2008 Scion xB Review
The xB is a compact wagon that made its debut in 2004. Aimed at the youth market, the xB’s unique, boxy shape soon became a hit with the young and the young at heart. Combining the storage space of a minivan with the efficiency of a compact helped the xB rise to the top of Toyota’s new division. Now, for 2008, the second generation xB debuts, along with some rather dramatic changes.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
When the Scion xB debuted three years ago, it was a breath of fresh air, especially from a company as stylistically stagnant as Toyota. While not everyone was a fan of its boxy shape, it was hard not to admire Toyota designers for trying something new. Not only that, but it added to the charm, and helped make the xB unique. But despite its charisma, it was far from flawless. The new 2008 xB improves on the original in every way, at least on paper. Sure, the engine is much beefier, but at the cost of the xB’s lauded fuel efficiency. And we always appreciate more safety features, but Toyota seems to have missed the point. It’s bigger, more powerful, and safer, but it’s lost everything that drew buyers to the xB in the first place. The new xB is something we’d expect to see from GM. Certainly not from Toyota, and certainly not from their youth division.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power data is not available. Problems that affected the previous xB include flaky CD players, difficult refueling, steering problems, sloppy shifting, and water leaks. No major recalls were issued. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
Government crash test scores are not yet available. The IIHS gave it a “Good” in frontal tests. Anti-lock brakes, brake assistance, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. A first aid kit is also included.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Beefier engine than before
+ No longer looks like a milk carton
+ Plenty of storage compartments
Cons
– Much less fuel efficiency than its predecessor
– Trades in its unique design for mainstream acceptance
– Less interior space
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Chevrolet Aveo5 LS is a much more affordable option, at nearly $4,00 less, but it misses out on the xB’s ABS, traction control, CD player, and power accessories. It also has 55 less hp than the xB. The 2007 Kia Rio5 SX costs $2,000 less, and gets seven to ten more miles to the gallon. However, it has 50 less hp, and lacks ABS, traction control, and power accessories. The equally hip Nissan Versa costs $1,000 less, gets about eight more miles to the gallon, and includes a CD changer. But the Scion has 40 more hp, ABS, and traction control.
What Others Are Saying:
“There will be those who can’t stomach the xB’s weight gain or its bigger, softer-looking exterior. But with a package this good starting at only sixteen grand, Scion needn’t worry about finding enough people who want 2B square.” – Automobile Magazine
“Though all-new and substantially upgraded, the surprise is that the new Scions are nowhere near as groundbreaking as the old ones.” – Motor Trend
“In short, the xB has become nothing more than a low-content five-door Camry. It’s Toyota’s el-cheapo ($16,230) version of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. In fact, the new xB doesn’t deserve the Scion moniker, which established the brand’s U.S. reputation as a provider of affordable automobiles with style, efficiency, quality, innovation and fun. Maybe Toyota could get a deal on the Oldsmobile name from GM.” – The Truth About Cars
Read more about the 2008 Scion xB at the Scion manufacturer web site.
