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2008 Scion xB: “For the People”
It’s always exciting and special to get a call from AR President Kimatni Rawlins saying there is a Mercedes, BMW or something exotic at the office for me to test. So when the call came that the new xB was waiting, there wasn’t disappointment, as Scion is a great niche brand, but there wasn’t that giddy excitement either. The lesson was that this is a car “For the People,” and that makes this vehicle even more significant than those of the flashy and pricey rides from the German, Italians, and British.>What better way to test a minivan than to invite the whole family out to beautiful Carlsbad, California to drive the latest generation of Dodge’s Grand Caravan and Chrysler’s Town & Country? Though specific measures have been taken to give each its own identity, they share the same platform, have the same interior volume, and offer the same seating configurations and engine choices.
 Totally redesigned for 2008, the Scion xB can be had for as little as $16,270. The automatic with sequential manual-shift mode goes for about a grand more. Both carry a 2.4-liter, 16 valve in-line four-cylinder engine generating 158-horsepower, and both get a respectable 22 mpg city, and 28 mpg highway. Though much improved over the 2007 model, the story with the xB again is its exterior design, or redesign in this case. When the xB first hit the streets in 2003, it was a love it or hate it proposition. Personally, from a styling standpoint I sided with the latter. Well the 2008 model begs the question again, and this time I love it. The square box is thankfully gone -- supplanted by a stylish body -- but the roomy interior remains. The ‘08 xB grew a foot longer and 3 inches wider than the 2007 model, which accounts for how it became roomier while reducing the boxy look. Its wheelbase grew by 4 inches to add stability, better handling and a smoother ride.
 Looking at the xB from the outside, instantly noticeable is its high beltline, elongated wrap-around headlamps, pronounced fenders, kit-looking front fascia, single rear back up light, and integrated side mirror turn signals. The fenders, beltline and slightly smaller windows in the rear doors work in harmony to give the xB a cool, modern, mobster-car look similar to that of the popular Chrysler 300, but in a more youth-oriented package. The standard tinted windows help as well, as do the 16 inch wheels (up from 15 inches last year). There are three all-new standard wheel covers that customers can choose from, but if the budget allows, you’ll want to upgrade to alloy wheels for a better look.
 Inside the xB is considerable occupant and storage space. Head, shoulder and leg room are abundant for both front and rear passengers, but the cloth seats have a very basic look to them. Rear legroom is generous as is the 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (not including some additional storage compartments underneath the rear floorboard). The second row seats fold flat and the front seats can fully recline to create a cavernous space in this small overall package. Circular is the theme of the dashboard gauges and vents with the main instrument cluster centered rather than driver justified. This placement along with the cluster’s deep orange display both work to minimize light glare and distraction during night driving. For us larger drivers, however, the driver’s armrest is wholly inadequate, but looking at the overall picture, the interior is simple, functional and otherwise ergonomically correct.
 The bonus, however, comes with the name brand Pioneer audio systems, which include six speakers. The standard head unit is 160-watt and includes iPod connectivity, which not only provides power to the iPod, but also integrates song info on the unit’s display. Steering wheel audio controls work the iPod as well so you don’t have to fiddle to play your favorite tracks. Also included in the base package is Sirius Satellite Radio, MP3 and WMA readability, an aux jack and a user-customizable welcome screen. The premium system adds an electroluminescent screen and the ability to download skins, short video clips and movies from Pioneer, or upload the same from your home-burned discs. Though the premium system does not add power, it does add rear outputs, which makes it simple to add additional amps and speakers. What did you say Common? “Yeah, you know how we do, we do it for the people.”
For the price, the xB comes nicely equipped with numerous safety features including standard vehicle stability control with traction control and brake assist, seat side airbags and dual stage front airbags for both driver and passenger, front and rear side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, and side impact door beams. Other standard equipment includes projector low-beam halogen headlamps, chrome exhaust tip, air conditioning and the usual power conveniences.
 Driving the new xB was expectedly a good thing. With 50 more horses than last years’ model, the vehicle unassumingly springs to action when called upon, and has an overall zippy feeling on the road. My four-speed automatic did not feel antiquated as I expected but provided good launching power and sufficient passing power. The ride was pleasant and smooth on a variety of roads and handling was on par with the usual demands. Can I say that the xB is a blast to drive like a youth oriented vehicle should be? No, but there are no drawbacks to the driving experience.
Though the hardcore enthusiasts of the previous box-shaped version may be disappointed, the 2008 model is a good successor, complete with cool tech highlights and plenty of Scion and aftermarket accessories for customization. It’s got room for you and your crew, a ton of your stuff, can play your jams with ease, looks good and fits within your budget. The people have spoken. For additional Additional Small Car Reviews see:
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