Test drive: 2008 Scion xB
Last week I talked about my first impressions of the Scion xB. Now all the test driving is done and my review has been written -- and the good impressions just kept on coming. The xB underwent some major changes for its second-generation redesign, and nearly all of the changes are for the better. To get the details, check out my 2008 Scion xB test drive, and don't forget to have a look at my 2008 Scion xB photo gallery, now updated with photos of the two xBs I test drove.
Of course, the xB isn't the only new Scion for 2008; there's also the xD, which replaces the xA as Scion's entry level car. You guessed it -- that's what I'm test driving next. Just like I did with the xB, I'm starting off by driving an xD with a manual transmission and lots of TRD accessories, including sport springs, rear anti-roll bar, and a short-throw shift kit. Next week I'll be driving an automatic xD with a stock suspension. Is the 2008 xD as good as the 2008 xB? Stay tuned for details. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
That is a HUGE decrease in fuel economy from the “green” car company. A 29% reduction!!!
I don’t think there is another company as skilled at pulling the wool over Americas eyes. Sheep will buy this and feel pious for doing so. Five stars just for that.
Who needs another econobox-looking car with lousy mileage? I might as well own a Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV or Element, or Rav 4, and have a heavier, safer car. The car manufacturers just don’t get it (nor do they want to).
I originally neglected to mention in my review that the EPA fuel economy estimates (22 city/28 highway) are derived from the new 2008 formula. (So far, btw, that new formula is proving to be fairly realistic.) Still, fuel economy is way down; I averaged well over 30 MPG in the old xB, and just shy of 25 in the new car. OTOH, the xB offers a significant amount of interior space, even more than its exterior dimensions would indicate. – Aaron
Three positives: 1. I think it is great that those who need wheel chair access have an alternative to those huge, bus like vans that typically get 20 mpg or less.
2. If the average car on American roads got 25 mpg (yet alone a good sized van) we would not be consumed with mpg talk. Maybe Scion will make the next version with fuel cell, hybrid, or other alternative fuel capabilities?
3. All this debate is making car makers take notice and we are getting lots of great choices. Soon we will not be dependent on other countries to provide fuel for the cars we drive.
It’s all good:)
I saw my first xB on the road recently and was very impressed. They really updated it well. It’s great to hear that its performance meets the same high standard. Too bad about the mileage issues, though.