The 2001 Toyota bB Open Deck: Japan’s Coolest Automotive Identity Crisis

The 2001 Toyota bB Open Deck: Japan’s Coolest Automotive Identity Crisis

In the early 2000s, while the rest of the world was busy making "sensible" sedans, Toyota Japan was apparently having a fever dream—and we are so glad they did. Enter the 2001 Toyota bB Open Deck, a car that looks like a toaster decided to become a pickup truck for the weekend.

Based on the first-generation bB (which we knew in the States as the Scion xB), the Open Deck took a quirky box and made it legendary.

 

What Exactly Is It?

The Open Deck is a "lifestyle" vehicle that defies categorization. It’s part hatchback, part mini-truck, and entirely charming. Here’s the breakdown of what makes it so weirdly wonderful:

  • The "Truck" Bed: Instead of a trunk, you get an open-air cargo area. It’s not going to haul a pallet of bricks, but it’s perfect for a surfboard, some muddy mountain bike gear, or a very adventurous golden retriever.
  • Suicide Doors: It features a clever door configuration. The passenger side has a small rear-hinged "suicide" door, making access to the rear seats surprisingly easy for such a compact frame.
  • The Pass-Through: The real magic? The rear window and the partition between the cabin and the bed fold down, creating a flat loading space that runs into the interior.

Why Enthusiasts Crave It

It’s not just the looks; the bB Open Deck is built on a rock-solid foundation. Underneath that funky exterior is a 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine—the same bulletproof heart found in the Toyota Echo and Prius. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly zippy for city driving.

 

The Specs at a Glance

Feature Specification
Engine 1.5L Inline-4 (1NZ-FE)
Horsepower ~110 hp
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic (Column Shift)
Rarity Low (Produced primarily for the Japanese Domestic Market)

 

Should You Buy One?

Since these are now over 25 years old (or hitting that mark soon), they are becoming prime candidates for import. If you want a car that:

  1. Fits into the tightest parking spots in the city.
  2. Starts every single morning without a complaint.
  3. Causes a literal "neck-snap" from confused onlookers at every stoplight.

...then the Open Deck is your soulmate. It’s a rolling reminder that car design used to be about having a bit of fun.

 

 

Back to blog