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The Scion xB is a box on wheels with strong styling that grabs attention, often from members of the opposite sex. It's a five-passenger wagon that doesn't look like a wagon. Nor does it look like a Toyota, though it's built by Toyota and carries the company's high standards of quality, durability, and reliability.

As a result, the Scion xB feels tight. And it's quiet, with little wind noise and no squeaks or rattles. Inside, it's roomy and has a nice interior with controls that are easy to operate. The driver and passengers sit upright in chair-like seats and enjoy excellent visibility. As its looks suggest, the xB offers better cargo capacity than your average compact car.

It's easy to drive with good brakes and a smooth clutch, but it's no hot rod. Shifting into lower gears is needed for quick acceleration.

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Scion xB ($14,030) comes in one body style and is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers choose between two transmissions, a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic ($800).

The xB comes standard with power windows, mirrors and door locks; tilt steering wheel; tachometer and trip meter; 60/40-split folding and removable rear seat; remote keyless entry. For 2006 it also comes with a redesigned six-speaker, AM/FM/CD Pioneer sound system engineered to read MP3 files and wired to accept an XM Satellite Radio receiver.

The Scion xB comes well-equipped with active safety features: antilock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (which increases braking pressure in emergency situations) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (which apportions braking force to the tires with the best grip); Vehicle Stability Control (which attempts to restrain a vehicle from spinning out of control by adjusting the application of throttle and brakes); and traction control (which reduces front wheel spin under acceleration).

Other than the choice of transmissions, Toyota offers no factory-installed options for the Scion xB. Instead, a buyer selects from some 40 accessories to be installed either by Toyota at the port of entry or by the dealer. These comprise both appearance and functional items. Among the eye-candies are clear tail lamp lenses, rear bumper applique, body side graphics, LED interior lighting, carbon fiber shift knob, sport pedals, and an instrument panel applique. Adding function are a leather-wrapped steering wheel (red or gray), front strut tower brace, fog lamps, cup holder illumination, removable roof rack, 6-CD changer, satellite radio tuner and antenna, cold-air induction system, and an assortment of handling and performance goodies from Toyota Racing Development.

Starting with the Scion xB Release Series 3.0 ($16,340), there will be two limited editions for 2006. Painted in Envy Green, the Release Series 3.0 features a solid, color-keyed Aero Speedgrille, seven-spoke wheel covers, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. On the inside, the RS 3.0 comes a host of multimedia gimmicks, including Vizualogic™ Dual Headrest Rear Seat Entertainment System with a seven-inch LCD monitor mounted on the back of each front seat headrest, and a premium Alpine DVD audio/video receiver with an extended range six-speaker system and one-inch soft dome tweeters. The receiver offers Apple iPod connectivity as well a mini-jack for most portable music players, and its multi-source mechanism allows playback of various formats of CDs and DVDs. Also included is a three-month subscription to XM Radio, as is a full-function remote control, infrared wireless headphones, and a security system. Only 2,200 units will be available.

The 2006 Scion xB Release Series 4.0 ($15,960) comes in Maziora Torched Penny exterior paint, a polarized paint line that changes color depending on the viewing angle or light reflection. The RS 4.0 features color-keyed taillights, rear spoiler, a Modellista speed grille, and Release Series wheel covers. The interior features a multi-color under-dash light and cup holder kit, as well as a color-keyed Razo shift knob on manual transmission models. 2,500 units will be built.