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2008 Scion xB Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Scion xB Review:
2008 Scion xB Review
The 2008 Scion xB is redesigned after a brief hiatus that included skipping the 2007 model year. Compared to the 2004-2006 model, the new xB is longer, wider, and heavier. The xB retains a front-drive layout, five-passenger capacity, and vanlike body with a one-piece rear liftgate. The only engine is a 158-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Manual or automatic transmission is available. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Scions are sold through Toyota dealers. There are no factory options, but dealers carry a number of factory-approved dress-up accessories, plus functional items including a navigation system and alloy wheels to replace the xB's standard steel wheels.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
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2008 Scion xB Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Visibility |
| Entry/exit | |
| Maneuverability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Acceleration is good from a stop, even with the automatic transmission. There is more than sufficient low- and mid-speed passing punch, but highway passing power disappoints. The automatic is sometimes slow to downshift for more power. Clunky shift action and high clutch take-up make smooth driving difficult with the manual transmission.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Acceleration is good from a stop, even with the automatic transmission. There is more than sufficient low- and mid-speed passing punch, but highway passing power disappoints. The automatic is sometimes slow to downshift for more power. Clunky shift action and high clutch take-up make smooth driving difficult with the manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission xB averaged a disappointing 18.6 mpg with slightly more city driving than highway use. With an even city/highway mix, an automatic-transmission xB also disappointed with its average of 20.0 mpg. All models use regular-grade gas.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission xB averaged a disappointing 18.6 mpg with slightly more city driving than highway use. With an even city/highway mix, an automatic-transmission xB also disappointed with its average of 20.0 mpg. All models use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The firm and controlled ride is impressive for the class. Small bumps are felt, but only large ones jolt the structure.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
The firm and controlled ride is impressive for the class. Small bumps are felt, but only large ones jolt the structure.
Steering/Handling/Braking
There is moderate body lean in fast turns, and the steering response is slightly vague. A tight turning radius and light steering feel aid low-speed maneuverability. The brakes are strong and responsive.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
There is moderate body lean in fast turns, and the steering response is slightly vague. A tight turning radius and light steering feel aid low-speed maneuverability. The brakes are strong and responsive.
Quietness
Bump noise is generally well controlled, though larger bumps pound through loudly. Moderate highway wind and road noise are present. xB's engine is slightly gruff during acceleration, but it's largely unobjectionable.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Bump noise is generally well controlled, though larger bumps pound through loudly. Moderate highway wind and road noise are present. xB's engine is slightly gruff during acceleration, but it's largely unobjectionable.
Controls
Some elements of the xB's cabin take getting used to. The instrument pod includes a digital speedometer and is mounted high in the middle of dashboard, out of driver's direct line of sight, an annoyance to some testers. The transmission shift lever is mounted on lower part of dash rather than on a console. More conventional are the high-mounted audio and climate controls which are simple to operate and easy to reach. The available navigation system incorporates some audio controls, complicating their use.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Some elements of the xB's cabin take getting used to. The instrument pod includes a digital speedometer and is mounted high in the middle of dashboard, out of driver's direct line of sight, an annoyance to some testers. The transmission shift lever is mounted on lower part of dash rather than on a console. More conventional are the high-mounted audio and climate controls which are simple to operate and easy to reach. The available navigation system incorporates some audio controls, complicating their use.
Details
The interior lacks soft touch surfaces, but the materials are still pleasant for the price. Some testers noted that the driver's arm rest felt flimsy and was mounted too low to be useful.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
The interior lacks soft touch surfaces, but the materials are still pleasant for the price. Some testers noted that the driver's arm rest felt flimsy and was mounted too low to be useful.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the driver's adjusts for height. Headroom is ample, but taller folks may want more legroom. The large rear roof pillars complicate rear visibility.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the driver's adjusts for height. Headroom is ample, but taller folks may want more legroom. The large rear roof pillars complicate rear visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of adult-size headroom, foot space, and legroom, even with front seats all the way back. Cabin width is not generous, though, so three adults will be squeezed. Note that some testers found that the rear shoulder belts rested uncomfortably across the neck.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.1 |
Plenty of adult-size headroom, foot space, and legroom, even with front seats all the way back. Cabin width is not generous, though, so three adults will be squeezed. Note that some testers found that the rear shoulder belts rested uncomfortably across the neck.
Cargo Room
Several bins and trays--including a cubby beneath rear seat--supply handy interior storage. The split rear seatback folds nearly flat without removing the headrests. The cargo area has a handy under-floor bin. The glovebox is on the small side, and the door pockets are rather short and shallow.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 5 |
Several bins and trays--including a cubby beneath rear seat--supply handy interior storage. The split rear seatback folds nearly flat without removing the headrests. The cargo area has a handy under-floor bin. The glovebox is on the small side, and the door pockets are rather short and shallow.
Value within Class
Scion's iconic "box" grows from subcompact to compact dimensions, gaining cargo room, power, and weight along the way. This trip to finishing school also included a healthy dose of additional refinement, but the redesigned xB is not the fuel sipper it once was. Some of its former quirkiness was lost in the transformation, but it remains a practical, "edgy" alternative to more-traditional small cars and SUVs and easily rates as a Best Buy.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 6 |
Scion's iconic "box" grows from subcompact to compact dimensions, gaining cargo room, power, and weight along the way. This trip to finishing school also included a healthy dose of additional refinement, but the redesigned xB is not the fuel sipper it once was. Some of its former quirkiness was lost in the transformation, but it remains a practical, "edgy" alternative to more-traditional small cars and SUVs and easily rates as a Best Buy.
Total Score
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 71 | 71 | 58.4 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Scion xB Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/18/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door wagon, manual | $15,650 | $14,867 | $620 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,600 | $15,770 | $620 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, 205/55R16 tires, wheel covers.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Navigation system
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||
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Base
|
$2,250
|
$2,000
|
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DVD entertainment system
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Base
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$1,599
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$1,275
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Satellite radio
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Base
|
$449
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$359
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iPod adapter
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Base
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$389
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$294
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Special shift knob
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Base
|
$74
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$52
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LED interior lights
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Base
|
$299
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$234
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Remote engine start
|
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Base
|
$529
|
$380
|
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Floormats
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||
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Base
|
$155
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$114
|
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Includes cargo mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear bumper pad
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Base
|
$69
|
$48
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Rear spoiler
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||
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Base
|
$423
|
$315
|
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Door sill enhancements
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||
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Base
|
$249
|
$199
|
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Security system
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Base
|
$469
|
$339
|
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Alloy wheels
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Base
|
$795
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$570
|
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2008 Scion xB Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Scion xB 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 167.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3020 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | -- |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 158 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 162 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Scion xB 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Carpeted Floor/Cargo Mats; Illuminated Door Sills; 16" Alloy Wheel Upgrade Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.96 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta Hell yes or hell no? For those who answer in the affirmative, the Scion xB delivers not only quirky individuality, but an extremely roomy, comfortable, and well-made vehicle. The xB's secret is that it's more rewarding to drive than any number of cars that pander to conventional ideas of sporty looks. At under $18,000 nicely equipped, is the xB a fantastic bargain? Hell yes. Damon Bell Like its predecessor, the new xB is aimed squarely at hip urban twentysomethings. Its affordability, space-efficient cargo versatility, and overall refinement make it a fine choice for any compact car shopper who isn't put off by its unconventional design. Jennifer Geiger xB's exterior styling update is a hit. Scion took the weirdness out of this boxy compact's looks without sacrificing its uniqueness. xB earns points for its quirky/hip look, zippy around-town performance, and realistic price. Rick Cotta Scion has taken its likable "box" and made it a likable bigger box. In many ways that's good, but cost rose considerably with the transition, while fuel economy fell. Some sacrifices were made to style--mostly in terms of visibility--and some details don't seem as well thought out as they could be, but overall, the bigger box provides copious amounts of passenger and cargo space in a vehicle that is peppy, maneuverable, and a darn good deal. Tom Appel Dodge Caliber, meet the competition. Scion's Gen II xB is not only vastly better than the original, it is much nicer than the similar-mission Caliber. Caliber puts up a good fight, approximating the xB's goodness in style, room and comfort, and besting it in sporty handling. Dollar value is a near draw as well. Where the xB cleans up is in power and refinement. The xB's strong 2.4-liter four is vastly more placid in daily driving than any of the Caliber engines we've tested, and interior noise levels are dramatically lower. Most significant, the xB doesn't look cut-rate inside, while the Caliber suffers from an abundance of cheap plastic and indifferent assembly quality. This new Scion is a joy to drive, a relative bargain to drive, and kinda cool looking as well. Those worried about how a larger xB means Scion has forgotten its small/affordable mission should drive it...the new mission is better. |
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.6 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Jack Stewart The quirky xB is roomy and fun to drive. Jennifer Geiger xB is funky, fun-to-drive, yet still roomy and practical. Its surprisingly low price and ample-included equipment make it an affordable and unique alternative to other run-of-the-mill compacts. |
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Also in the 2008 Scion xB Review:
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