XB last.

2012 Scion xB Review

This car is great! It has the 2.4L 4 cylinder, and a 4 speed transmission. After 5 months of owning this car I can say 2 things about it, 1.) It is near indestructible, and 2.) You can fit almost anything in it. I highly recommend this car. It is great for work, play, and family! I got it when it had 14,xxx miles, and it now has 24,xxx miles.

Scion xB is the Champion of the Boxy Cars!

In terms of overall quality, value, reliability and space, this car is unbeatable. I should know! I've owned five (yes 5) of them. I've owned a 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Of them all, I still own the 2004 and 2012. Surprisingly, the 2012 is the one I am least satisfied with. Just AFTER the warranty my electric door locks stopped working and Toyota took a "tough luck" position on it and handing a several hundred dollar quote to repair them. This after purchasing 6 Scions and 3 Toyotas over the past 11 years. I love these cars and their value, reliability, ride and overall quality. However, now that Scion has discontinued the xB and Toyota has discontinued Scion, I'm thinking I may have to take a "tough luck" position with Toyota and look toward Subaru or Honda for my next car. Update. Recently I was involved in a car crash involving my 2004 xB. I was hit from behind by a huge Dodge hemi truck which was traveling at 50 mph. Traffic came to a complete stop in the truck did not see me stop. WhIle sadly my toaster is toast I have a newfound respect for the integrity of my cars. However: I am still quite annoyed that my 2012 has door locks that stopped working and Toyota could care less about me as a customer even after buying all these Toyotas and scions. I would expect my doorlock to quit so soon on a lesser quality cheaper product on the market. But not a Toyota product. And I would expect crappier Service and a similar attitude from the lesser brands on the market but not from Toyota. With Scion now dead if this is all better TOYOTA cares about their loyal customers it makes me feel like perhaps I owe them nothing and should look at their competitors for my next car!

2013 Scion xB

I've only owned the car a month after driving my Toyota Corolla for 18 years, but so far it is great; very peppy. It is easier to get in and out of than the Toyota and I'm sitting taller so its easier to see around me.

A thing of beauty...

I used a Galant I had for five years as a trade-in toward my Scion XB. I have to say, the XB blows the Galant out of the H2O. The Scion is a lot of fun to drive. It blends the practicality of an SUV with the safety of a sedan. It seems small on the outside but is roomy on the inside. It also comes with free maintenance for 25K miles. And by the way, I got the best deal around from Fitzmall.

3 is better than 1

I've been driving xB's for 6 years now. I'm currently on my 3rd one (bought it last year). There is zero major maintenance to do on these cars until they get to 100k miles. All you do is keep gas in it, change oil when needed, and drive it!! I've never had to change anything on either of my xB's so far. You're probably thinking...yeah you just keep getting a replacement. Well, why would I keep buying the SAME car as a replacement? Because they work!! Kept the 2008 until it had 72k miles on it. Kept the 2012 until it had 88k miles on it. Never replaced any parts on either of them. Gas, Tires, Air filter, and Oil and that's it. Drive it, drive it, drive it. This car has the best seating position for a large adult of any small wagon on the road. It has the cargo space to haul all kinds of stuff, lots more than a Soul or Cube. And talk about run...this car will run out from under you if you don't have the seat belt on tight!! Solid built car. No fuel filter to replace, no wheel bearings to repack, no transmission fluid to change until you get to 110k miles, no spark plugs to replace until you get to 100k miles. Need I say more??

My second 2012 Scion xB

I owned a used 2012 Scion of a 1.5 year and loved it so much I purchased another. The little Wagon has great interior head and leg room in the front & rear. The gas mileage was a little lower than I thought it would be. But that is to be expected with a box shaped vehicle. There must be a paint problem with this style because both 2012 Scion required roof the be repainted.

Not Toyota Quality

My girlfriend bought a brand new 2013 with 5 speed manual. The transmission went out around 110,000 miles - fortunately, covered under transmission lifetime warranty. At 124,000 miles it now uses excessive oil, the dealer checked it and Toyota will be covering this problem by reringing the block and valve job. Not Toyota quality in my mind. The shifter us very loose and at times it can be difficult to get into first and third gear.

The best overall vehicle I have ever had

One of the best handling, efficient, goes like hell vehicles you would ever want (due to the Camry engine). I have hauled more stuff on my numerous trips between Scottsdale, AZ and Los Angeles on the I 10 freeway (75 to 85 mph in AZ and 70 to 80 mph in CA). I know that Scion has now been incorporated into the general Toyota brands but, if you get a chance to drive one you will be pleasantly surprised.

quality car

I love my XB. Reliable, smooth, powerful, everything I expected from my 4th Toyota.

xB

This 2013 xB has not required any repairs. Just changed the oil/filter and rotated the tires. The OEM tires were crap, however, and now I'm on Snows; in the market for summer tires and maybe alloy wheels.... This has been a very "handy" vehicle. I'd be in the market for a new one with newer safety features - but Toyota has discontinued the Scion brand. I don't really want to move up to a RAV4 (hybrid) but maybe a PriusV if they still are making it next year. Traded in the xB for a PriusV 2017 (last year made) We traded the xB in October 2017 for a Prius V which cost 31K but has MORE cargo space and 50 percent more mpg!

I Love my XB

When check engine light & vac light on, just replace the MAF with new Denso MAF, no other brand. Will cut car's performance if you replace with other brand. It will not work with spray cleaner.

Xb 2

Much improved from my 06 Xb. More room and power, better mpg with the same Toyota quality. Did change the tires for a much queiter ride.

Hip to be square

I've had my XB for a few weeks now after trading in an old Matrix. You can't beat the roomy interior of this small package. It really is a small SUV in my opinion. This years upgraded stereo includes bluetooth which works very well and is easy to set up. Driving around town, up and down hills, intercity or on the Freeway's are pleasant. On my first few tanks of gas I'm getting 22.5. I was hoping for 2012 the six speed transmission would be added to boost fuel economy. I like all the cubby holes the XB has for storage. The factory tinting looks dark yet at night it doesn't have a dark cavern feel. I found the gauges very logical mounted to the right instead of normal centered.

Great value and space for the price

Amazing on gas, well equipped, gets the job done, and room for our kids and all their stuff!

solid car

Very reliable, great daily driver, easy entry and exit all four doors. Still a great buy! No failures of any kind. To paraphrase a non-car ad, "You just get in the car and drive it."

This is my 3rd Scion xB!

I found this gem with only 15000 miles in 2022. Now at 37000 miles it is such a great car for road trips and gardening. Very easy to get in and out for those with disabilities. My late Mom had a 2008 Scion xB she bought after retiring. She became ill with dementia and this car was such a Godsend.

Love this car!

Bought my 2013 xb used 5 years ago and with regular oil/filter changes still runs as good as ever. Then 5 speed manual drives like a sports car and steering is above anything in its class. This car is a can't miss bargain and wish it was never discontinued. I think toyota was mistaken when they stopped making the xb model...puts the soul and cube to shame.

Love My Scion XB

Solid and efficient performer

This is an excellent sporty hauler with lots of style, power, and space! Very reliable and efficient, this little wagon is solid on the highway and comfortable in town.