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2004 Scion xB Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Scion xB Review:
2004 Scion xB Review
This boxy wagon went on sale in California in 2003 as one of two models introducing Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand. Scions are sold through Toyota dealers and will be available nationwide during 2004. Added in summer 2004 was the tC coupe. Like the more-conventional Scion xA hatchback, the xB is a front-wheel-drive 5-passenger subcompact. However, it has a longer wheelbase than the xA, and a taller vanlike wagon body with a one-piece rear liftgate. It borrows its 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, manual and optional automatic transmissions, and other underskin components from Toyota's small Echo sedans. Standard equipment includes ABS, antiskid/traction control, air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows/locks/mirrors, and split folding rear seat. Front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags comprise the sole factory-option package. Dealers offer a number of factory-approved dress-up accessories, plus functional items including larger alloy wheels to replace the standard 15-inch steel wheels.
News
Scion began selling in the East Coast, Southeast and Gulf states in March. It adds the rest of the nation in June, along with a third model, the sporty tC midsize coupe. This blends a European Toyota platform with unique 2-dr styling and a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Scion says the "well under $20,000" price will include air conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, and power windows/locks/mirrors.
As for the xB, Toyota is said to be debating whether to redesign it or replace it with something completely different. The latter plan fits Scion's aim of being the newest and coolest with what a Toyota exec calls "quick-hit, fast-turnaround products." But it's also a spendthrift approach that could tax even Toyota's deep pockets, and some analysts think here-today gone-tomorrow models could confuse or even turn off some buyers. Whatever Toyota decides, you won't see it in showrooms before model-year 2007.
Until then, expect Toyota to keep the xB on young America's mind with limited-edition trim-and-equipment options. The first of these debuted in March as the "Series 1.0," a $1000 package offering bright orange paint, roof spoiler, and special interior trim and lighting. Only 2100 will be available.
As for the xB, Toyota is said to be debating whether to redesign it or replace it with something completely different. The latter plan fits Scion's aim of being the newest and coolest with what a Toyota exec calls "quick-hit, fast-turnaround products." But it's also a spendthrift approach that could tax even Toyota's deep pockets, and some analysts think here-today gone-tomorrow models could confuse or even turn off some buyers. Whatever Toyota decides, you won't see it in showrooms before model-year 2007.
Until then, expect Toyota to keep the xB on young America's mind with limited-edition trim-and-equipment options. The first of these debuted in March as the "Series 1.0," a $1000 package offering bright orange paint, roof spoiler, and special interior trim and lighting. Only 2100 will be available.
2004 Scion xB Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Passenger room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test xB with manual transmission did 9.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual transmission has smooth shift action. No opportunity yet to test automatic-transmission model, but expect about 10.6 sec 0-60.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 |
Test xB with manual transmission did 9.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual transmission has smooth shift action. No opportunity yet to test automatic-transmission model, but expect about 10.6 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy
Test xB averaged 24.6 mpg in city/freeway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.6 |
Test xB averaged 24.6 mpg in city/freeway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Jiggly but not uncomfortable on fast freeways, though test car did a mild buck-and-bounce on some sharp bumps and big humps. Ride hard and thumpy with dealer-available upsized wheels and/or firmer suspension components.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.4 |
Jiggly but not uncomfortable on fast freeways, though test car did a mild buck-and-bounce on some sharp bumps and big humps. Ride hard and thumpy with dealer-available upsized wheels and/or firmer suspension components.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Stable feel, moderate body lean in tight, fast corners. Standard antiskid/traction system a plus, but small, skinny tires have limited grip, squeal early in turns. Quick steering, compact turn circle aid parking. Standard ABS gives competent routine braking, but our 60-0-mph panic-stop test showed fairly long distances.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.3 |
Stable feel, moderate body lean in tight, fast corners. Standard antiskid/traction system a plus, but small, skinny tires have limited grip, squeal early in turns. Quick steering, compact turn circle aid parking. Standard ABS gives competent routine braking, but our 60-0-mph panic-stop test showed fairly long distances.
Quietness
Not irksome at full throttle, but only average by our sound meter in top-gear 60-mph cruising, with about equal parts engine hum and tire drone. Wind rush modest for such a bluff box of a body.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 |
Not irksome at full throttle, but only average by our sound meter in top-gear 60-mph cruising, with about equal parts engine hum and tire drone. Wind rush modest for such a bluff box of a body.
Controls
Large, round dashtop gauge cluster is slightly right of driver but easy to read. Warning lights grouped to its right a bit small and distant. Handy audio unit to right of steering wheel suffers from all-button controls, some quite small. Below it are simple climate controls. Assembly, cabin materials in line with modest pricing, but cloth upholstery surprisingly classy.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.6 |
Large, round dashtop gauge cluster is slightly right of driver but easy to read. Warning lights grouped to its right a bit small and distant. Handy audio unit to right of steering wheel suffers from all-button controls, some quite small. Below it are simple climate controls. Assembly, cabin materials in line with modest pricing, but cloth upholstery surprisingly classy.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Driver sits higher than in most small cars and enjoys excellent visibility, but taller ones may feel they're in a minivan due to modest seat travel and limited steering-wheel tilt. Still, there's adult-size leg room, plus near top-hat head clearance from tall body. Seats firm, well-shaped, but cushions a bit short for best leg support.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.1 |
Driver sits higher than in most small cars and enjoys excellent visibility, but taller ones may feel they're in a minivan due to modest seat travel and limited steering-wheel tilt. Still, there's adult-size leg room, plus near top-hat head clearance from tall body. Seats firm, well-shaped, but cushions a bit short for best leg support.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Head room generous here too, as is leg space even with front seats pushed far back. But rear bench too narrow for three adults, and cushion and backrests are short. No-strain entry/exit despite narrow floor passages.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 3.9 |
Head room generous here too, as is leg space even with front seats pushed far back. But rear bench too narrow for three adults, and cushion and backrests are short. No-strain entry/exit despite narrow floor passages.
Cargo Room
Usefully cubic cargo bay, but floor just 21 inches long behind rear seat, 52 inches with seatbacks folded. Optional dealer-installed audio package bolts a space-robbing subwoofer to rear cargo subfloor. Cargo floor lifts for access to spare tire and an additional storage cubby. Back seat has no bins for small items, but front offers assorted slots and pockets, plus three cupholders.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 3.9 |
Usefully cubic cargo bay, but floor just 21 inches long behind rear seat, 52 inches with seatbacks folded. Optional dealer-installed audio package bolts a space-robbing subwoofer to rear cargo subfloor. Cargo floor lifts for access to spare tire and an additional storage cubby. Back seat has no bins for small items, but front offers assorted slots and pockets, plus three cupholders.
Value within Class
The xB melds hip-hop style with minivan practicality in a solid, pleasant little wagon bolstered by Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale values. It's also priced right at under $13,700 to start, but be careful with the options or you could end up at over $18,000 like our test model. Interestingly, the boxlike xB is outselling the more-conventional Scion xA sedan by more than 2-1.
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.6 |
The xB melds hip-hop style with minivan practicality in a solid, pleasant little wagon bolstered by Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale values. It's also priced right at under $13,700 to start, but be careful with the options or you could end up at over $18,000 like our test model. Interestingly, the boxlike xB is outselling the more-conventional Scion xA sedan by more than 2-1.
Total Score
| xB, man. | Class Average |
| 59 | 48.4 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2004 Scion xB Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/29/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon, manual | $13,680 | $12,995 | $485 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $14,480 | $13,755 | $485 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, rear defogger, rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, 185/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Curtain side airbags and front side airbags
|
||
|
Base
|
$650
|
$559
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base
|
$395
|
$305
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$695
|
$600
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Bazooka tube subwoofer
|
||
|
Base
|
$429
|
$309
|
|
Cargo cover
|
||
|
Base
|
$55
|
$39
|
|
Cargo logic tote
|
||
|
Base
|
$49
|
$30
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
Base
|
$49
|
$34
|
|
Cupholder illumination
|
||
|
Base
|
$299
|
$199
|
|
Sport pedal covers
|
||
|
Base
|
$79
|
$49
|
|
Special shift knob
|
||
|
Base
|
$49
|
$31
|
|
LED interior lights
|
||
|
Base
|
$280
|
$200
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$120
|
$83
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Bodyside graphics
|
||
|
Base
|
$224
|
$164
|
|
B-pillar applique
|
||
|
Base
|
$189
|
$129
|
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
Base
|
$350
|
$245
|
|
Carbon-fiber fuel door cover
|
||
|
Base
|
$35
|
$23
|
|
Rear bumper applique
|
||
|
Base
|
$58
|
$38
|
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
Base
|
$385
|
$285
|
|
Door sill enhancements
|
||
|
Base
|
$139
|
$89
|
|
Front strut tie bar
|
||
|
Base
|
$225
|
$159
|
|
Security system
|
||
|
Base
|
$469
|
$339
|
|
Wheel locks
|
||
|
Base
|
$59
|
$37
|
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$665
|
$459
|
|
|
||
2004 Scion xB Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Scion xB 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 155.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2425 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 46.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 45.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 45.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.5 /91 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 108 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 105 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 31/35 |
| 4-speed automatic | 30/34 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Scion xB 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Scion xB Review:
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