Americans LOVED This Car But Toyota Didn't Care - Scion xB Story

Despite its age, the first generation xB (Toyota bB) is still a common sight on the streets today thanks to its excellent reliability, practicality, and affordability. That's what was intended of it. It was successful as it was, until Toyota thought that it should be less polarizing and well, more American.

[swiftWord]

I buy, fix and sell 1st Gen xBs people still love them. I sold one an hour after listing it; I sold another to someone driving halfway across the country to buy it because it had low miles. They are easy to work on, parts are inexpensive, they are incredibly reliable and have a timeless style. I feel this will be a sought after classic to the likes of the VW Bettle.

[markmeador]

Honda had the same problem, they made the Element and the old people loved them

[GreyGhost-rz]

Original Owner ‘06 Xb. 114, 000 miles. I love this car. I want another one. New. I paid $14, 100 for it. Reliable. I love no frills. 35mpg in the city

[uncleelroy]

I have a 05 Scion xB. I’m trying to hold on to it. I think it will become a collector item.

[ubacow]

The fact that the Kia Soul is such a hot seller is evidence of a poor commitment from companies, i felt the same about the Nissan Cube as well. I loved the cube the most. America is ready for cuter cars imo

[Troy-ncbr]

I bought a new Scion XA 2006 Drove it till 2016. Sold it to my relative He is still driving it today in 2024 With no mechanical issues whatsoever

[krabgrass]

As a construction worker, I've seen so many Scion XB's and Honda Elements being repurposed as work vans by electricians. They usually remove all the rear seats which leaves a lot of space and the high roof is also a perk. Since panel vans are expensive, that's the route some trade workers take.

[PeterWiernicki]

Auto manufacturers have forgotten that they need to appeal to entry-level buyers. They don't want to produce less expensive cars with features people want because they have lower margins. Instead, they're incentivized to build higher profit trucks and SUVs that fewer people can afford.

[PhoenX]

even though this guy made the xB look like it was the face of Scion, it would be funnier knowing that the Scion tC was Toyota's best selling Scion car

[dadadadada]

Miss the days of small affordable yet stylish cars... 😢. Xb gen 1 and 2 were both amazing!

[PKAPE]

I lived in California when the first gen of xB came out in early 2000’s. It was VERY popular among young people. I personally didn’t like it because it looked funky and seemed to associate with kids who loved modifying their cars. Circumstances made me own a used one well after it was discontinued. I was in love with it right away and wish I bought a new one when it came out.

[dave]

My mom bought a 2012 second Gen xB and she loves it. We have had no issues, it’s super reliable, and economical. Plus for a small car it’s roomy inside and gas mileage it’s still plenty good.

[myleslong]

First gen Saturns were terrific little cars with a loyal following. I remember quite a few of them with over 200, 000 miles at a time when that wasn’t the norm for American made vehicles. It wasn’t until GM started marketing Opels as Saturns that they became less imaginative, less reliable and more expensive, which helped lead to their extinction.

[Steve-ytru]

Scored an 06 with 40k miles. It's basically new.

[leeball]

I've recently come to the conclusion that I have inherited an '09 xB. My father-in-law loaned it to me when I was going to school last year and every attempt I've made to return it to him he refuses and says that he'd rather have me drive it than have it sit as he didn't drive it much. Now he's at the point where he really shouldn't be driving. I gotta admit it really isn't my cup of tea. I find the visibility terrible, blind spots on both rear corners and the short windshield keeps me from seeing stop lights if I'm first in line. I also find the dash configuration maddening, center mounted gauges make me feel unbalanced. Despite those and other complaints it does have it's merits. It's fairly peppy but doesn't feel fast, I'm usually 5-10 over the speed limit before I know it. The head room is AMAZING, I'm 6ft and easily have 8" from top of my head to the ceiling. Back seat has a ton of leg room, fitting 4 large adults is hilariously easy. And good cargo space. My FIL says it's his favorite car he's ever owned so I know I won't be selling for some time, too much sentimentality wrapped up in it. So I've decided to start doing some small quality of life improvements such as upgrading to a modern head unit with wireless carplay, a backup camera, and roof rack. It is a reliable little car, is inexpensive to operate and never complains. Plus it was free and only has 71k miles on it!

[jimcapp]

Older middle aged women loved the first generation Scion Xb; Even at twenty years old Women who weren't familiar with the Scion brand want to know where they can get one,

[callmebigpapa]

06 owner here 2nd best car I have ever owned....behind the 1983 Tercel SR5 AWD Wagon

[jamescaldwell]

It's a great example of how a design that is more polarizing can be more popular than a design that is trying to make everybody happy. Cars which have had their designs influenced by focus groups often start to look similar to all the other cars that have done the same. Then they have to compete with all these other similar looking cars. A unique car might appeal to a smaller percentage of the population, but for those who like it, there is rarely any competition.

[socallb]

Love my 2014 XB, Got it new and I am surprised at how many people tell me they had a XB and regret selling it. Also I have had several offers to buy.

[RenoEeker]

2004 xB here, but I bought it in a test market in San Jose before they went live other places. The California DMV listed it as a 2003 model because it wasn't in the database when I got it. This is still my daily driver and it's at 220k and going strong. I think Toyota killed it because it was *too* good. It wasn't helping them sell cars -- it was like the vw bug of its day. And holy crap, the paint job -- it's still factory perfect 21 years later.