2004-2006 Scion xB: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2004 Scion xB
2006 Scion xB
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2004-2006 Scion xB ▼

  • Price Range:  $7,600 - $11,300
CG Rating

57

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2006 Scion xB and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger room
  • Fuel economy

Cons

  • Acceleration

Vehicle Highlights

This square-lined 5-door wagon launched Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand for model-year 2004 together with the xA 4-door hatchback. Both were five-passenger compacts sharing a basic platform, a 108-hp 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, 5-speed manual transmission and optional 4-speed automatic. The main differences were external. Where the xA had conventional small-car styling, the xB was a literal "two box" design standing longer and taller on a 5-inch longer wheelbase. With its unusual appearance and wagon versatility, the xB symbolized Scion's mission of drawing younger, "active lifestyle" buyers to Toyota dealers with "cool" vehicles that would presumably keep these customers coming back to Toyota. Marketers decided this group wanted affordable compacts they could easily personalize, so Toyota/Scion dealers stocked a wide range of performance and dressup accessories, which only added to dealer profits. Even so, the xB was no "stripper," arriving at around $14,000 with two major safety features: antilock brakes and traction/antiskid control. Unlike the xA, though, it was not available with front torso side airbags or curtain side airbags. Other xB standards included air conditioning, power windows/mirrors/door locks, tilt steering wheel, split folding rear seat, rear liftgate wiper, dark-tint rear privacy glass, and a good-sounding single-disc CD audio system with MP3 playback. Regular" factory options included satellite radio, fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels to replace the standard 15-inch steel rims, and upgraded sound systems from various brands well known to the youth market. Helped by its funky image and wide press attention, the xB promptly outsold the xA by some 2 to 1 in Scion's first two seasons. Still, not many used Scions of any kind are yet on the market. It's worth noting that Toyota's slightly larger Echo sedan was a kissin' cousin of the inaugural Scions, using identical powertrains and the same basic platform. Echo, however, was one of Toyota's rare sales duds, and was dropped after model-year 2005.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Scion xB, man. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 57
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2006 Scion xB. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2006 Scion xB.

Year to Year Changes


2005 Scion xB: Virtually unchanged from 2004.
2006 Scion xB: The base audio system gained a plug-in for listening to digital music players through the vehicle's speakers, and a new optional system added dashboard control and program display for Apple iPod players. A dual-screen DVD entertainment system joined the options list. Due to a change in rating method, horsepower was restated to 103, torque to 101 lb-ft, though the engine itself was unchanged.

Our road test for the 2004-2006 Scion xB includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2006 Scion xB and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2006 Scion xB is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The xB is more about turning heads than neck-snapping performance, so acceleration is sedate. A manual-transmission test car clocked 9.8 sec 0-60 mph, and automatic transmission adds a second or so. With that, xB drivers must plan ahead when merging onto fast-moving expressways, passing on crowded two-lane roads, and even making turns against fast oncoming city traffic. Still, the little box doesn't feel that slow, and both transmissions are slick and responsive enough. But because it is somewhat underpowered, the xB isn't as economical as some small cars. We averaged 24.6 mpg with manual transmission in a test that included gas-eating acceleration runs; a test automatic version averaged 26.3 mpg in a less-strenuous city/highway mix. Road manners are typical small wagon. Body lean seems marked in tight fast corners, a function of the car's elevated seating, and the skinny tires both limit grip and allow mild wander along road grooves and in gusty crosswinds. Otherwise, the xB feels stable yet nimble. It really shines in the urban crush with its tidy size, compact turning circle and quick, low-effort steering. The standard ABS gives competent routine stops, but distances were a bit long in our simulated 60-0 "panic stop" test. Ride comfort is average with standard-size tires. Washboard surfaces induce minor jiggle, especially at freeeway speeds, and there's occasional bucking over sharp bumps and big humps. Beware of used examples modified with larger wheels or non-standard suspension components, as your teeth will likely rattle except on the glassiest pavement. Noise levels are class-typical, with noticeable engine roar at full throttle, about equal parts engine and tire hum in gentle cruising. Wind rush, though, is surprisingly modest for such a bluff box. But a box is a practical shape, so the xB has fine interior space for its exterior size. Despite sitting fairly high off the floor, all occupants enjoy near top-hat head room and plenty of leg space, plus airy views out and no-strain entry/exit. Seats are comfortable for the economy class, but the rear bench is too narrow for three adults. As in the sister xA, gauges and warning lights sit in a dashtop pod that puts style over function, though it's livable. At least the audio unit is handy just right of the steering wheel. The climate panel is directly below. Both have large, simple controls. Assembly and cabin materials are more than up to the price, and the cloth trim is quite classy, but available LED lighting for the front floorwells and even cupholders may seem like overkill to over-30s. Buyers of all ages will appreciate the usefully cubic cargo hold, easy-fold rear seats and large liftgate opening. Still, this is no minivan, with just 21 inches of floor length behind the rear seat and 43.4 cu. ft. maximum load volume, though most all that space is useable. Interior torage includes a small well next to the spare tire beneath the cargo floor and assorted slots and pockets up front, but rear-seaters get nothing.
Value for the Money
The xB melds hip-hop style with box-on-wheels practicality in a solid, pleasant little wagon with the bonus of Toyota's reputation for reliability, durability and quality workmanship. As such, this Scion appeals as much to older folks as to the young trendsetters it was designed for, an irony that also applies to the Honda Element and other similarly calculated "lifestyle" wagons. There's one caution for used-car shoppers, though. We've seen a good many xBs with wild paint jobs, outsize wheels, sporty body add-ons, ear-splitting sound systems, "nightclub lounge" interiors and other custom features, just as Toyota planned. But aside from maybe not suiting your taste, such modifications usually signal above-average wear-and-tear by the original owner. Thus, more than with most late-model cars, the safe xB buy is an unadorned example. You can always add your own cool stuff later.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Scion xB, man. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 57

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Scion xB includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Scion xB .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: The CD player may stop or pause intermittently and a revised unit with a new microprocessor was released as a correction. (2004) The Bazooka bass tube may rattle unless a revised hardware mounting kit is installed (2004-05)

Fuel pump: May be difficult to refuel because nozzle keeps clicking off, requiring installation of an improved fuel tank with filler pipe. (2004-05)

Steering problems: Damage to the steering angle sensor by an electrical connector in the column causes the ABS/VSC warning light to come on. (2004)

Transmission problems: Vehicle may have a sloppy (loose feeling) shift lever, requiring service to adjust the shift cable. (2004-05)

Water leak: The passenger side floor may get wet because the A/C condensate drain hose comes off the housing. (2004-06)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $600
Alternator $610
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,600
Brakes $325
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $830
Constant Velocity Joints $930
Exhaust System $420
Radiator $190
Shocks and/or Struts $720
Timing Chain or Belt $560
Our price chart for this generation Scion xB details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
xB $11,300-12,500 $10,200-11,300 $6,200-6,900
2005
xB $9,700-10,800 $8,700-9,700 $5,000-5,600
2004
xB $8,400-9,400 $7,600-8,500 $4,400-4,900
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Scion xB include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 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. 2415
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 43.4
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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The xB was offered only with a 1.5-liter 4-cyl. engine and a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Horsepower was listed at 108 for 2004-05, then restated to 103 for 2006 models, due to a change in rating method; the engine itself, however, was unchanged.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I41 1.5 / 91 108 105 5-speed manual: 30/33
4-speed automatic: 30/34		 5-speed manual: 24.6
4-speed automatic: 26.3

1. hp and torque re-rated on 2006 models to 103 hp, 101 lb-ft

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Scion xB include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 Scion xB
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2006 Scion xB directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2004-06 Scion xB: Certain combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacements may have side reflectors that do not conform with federal standards. Manufacturers will contact owners and replace the assemblies free of charge; the manufacturers are Anzo USA, Inc.; AAI Motorsports, USA, LLC; and Tradesonic.

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