New Car Review of the 2005 Toyota Scion xB Compact Minivan

Description: Compact Minivan
Base MSRP Range: $13,7300 - 14,530
Invoice Price Range: $13,043 - $13,803
Where built: Japan

xB looks like a box on wheels as contemporary homage to a panel van but in slammed stance. Built on a platform used for the bB wagon sold strictly in Japan, this low-slung and boxy panel van resembles a cool California surfer's custom-crafted wagon.

Like the xA, the xB draws from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine borrowed from Toyota's Echo. It puts up 108-hp through a manual 5-speed or optional automatic 4-speed and earns notable fuel economy numbers above 30 mpg.

Affordable price points for well-equipped models is the big idea behind the Scion badge, and the xB fits that descriptive with standard equipment like air conditioning, power for windows and door locks and mirrors, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and VSC, plus an audio kit with CD deck that plays MP3 files. Scion the xB wagon also offers custom gear on the option sheet, as well as side-impact air bags. And there's a special edition -- xB Release Series -- coated in vibrant orange paint.