Test Drive: 2005 Scion xB

Man, what's up with two square truck dealies released by Japanese manufacturers around the same time? I'm referring, of course to the Scion xB and the Honda Element. It's as if one design guy defected to the other side while these trucks were being developed. The xB is aiming at a younger market than the Element and we wondered if the low-cost xB could compete. Jason Fogelson, hip test driver, tooled around in a Scion xB and came away quite impressed. Especially at the low price. In fact, he writes, "The combination of economy, maneuverability and hauling capacity is tough to beat." I couldn't agree more.—Bob Schulties