Just in: Scion xB
As my esteemed colleague Jim Travers blogged on last month, we've recently picked up our 2008 Scion xB (available to online subscribers) and have been racking up break-in miles. To put the new car into perspective, think of the thin, trim cheeky previous xB graduating from high school and gaining its "freshman 15" in college. The new xB has grown considerably in size and weight; it's now 12 inches longer and 650 pounds heavier than the last xB automatic we tested.
But unlike a student, who only has an expanding waistline to show for binging at the buffet, the xB gained some benefits from this growth. The new xB is a considerably more refined traveling companion, with less noise and a better ride. Plus, with 50 more horsepower, the xB is now much zippier, even with the automatic. New curtain air bags and standard stability control--which the old xB had as well--add up to a rather complete safety package at a starting price of $16,230.
At first glance, though, not everything has improved. Picture the old xB being squashed under a giant foot, a la Monty Python. It got wider and longer, and the windows all got shorter. The old xB used to be like driving in a greenhouse, with huge windows and thin pillars. This xB is a bit like a shrunken FJ Cruiser; it's depressingly dark inside with a compromised view.
Making things worse, we're still looking for the check box on the order form for "Rear third-quarter window delete" that we seemed to have checked off. There is a huge C-pillar, even though the interior wall trim is contoured to accommodate a window cutout. (Maybe that space is intended to allow customizers to install half-moon windows like they did in groovy 1970s custom vans.)
For now, staff opinions are split on the xB. Some could drive it everyday as cheap wheels, enjoying the small surprise-and-delight touches like lighted door sills and the funky green paint. Others aren't swayed, citing driving position and visibility shortcomings. We'll see how it all sorts out in our testing, with the final report scheduled for the October issue.
Posted by: John Loveridge | Jul 4, 2007 3:57:10 AM
"it's depressingly dark inside with a compromised view."
Please. This lame comment combined with the deliberately skewed from-the-middle-of-the-backseat view of the C pillar posted are worthy of Car & Driver (aka Mad Magazine) writing at best and easily approaching National Enquirer level stuff. This is not Consumer Reports quality information. I have been a subscriber for over 20 years. I'm not impressed.
I do not fit the Scion demographic, but I drive one of these. I have never noticed the C-pillar from the driver's seat. Do you drive sitting in the middle of the backseat Tom?
I hope your poor attempt at creative writing is not indicative of the direction Consumer Reports is going. If I want to read automotive humor I have always read Car & Driver. If I wanted unbiased information I could use to help me buy a car I have always read CR. Today I find I may be on my own in the future.
Not that it matters to you, but I could be driving pretty much any Toyota/Lexus/Scion product (my preferred manufacturer) I choose. I bought this car because in my opinion there is not a better deal for the money. It is by far a better choice than the CR top rated SUV Hybrid Highlander at $40,000. By the way, that mystifies me after the lengthy, and logical, article a couple of years ago where CR said the Hybrid Highlander did not make any sense.
Bottom line: Disappointing junk blog.
Posted by: Jennifer | Jul 30, 2007 11:51:27 AM
My Scion TC
Dissapointing!
Posted by: Dano | Aug 31, 2007 5:17:36 PM
I won't be quite as cutting but haven't (gladly) been swayed with the negative publicity this fine car has received. Correctly stated, by a commenter, the c pillars are not a focus of attention and while the python humor was cute a 6'4" fellow could easily fit in back with leg room. Scion evidently felt it was better and more sure footed to redisign this way and the view is only slightly cropped at a traffic light. Others complain of a high beltline and too narrow an arm rest. Maybe a little but never bothersome. It is just another fine production from a great car/truck company Toyota-Scion. Drive one and see!
Posted by: George W. Basley | Sep 3, 2007 12:11:56 PM
As owners of a 2005 Scion xB we were absolutely shocked when this very practical small car was redesigned. What was on it's way to becoming the 21st century's "Bug" will now fade into obscurity. Toyota's attempt to compete with Chevy's HHR has diminished some of the xB's best features, namely maneuverability, headroom, unobstructed visibility, and 30+ mpg local gas mileage. Also gone is the somewhat "cultish" comraderie amongst owners, as we have never met anyone who does not get bubbly and enthusiastic when asked how they like their (old style) xB. It's a sorry commentary on todays culture, but we've apparently lost our sense of vision.
Posted by: PJ | Nov 4, 2007 12:30:49 AM
It's a matter of personal opinion, but in my limited ride-and-drive experience, the author's C-pillar comments are spot-on. Whether those blind spots bother you or not, grant him the fact that no larger C-post exists in a vehicle in this class.
I also think it's worth questioning "why," as the previous xB's visibility was superb, and was specifically praised by many owners.
Although I'm glad to see the improvements in ride comfort and straight-line stability, I do lament Scion's adherence to the standard industry practice of making vehicles bigger, faster, and thirstier with each successive redesign. This is supposed to be a "nonconformist" car company, right? The growth doesn't even translate into more usable interior space!
To each his own, but for myself, the xB has lost the title of "most-charming small car made" to the Honda's nimbler, thriftier Fit.
Posted by: D. Adam | Nov 4, 2007 7:05:15 PM
Scion xb used to be a great car! With this newly designed 2008 xb, it has turned into something I would not want. But that is me... I love the square look, and great gas milage of the 2007 xb that we own. Toyota goofed. With gas prices going sky high, it looks like trading our 2007 model in, on any newer xb model, will be out of the question. I get approx. 35 mpg average with our 2007 xb. I would be a fool to buy a car that gets anything less than what I own now! Everyone wants more, and better mpg, not worse! I did not buy the xb because it was a powerhouse. It has plenty of room inside, and the headroom is the best! You sit high in the seat, and thus, it tends to give you an suv feel. Anyway, the more rounded look would be ok, but my main complaint about the new 2008 scion xb, it its gas mileage. Bad move.
Posted by: Hugajudge | Mar 29, 2008 6:37:25 PM
I traded my Mercedes (a 2004 C-320 AWD) for a 2008 xB. That was four months and 6000 miles ago.
I find NO problem with visibility - what's all that fuss about?
The xB has every safety feature my Mercedes had, BUT my xB doesn't need service every few weeks. In fact, the xB is roomy, peppy, FUN, comfortable, has a great sound system, ... After two different Mercedes I now have a vehicle I really enjoy, ans one I can rely on.
Posted by: Steven | May 1, 2008 11:40:56 PM
I disagree with a few things brought up with the xB.
I own a 2008 xB and have NO problems with the C-pillar and visibility. If you check your mirrors and blind spot like in ANY car, you won't have an issue.
Second of all, I don't know how they got an average of 23mpg. I average 29mpg in my last fifteen fillups, normally in a range of 30-33 highway, and 25-26 city. I have NEVER had a tank, even mostly city below 25mpg. If you drive smart (not speeding up to red lights, flooring the vehicle) your mpg will be impressive.
As for the looks, beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder and it is not for everyone, but for those who love it, the car is absolutely stunning. First generation was nice, but the second generation is an all around better vehicle, inside and out.