2008 Scion xB
In the Consumer Guide test fleet this week is the 2008 Scion xB.

Model: 2008 Scion xB base; 158-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission

Test Dates: 08/02/2007--08/13/2007

Base Price: $16,600

Optional Equipment: Carpeted Floor/Cargo Mats, Illuminated Door Sills, 16" Alloy Wheel Upgrade

Price as Tested: $18,379

Editors' notes:

Hell yes or hell no? For those who answer in the affirmative, Scion delivers not only quirky individuality with xB, 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. --Chuck Giametta

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. --Tom Appel

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. --Damon Bell