[2] The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bB.

To create the first-generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.

On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor.

The 5-door hatchback included a 2.4-liter I4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch brakes with slotted rotors, 20-inch billet aluminium wheels, LED fog lamp, remotely operated power rear hatch, asymmetrical tri-level instrument panel features a large information ticker, MP3 docking station, dual moonroof, half-length suicide doors.

[citation needed] Limited Edition vehicles were, from a marketing standpoint, used to create a buzz for the brand name, with their exterior colors tending toward loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green).

[citation needed] Resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.

[citation needed] 2004 model year The xB Release Series 1.0 comes with some unique features from the factory which include Hot Lava paint, color-keyed rear spoiler, matching orange powder-coated strut tie-bar, custom grill, color tuned interior and under-seat & dash orange illumination.

2005 model year This RS edition came with color keyed side mirror overlays with LED turn signals, rear spoiler, tunable stainless steel sport muffler, and a metal mesh grille.

Inside there are stainless appliqués on the door sills, and yellow upholstery accents to match the exterior, and a plaque that shows the build number xxxx/2500.

2006 model year RS 3.0 changes include Envy Green paint, seven-spoke wheel coverings, and rear spoiler.

The vehicle also had a special grill, only on the RS 3.0, with the color matching the car, Envy Green; and a radar intrusion sensor.

The base head unit has MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility and Scion's SSP equalizer presets.

The base unit can also be set to any of three Scion model presets (xB, xD, or tC) and includes an "Automatic Sound Levelizer" feature that automatically increases the volume as the vehicle speed and ambient noise increases.

The interior changes include a revised gauge cluster, center console and new driver and front passenger seats with new materials.

[22] For the new model year, Scion added a standard backup camera to the xB as well as continuing the updates for 2014.

A differently styled version for the Australian market, with the 2.4l 2AZ-FE engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox, released June 2010.

[41] The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, defined roughly as people born between 1980 and 1994.

This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive.

[45] In 2009, Great Wall Motor of China released the Coolbear, which is a copy of the first-generation xB, but with a different front end.