TheSaint77

Toyota to kill iconic Scion xB, also xD

Updated: 04/27/2012 06:19pm

Toyota plans to discontinue its iconic Scion xB box car -- and also its ill-remembered and less funky than homely sibling, the xD -- according to Ward's Auto.

Scion VP Jack Hollis told Ward's that the brand doesn't "have plans for a direct xB or xD replacement."

The Scion brand, which debuted in 2003, was aimed at drawing younger car shoppers to Toyota. To keep things fresh, part of Scion's mission statement was a "one and done" marketing approach, Hollis said. That meant Scion models were to stick around for only one generation and be replaced by fresh nameplates. The xB box and tC coupe proved too popular to abandon; both are now in their second generation.

The second-gen xB is a Drive On favorite but there's no question the redesign lost a lot of the youthful edge and fun that the slab-sided little original had.

Now is probably an appropriate time for Scion to abandon the xB and xD hatchback models. Sales of the once-popular xB -- which started a trend in "boxy cars" that has spawned rivals that include the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul -- have fallen from a high of about 61,000 in 2006 to about 17,000 in 2011.

Copyright 2012 USATODAY.com

HOLLOWMANGT69

iTrader: (6)

It will be sad to see these go.
The xB I think is one that should be kept around.

The xD I can see that being put on the back burner.

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ashtc2

Scion needed to get rid of these boxes to become a reputable brand.

I'm liking the sense of exclusivity with a line of FRS, tC, and iQ. It's better to clear up the Scion image.

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millardmt

Damn! - I wanted a 2.5l, 6-speed manual xB.

Marc

(What typically happens to the resale value of discontinued models?)

jct

they also need to lose the tC and have the FRS as the replacement for the tC

TheSaint77

I was really hoping they'd revive the xB with the 3rd generation.

If they'd go with a refreshed Gen1 look, I think they could have gotten sales back up.

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dropzone

Once they changed the xB from the compact city car it was the core of the model was lost. Also why would Scion replace the tC with the FR-S? They'd be left with nothing for the sport compact FWD market, not a good move. We'll see what happens with the tC after 3 years or so.

Roller_Toaster

iTrader: (1)

Huh. I thought the 2nd Gen xB was 10x the car the first Gen was. Oh well, that's why I bought one :D

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dropzone

I wanted an xB1, but when I went to the dealership to buy my car in '07 they were in between the model changes. I myself like how the xB1 stands out, I don't find the xB2 design to have that same effect, even with staying with a boxy shape.

Dam262a

iTrader: (2)

OFF with its head!, jk

I totally liked the xB1 when it was out almost got it besides the tC, I wonder what my car would of looked like if I have gotten the xB1Gen.

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808-213-503

But all good things have to come to an end, if only to allow for a future revival.

typhoonorchid

shocked to hear that today. I was looking forward to what they did with a 3rd gen.

krytikel

I had a felling they were gonna drop the xD now that they have the iQ but the xB was a surprise to me.
Must be due to the sluggish sales this year. Oh well, all good things must come to an end .

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krytikel

+1, I miss the compact size of the first gen, thats what got my attention.

toxshox

I too miss the compact size. I drive an xA but looked at the 1G xB before I purchased. The box shape is awesomely different even in a world with imitators. The xA was the first to go which isn't a surprise to me with the xB as it's competitor at the same dealerships. The iQ doesn't fit the same slot the xB/xA/xD filled since it is too small for long distance trips plus it has an even smaller engine (1.3L) when young customers in the US are asking for more power. Side note, I just realized that the iQ is just a hundred dollars off the price of a new xD. I guess if you want a small hatchback with more power for highway trips you are going to have to get a Toyota Yaris.

ontarioScionxb

They should come back with the xA. or better yet, redefine the xB into its boxy shape again. Lose all the curves.

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SCRIABIN9

I am 66 year old. So I have been buying cars a long time. From volvos/Wranglers/Cherookees/Isuzu troopers/pu trucks..you name it. Then four years ago My daughter got an xB Classic. WOW. I ran right out and got my wife a 2006 Scion xB. for $$9900 (26m miles on it) Not only is it the nicest riding/most fun/most responsive car most Gas efficient car ever...BUT..Over all I figure the bottom line? it will cost me $ .07 cents a mile!! Who can beat that for such a wonderful car?? NO ONE!. I ran out last month and bought another 2005 xB for myself. I am in heaven!! But..now Mr. Toyota...you will kill it??..this great incredible car??... I am at a loss..WHERE AM I TO GO. I need 37 MPG..I I love to be riding around in a quiet/responsive car at a very REASONABLE PRICE. WHERE AM I TO GO? WHERE?...WHERE?...PLEASE...bring it back. PLEASE...OK..so the average American thought not enough power. HEY...so remind them..to rev it to 6000 RMP./..it can take it...I KNOW IT..anbd then she flies!!...PS I live in the NYC area...so...THIS IS THE CAR FOR ME and my WIFe..and KIDS. BRING IT BACK TO US !!..I am begging you!!!

xb_alchemist

They should have came out with the bB that's in Japan instead of the xB that they brought out here.
I call it the tC wagon cause that's what it looks like

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kustom_play

"Sales of the once-popular xB -- which started a trend in "boxy cars" that has spawned rivals that include the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul"

Umm the Cube has been around before the Bb.....

Anyway the Original xB was awesome and fun and cool. Car and Driver said the new xB2 looked like "the new young persons mini van".

Should of brought over the JDM Bb and sales wouldn't have tanked

They should of pulled the Vitz (Yaris hatch) over to Scion. The Yaris is cool car for what it is. It even has its own racing series for the Vitz / Netz cup.

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turbo16

I'm sad to see the xB go, but with the xB2 they lost the JDM aspect.

If they had brought back the "jdmness" with a 3rd gen they would get back the market they were aiming for.

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