SCION xB Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Scion, the youth-oriented Toyota sub-brand, introduced the second generation of the xB after almost four years on the market at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

It was all fine and well on financial markets in the early days of 2007, and carmakers were planning their products for the next decade. But that rush wasn't good for the Japanese carmaker, as it found out a decade later.

The xB's second-generation car featured a flat front fascia with a short overhang. The designers created a mesh-grille on the upper side and an additional air-intake on the lower side of the bumper, flanked by two slim and vertical cuts that mimicked a pair of side-scoops for cooling the brakes. The darkened A and B-pillars, and a thick C-pillar, gave the car a more robust image on the market. At the back, a slightly curved vertical liftgate ended the vehicle.

Inside, the longer wheelbase allowed the car to accommodate up to five occupants. Its front, high-mounted bucket seats were separated by a folding armrest for the driver. The dashboard featured a center-mounted instrument cluster with three analog dials and two LCDs: one for the onboard computer and the other for the speedometer. Thanks to its customization program, the buyers could have their vehicle almost tailor-made with a wide range of options, including interior color combinations, upholstery, and trims.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a 2.4-liter inline-for engine carried over from the Camry's first generation. The carmaker paired it with either a five-speed manual or with a four-speed automatic.

When Toyota tried to launch a popular sub-brand in the U.S., it created the Scion, which was supposed to be not just more affordable but also looks different. The xB was among its first products.

Toyota didn't want to risk too much with the Scion and just re-badged some of the cars it sold in its home market and moved the steering wheel to the left. Thus, the Toyota bB, which was already on sale since 2000, became the Scion xB. It was a vehicle dedicated to those who couldn't afford a spacious, dependable vehicle.

It was easy to recognize the kei-class car shape of the xB. Its short front end was followed by a tall greenhouse extended to the back in a cubic design specific to that Japanese vehicle category. But it was bigger, and that led to larger windows all around. Moreover, it featured a third row of windows behind the rear doors. At the back, the vertical tailgate looked more like one used for utility vehicles. And yet, it was a decent car with an unusual cubist design.

Inside, the high-mounted seats led to a spacious cabin that could host five adult passengers. The dashboard was unusual, sporting a large speedometer on top, not in front of the steering wheel, placed next to a small panel that showed a few warning lights and the fuel level. Since Toyota created the small-sized MPV for teenagers, it added flat-folding rear seats that could convert the cabin into an ad-hoc lodge on wheels.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of two engines paired either with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Power went to the front wheels, and fuel efficiency was the most important factor. Speed and performance were not a top priority.