2008 Scion xB: First impressions and Rampvan news
This week I'm driving a 2008 Scion xB -- two of them, actually. On Saturday, I picked up the 2008 xB shown in the picture; it has a manual transmission and a bunch of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) accessories including springs, wheels, and a short-throw shift kit. Today I swapped it for an automatic xB with stock mechanicals and factory options, including -- get this -- a DVD player with dual screens in the back of the front-seat headrests.
I've still got a lot of miles to drive before I pass judgement on the new xB, but for the most part I'm really, really impressed -- both with the interior space and the driving dynamics. The xB isn't perfect, but I can tell you that it'll be a strong contender for our a spot on our list of the Best New Cars of 2008. (For a look at the 2007 list, go here.)
Ever since I reviewed the wheelchair-accessible Scion-Braun xB Rampvan last year, I've gotten several emails asking whether there will be a 2008 xB Rampvan. Well, I finally have an answer. The bad news is that Braun has decided not to build a wheelchair-accessible version of the 2008 xB. The new xB has less headroom than the old one, which itself could only accommodate short or small adults in their chairs. The good news is that another company, Bruno Independent Living Aids, which makes accessories such as swivel seats and scooter/wheelchair lifts, is evaluating the xB for possibilities. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.
Look for my full test-drive review of the 2008 Scion xB some time next week -- meanwhile you can check out pics of the new xB here.-- Aaron Gold
Comments
I’ve never understood why anyone would own one of these “toaster” cars but I must confess, I want to drive one.
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Get the butter and jelly. I’m going to figure out how to plug this toaster in.
So how is visibility in a cube like that? Is it reduced because of the monster pillar in the rear and the shorter windows? I know the new Jettas gained a lot of blindspots in their new design as well for the same reasons.
Haven’t gotten over laughing at these cars on the road yet, doubt the 2008 will change that. If I want to drive something with 158 horses, I’ll just go mow my lawn.
Andy, vision isn’t the best, but the big mirrors and squared-off sides make it easy to eliminate blind spots. A few times I have had to double- and triple-check over my shoulder just to assure myself that there really wasn’t a car there.
Can’t wait to see if you gas mileage meets the EPA EST. Just Kidding!!!
Really though the appeal to me was the amount of room inside and the MPG. You don’t have that in the new engine. And not being able to get the old engine I really don’t like the drop in fuel economy. The old engine was 35 mpg and the new is supposed to be 24.
(Sigh) I really want a cool car with good gas mileage. Is that too much to ask?
This car & the Honda Element are the ultimate in “niche” cars…either it’s all about utility or a Gen X or Y identification/statement car…but to most of us, it’s just a silly “toaster on wheels”…Don
Liked the 1st gen xB and seriously considered buying one before common sense kicked in and I bought a used car for cash. The new one…no. Less headroom (I’m tall) and the reduced fuel economy killed it for me.
Tonestar — yes, fuel economy has been the one disappointment. I haven’t checked it after my last highway drive, but so far we’re averaging in the mid-20s. Not good compared to the old xB, though not bad considering how much space the xB has inside. As for a cool car with good fuel economy… on Friday I’ll be picking up a Scion xD, so keep your fingers crossed!
JayP71 — just FYI, the headroom issue is a concern for the wheelchair-accessible version. New xB still has acres of headroom. I’m short, and it feels like a rolling St. Paul’s Cathedral to me!
I too am looking forward to your xD drive…especially the MPG part…what I don’t get, is the disappointing MPG numbers on the Fit(worse highway numbers than the heavier and bigger Civic), Versa and Yaris…I thought for sure these hwy. drivers would easily hit the mid 40’s…any ideas?
Nitz, you have a 158 horsepower lawnmower? Wow! I need to see that. Seriously, though, 158 horsepower for a car in this class is quite comparable. Obviously, your opinion indicates that this is not the class of car that interests you, so why even bother making such a comment? Clearly your sites are set on a different kind of vehicle.
As for me, I came very close to buying the original xB, but then the tC came out, and I fell in love. Now that this is out, it has improved on all the things that kept me from buying the first one, such as the size and the horsepower (and before you say anything, I’m not a horsepower junkie, but 108 horsepower is a little below par for my tastes. 158 is just fine). I like the style better, too, and the accessories list has grown. Having spent some time with a friend’s 2008, I’ll most likely be buying one in about a month.
This is one awesome vehicle! A real head turner in west central Florida. Top quality Japanese assembly all the way with unbeatable styling. Even the black sand pearl paint job is a unique color - makes it look like a mini-hearse which is great when you are a probate lawyer dealing with the big “D” every day. I take this sweet ride over a BMW or Benz any day and I have owned both. Enjoy it before the masses figure it out!