2006 Scion xB Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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As of 2006, the xB wagon accounted for 40% of Scion sales in the United States. Its look, unique when it debuted, has since found its way into competing brands, but the Scion is still unique in its offering of 40 different accessories that the driver can choose at the dealership to customize their ride, and all at an economy price.
The 2006 xB shares its engine with the xA -- a 103-hp, 1.5-liter I4, with choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It has been called the most fuel efficient car on the market right now. The EPA estimate is 30/33, but some drivers have reported close to 40 mpg.
Only one trim level is available for the xB. Its square-shaped box style adds extra interior headroom, and makes it a good buddy hauler. A lower suspension improves the ride, and ground effects give it a tuner look. It also has the same standard equipment as the xA, with power windows and locks, ABS brakes, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, and a powerful new Pioneer sound system with iPod connection and a screen that displays artist and song information. Also new is turn signals integrated in the mirrors.
Options are abundant, and include front and side airbags and a host of add-ons that help you create the exact car you want. Whether it's a rear spoiler, leather trim, special lighting setups (lit cupholders!), or an upgraded sound system, the 2006 xB has 40 options from which to choose.
Drivers are pleased with the xB's handling, but the firm suspension can lead discomfort on long trips. The compact MPV also earns accolades for roominess, high seat height and visibility, sound system, and fuel economy. The budget price, combined with Toyota quality also has great appeal. The noisy and underpowered engine is a drawback.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Scion xB
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by Jamar M
Oct 09, 2023
Excellent car Ive mine for 12 yrs going on 240k miles very low maintenance Oct 09, 2023
by Jason S
Sep 17, 2021
Fantastic little car for my son. Good on gas, and its compact enough to fit in my driveway behind my truck. Sep 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Jun 19, 2021
I’ve had my 2006xb for15yrs, never had a problem all I’ve had go do is change the tires and oil, the absolute best car I’ve ever owned. It keeps up with any car on the road, it’ll cruise at 90 ALL day longJun 19, 2021
User rating:
by Jamar M
Oct 09, 2023
Excellent car Ive mine for 12 yrs going on 240k miles very low maintenance Oct 09, 2023
by Jason S
Sep 17, 2021
Fantastic little car for my son. Good on gas, and its compact enough to fit in my driveway behind my truck. Sep 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Jun 19, 2021
I’ve had my 2006xb for15yrs, never had a problem all I’ve had go do is change the tires and oil, the absolute best car I’ve ever owned. It keeps up with any car on the road, it’ll cruise at 90 ALL day longJun 19, 2021
by Jack P
Apr 16, 2021
Put 287,000 miles on my 06 XB and would still be driving it if I had not hit a deer and totaled itApr 16, 2021
by G l B
Mar 12, 2020
outstanding packaging, specially for tall drivers. Does ride a bit rough Great city car, but can be a bit under powered on the highway, and us clearly built to a price point. Have had two 05 models, and am looking for another one.Mar 12, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 28, 2014
I like it fine. Very cool factor, better design than later models. Easy to customize with lots of accessories available. Fits lots of cargo with rear seats folded flat. Typical Toyota construction quality. Pretty good on gas with good pickup, mine is a stick.Jul 28, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 26, 2014
I've loved this car since the first day I bought it. It has been very reliable and dependable throughout the years, making getting around cities an absolute breeze. Safe, yet tough, this Scion xB is fashionable and cool, yet sophisticated and easily maintained.Jun 26, 2014
by Jason H
May 26, 2014
Fun, easy car to drive. It demands looks from others for two reasons: half the population thinks it's truly ugly, the other half thinks it's cool. As a business car with logos applied, it gets attention. That's what I bought if for. No repairs to date (2006 model). Very, very reliable.May 26, 2014
by David P
Oct 19, 2013
It isnt on par with luxury mini vans, and it isnt trying to be. This is the "Cool xB model, later ones, when style changed, look like squashed mini vans. It drives and turns tightly, nimble, and has tons of cargo space. I fit 5 bales of hay in the back, and had room for one more, if he had it to sell.
MP3 aux input is handy, right between front seats. Seats themselves, other than lack of arm rest, are decent. Not sure I want a 5 hour ride in this, but all around Atlanta, short to modest trips, I like it.
The A/C works well, could stand a little better vents or more of them, as it does have a lot of space to cool.
Not a lot of extra features, but it is still decently appointed for the price. The reliability of these cars is extraordinary. Solid front disc brakes do a good job, drum brakes in rear, well, this car doesnt weigh all that much, so you dont really notice any difference.
Car almost parks itself, gets into tight spaces, and is a fun out in the boonies ( twisty backroads for you city folk :-).
Overall... it will haul 4 people, as long people in back arent 6 footers. Back seats fold down to give you large enough space to haul at least 5 square bales of hay ( i probably could of fit 6 ).
I wouldnt drive this across country as seats are OK, but not long hours ok. Road noise is nominal, again, in this price range, its relative. I have owned a nice Chrysler Town and Country minivan, THIS isnt that, and isnt trying to be.
Need a reliable car for college student with tons of space ? or kid moving out of the house, or YOU just want either a second car for shopping, or, you are on a budget, have a family of 4, and need space for groceries, this will still work.
We have put over 30k on this car. It is now up for standard 95k service- timing chain, front end alignment ( just needs one not a 95k service ) tranny filter/fluid, tune up- about $350 total.. that is not that much actually. I spent over $750 on a timing belt on my Olds Cutlass back in 2001..
I would absolutely recommend this as a an extra car, kids first time car, or just in need of an " all around do almost everything but not break our budget " car.Oct 19, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 31, 2013
I can not say enough about this car. I go for practical, dependable, inexpensive to run. I run a lot, putting many miles on my vehicles. I usually own them for many years and take care of them. This one has repaid me by not breaking down, falling apart, or requiring anything more than regular oil changes, a few (very few) brakes and windshield wipers. I would buy another if we needed a third. (Yes we own two).Aug 31, 2013
by Jim L
Jun 17, 2013
Really a great car I think it has that same status that a VW Bug had at the time
groundbreaking. A car that just goes and goes, servicing is really inexpensive and for the money there is'nt a better car out there. It can seat 5 easily and has room to spare. If they made an all wheel drive version with a little more power we would buy another one.Jun 17, 2013
by Martha b
Oct 09, 2012
I have loved this car from day 1. I just wish it was big enough to grow with my family. I really don't have anything bad to say about it. Being a dark car in SC it can get hot inside but the AC will cool it down quickly.Oct 09, 2012
by Donald E
Mar 20, 2011
Performance: zippy but not fast...handles good with few mods.
Build quality: No big repairs...rides rough from dropping....oh well
Appearance:interior is all black shag, exterior has few jdm pieces and more to put on this spring, also new 15 x 8 0 offset wheels
Cost of ownership: low maintenance and good gas mileage
Fun Factor: very fun to drive
also has stereo that hits about 145 decibels.Mar 20, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2011
This car gets great gas mileage, it is very reliable, and has plenty of space. Repairs are very cheap and have rarely ever been necessary. Interior is very comfortable. The handle is very good and driving the vehicle is fun. Feb 27, 2011
by Rhiannon P
May 28, 2010
MPG are amazing, very spacious on inside. Tiny, weak engine, not made for driving over 50 on windy days. Everything falls apart wicked easy but it is toyota made and the internal stuff is keeping up pretty good. Its size makes it easy to handleMay 28, 2010
by Courtney F
Feb 10, 2010
It's OK. A little slow with no horsepower but wonderful on gas if driven correctly. The aerodynamics are awful when on the highway with 18-wheeler drafts and a lot of wind. Has a lot of room for tall passengers and hauling stuff around.Feb 10, 2010
by Justin P
Jan 18, 2010
A lot of fun is to be had in this car. It could always be better performance wise since it is only a 4 Cylinder. Very well built. Looks go with the own person's thoughts on the car. Cost of ownership is great, MPG excellent and since it is a Toyota product it is built to last.Jan 18, 2010
by Billy S
Dec 30, 2009
It may be a fairly slow little motor but it's perky enough to stay with the flow. The car is meant to be a statement. That statement is look at me I'm different than you. I like that aspect the car suits my needs and personality. I sugest others to buy one if the like a roomy car that turns heads everywhere and has a strong aftermarket following.Dec 30, 2009
by Sam M
Dec 09, 2009
Great for short people. Easy to find in a busy parking lot. Has a great resale value. fairly cheap. Great first car. Will last for a long time. A lot of storage space. Great Radio. Has an Aux. outlet. Easy light blub changing. Dec 09, 2009
by Travis P
Aug 16, 2009
Well it's alot more roomy than you would think for being so small, and speaking of small the 1.8 VVT only puts out about 100hp and 101ftlbs of torque but has enough power to get you around at 35mpg. It's a Toyota for the most part so of course it'll take nearly anything thrown at it and still keep moving so you decide!!!Aug 16, 2009
by Whip W
Jul 02, 2009
Its a box; but on the other hand its good box. Great use of
space and very unique styling. I loved the lights inside the car
that could be changed between 7 different colors. The sound
system was quite premium for the class. Comfort was great
considering the class and this model sat high up like an SUV.Jul 02, 2009
by Zach W
Jun 24, 2009
Its very slow, but handles well. Its extremely spacious and practical because of the shape. I have a special edition which includes a GREAT stereo, bright green paint, and matching spoiler and grill. Overall its the perfect car for me.Jun 24, 2009
by Wayne C
Jun 19, 2009
Looks like no other car. Made by Toyota so you know it's reliable! Can pack 5 people in this vehicle plus can move stuff like a mini van..how cool is that? The paint job changes color when the sun hits it!Jun 19, 2009
by Dave K
Jun 16, 2009
I love this car and I wish Scion would not have changed the design. The performance is solid the gas mileage is amazing. The quality of the car is fantastic, I bought the car new and it's been entirely trouble free since I purchased it.Jun 16, 2009
by Patrick N
Dec 31, 2008
alright well the acceleration is better than my first car thats for sure but it is not anything to write home about. it has a whioppin 103 horsepower but i am all for sacrificing horsepower for the ouitstanding 28-35 mpg. it handles like a little civic and is fun to drive. because it is so light it comes to a stop quite quickly and that is a plus. you either hate the box or u love the box. i am one who loves the box. being 6'3" it has ample space for me plus someone of my same size to sit behind me, however the width of the car is nothing special it is snug with two big people next to eachother. being a toyota the only maintanence ive done is a tune up. i would recomend this to anyone who likes a fun car with outstanding gas mileage!!Dec 31, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 17, 2008
Performance is adequate for acceleration; excellent for braking & handling.
I can only complaint about some little rattles in the cabin when driving on rough surfaces.
This is a fun car to drive, period.
Great gas mileage.
The Japanese super-reliable Mini.
Dec 17, 2008
by Tony W
Nov 12, 2008
So it's a bit ugly, not too fast, but this car has got more personality than any I have owned. Its a blast to drive (once a little suspension upgrade) gets great gas milage and has room for everyone. Not to mention the community of owners I have met. There are 1000's of mods for it and it is pretty simple to work on.
Its a solid reliable car and is cheap!Nov 12, 2008
by Darku ジ
Oct 24, 2008
Amazing cars! and cute too! I got this on the very first day in 07 and loved it ever since! very easy car to do mods too so if your bulding a car its a great one to start on espically with a wide varity of parts. also it's amazing on gas millage avaraging me city around 36-38 and high ways 37-40mpg the car is amazing to drive too huge windscreen and many windows around it makes it very easy to see around and it handles like a dream with a tight enough turn radious to make a u turn on a two lane road.
over all I love the Toyota bB or as there known in the states Scion xB'sOct 24, 2008
by Rebecca C
Jul 24, 2008
Love all the room inside and it's so cute, and fun to drive!! But does not have a lot of get up and go. Has great gas mileage, even though the tank only hold about 10 gallons I can get about 300 miles on the highway out of a full tank.Jul 24, 2008
by Brian S
Jul 07, 2008
Great monospec car, no haggle price. Walk-in, pay and leave. It looks small but once inside, lots of space for me (even a 6'3"). Not many bell and whistles but those break anyway, right? 33 combined mpg (that my real-world calculation) and I am a bit heavy on the throttle. Can feel a bit under-powered on the highway. I keep the overdrive off when merging onto the super slab. My only real complaint is it's tendency to upshift into overdrive around 35-40 mph (which you can hit in the city). Try climbing a hill in OD. Leaves you without usable power until it downshifts. Looks funky but grows on you quickly. Built by Toyota so parts and repairs are quality.Jul 07, 2008
by Sarah B
May 31, 2008
I bought my Scion XB and have absolutely love it! It handles well and gets great gas mileage!May 31, 2008
by Kevin J
Apr 29, 2008
Looks different than anything else on the road. TONS of interior room considering the size of the car. Small engine, but takes corners like a go-cart!Apr 29, 2008
by Patrick T
Apr 27, 2008
It is comfortable, gets good mileage, but there is just nothing to it.Apr 27, 2008
by Stephanie F
Apr 07, 2008
I love my xB. It's fun to drive and it gets peoples attention. It's great on gas too and has endless modification possibilities. Apr 07, 2008
by Tevin L
Mar 29, 2008
I chose this car because it was different and I've wanted one for sooo long. It's my daily driver. I've had it for almost 2 years now and have not had one problem with it whatsoever! What I enjoy most about my car is that it is fun to drive!! And if you don't have one, you're missing out!Mar 29, 2008
by Andrew O
Mar 15, 2008
Very slow.. in fact, probably one of the slowest stock cars out there. It is SOO big on the inside, it is like nothing else. The gas mileage is fantastic.Mar 15, 2008
by Mike R
Mar 07, 2008
The xB got great fuel economy, had tons of interior space, and fun styling, but all came at the expense of performance. This thing is truely a dog. It was just scary to get on the interstate with itMar 07, 2008
2006 Scion xB Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,610 to $14,610Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
In-Dash CD: DVD · In-dash MP3 player · Premium Brand: Pioneer · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
