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2008 Scion xB Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The car experts at TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of professional road tests of the 2008 Scion xB to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the 2008 Scion xB and offer driving impressions and more details, where they help you make a better new-car decision.

Likes:

  • Funky attitude
  • Cargo capacity
  • Smooth powertrain
  • More interior room

Dislikes:

  • Fuel economy dips
  • Seats can be uncomfortable
  • Some iffy materials and trim

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Scion xB hasn't been the sales success that the original version was. Scion dealers may be eager to see new faces in the showroom. Scion showrooms have an extensive array of accessories available, so you can customize your xB with everything from decals to suspension upgrades.

The 2008 Scion xB is the second generation of the popular four-door hatchback sold by Toyota's youth-oriented brand. It's larger and more "sinister" in styling than before, Toyota says.

Most reviewers, including those at TheCarConnection.com, feel the 2008 Scion xB has strayed from its roots as a Japanese domestic-market runabout. Moving up in size, the xB now is roughly the same dimensions as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chevrolet HHR. It's picked up nearly a foot in length, a few hundred pounds in girth, a couple grand in sticker price, and 55 more horsepower. The Scion xB looks thicker, and it's grown into something that's not so different from domestic retro-wagons. Inside, the xB has center-mounted gauges that are illogically placed, but there are plenty of interior bins and storage areas, and the dash design itself is squared-off and thick, just like the exterior shell.

The boost in size endows the 2008 Scion xB with more storage room. The front passenger seat folds back flat; in the second row, there's now enough room for adults. Storage room under the second-row seats is useful, but the chairs themselves, front and back, get uncomfortable after an hour. The seatbacks are merely fabric stretched over a frame. The cost-cutting is a little too obvious here.

The 2008 Scion xB is outfitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It's worth an extra 55 horsepower, now at 158 hp total, over the former four-cylinder. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed sequential automatic. The combination of good shift quality, the smooth revving of the big four, and good clutch uptake make the powertrain a big improvement on the last version. However, fuel economy has plunged from 30/33 mpg to 22/28 mpg.

Sixteen-inch wheels and a lower ride height have created better ride comfort. In terms of handling, though, the Scion xB's front struts and a torsion-beam rear, with electric power steering, keep the xB decently responsive, if a little pitchy. Dramatic moves make the Scion xB bobble it on its corners a bit. It's forgiving but no longer exciting, and electric power steering is artificial in feel.

Anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, and stability control are standard equipment. The 2008 Scion xB gets a "good" rating for front-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Scion xB, also consider:

Reason Why:

The retro-flavored wagon has been popular since the Chrysler PT Cruiser bowed--and that vehicle is still available, with a choice of four-cylinder and turbo four powertrains, plus a convertible model. The Chevrolet HHR takes the same formula and gives it nearly identical powertrains, plus a little crisper styling. The MINI Cooper Clubman's plenty more expensive than the others, but it has a third door on the passenger side and cargo doors to make loading and unloading easier.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Scion xB takes a new tack: it's bigger and more refined, but lags in fuel economy and fun.

The car experts at TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of professional road tests of the 2008 Scion xB to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the 2008 Scion xB and offer driving impressions and more details, where they help you make a better new-car decision. Likes:Funky attitudeCargo capacitySmooth powertrainMore interior roomDislikes:Fuel economy dipsSeats can be uncomfortableSome iffy materials and trimBuying Tips: The 2008 Scion xB hasn't been the sales success that the original version was. Scion dealers may be eager to see new faces in the showroom. Scion showrooms have an extensive array of accessories available, so you can customize your xB with everything from decals to suspension upgrades. The 2008 Scion xB is the second generation of the popular four-door hatchback sold by Toyota's youth-oriented brand. It's larger and more "sinister" in styling than before, Toyota says. Most reviewers, including those at TheCarConnection.com, feel the 2008 Scion xB has strayed from its roots as a Japanese domestic-market runabout. Moving up in size, the xB now is roughly the same dimensions as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chevrolet HHR. It's picked up nearly a foot in length, a few hundred pounds in girth, a couple grand in sticker price, and 55 more horsepower. The Scion xB looks thicker, and it's grown into something that's not so different from domestic retro-wagons. Inside, the xB has center-mounted gauges that are illogically placed, but there are plenty of interior bins and storage areas, and the dash design itself is squared-off and thick, just like the exterior shell. The boost in size endows the 2008 Scion xB with more storage room. The front passenger seat folds back flat; in the second row, there's now enough room for adults. Storage room under the second-row seats is useful, but the chairs themselves, front and back, get uncomfortable after an hour. The seatbacks are merely fabric stretched over a frame. The cost-cutting is a little too obvious here. The 2008 Scion xB is outfitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It's worth an extra 55 horsepower, now at 158 hp total, over the former four-cylinder. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed sequential automatic. The combination of good shift quality, the smooth revving of the big four, and good clutch uptake make the powertrain a big improvement on the last version. However, fuel economy has plunged from 30/33 mpg to 22/28 mpg. Sixteen-inch wheels and a lower ride height have created better ride comfort. In terms of handling, though, the Scion xB's front struts and a torsion-beam rear, with electric power steering, keep the xB decently responsive, if a little pitchy. Dramatic moves make the Scion xB bobble it on its corners a bit. It's forgiving but no longer exciting, and electric power steering is artificial in feel. Anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, and stability control are standard equipment. The 2008 Scion xB gets a "good" rating for front-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Scion xB, also consider:Chevrolet HHRChrysler PT CruiserMINI Cooper ClubmanReason Why:The retro-flavored wagon has been popular since the Chrysler PT Cruiser bowed--and that vehicle is still available, with a choice of four-cylinder and turbo four powertrains, plus a convertible model. The Chevrolet HHR takes the same formula and gives it nearly identical powertrains, plus a little crisper styling. The MINI Cooper Clubman's plenty more expensive than the others, but it has a third door on the passenger side and cargo doors to make loading and unloading easier. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Scion xB takes a new tack: it's bigger and more refined, but lags in fuel economy and fun. The car experts at TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of professional road tests of the 2008 Scion xB to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s editors also drove the 2008 Scion xB and offer driving impressions and more details, where they help you make a better new-car ...

Other Choices:

The retro-flavored wagon has been popular since the Chrysler PT Cruiser bowed--and that vehicle is still available, with a choice of four-cylinder and turbo four powertrains, plus a convertible model. The Chevrolet HHR takes the same formula and gives it nearly identical powertrains, plus a little crisper styling. The MINI Cooper Clubman's plenty more expensive than the others, but it has a third door on the passenger side and cargo doors to make loading and unloading easier.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Scion xB

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Scion xB

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Scion xB near you

See the Scion xB in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By jasp #1, Posted: 11/8/2008

    Great car

    I would recommend it for a family...

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