Rating: 4/5
Back in the muscle car days, an engine that produced 1 horsepower per cubic inch was a big deal. The xB's four-cylinder engine displaces 1.5 liters or about 91 cubic inches and puts out 103 horsepower. Not bad, eh? No, the xB is no muscle car, but it has enough power to merge onto the freeway without giving you too many gray hairs. My test car had the 5-speed manual, but I've driven automatic Scions and they accelerate decently enough.
ECONOMY
Rating: 4/5
EPA fuel economy ratings are 31 MPG city/34 MPG highway with a manual transmission, 31 city/35 highway for the automatic). The smoother Scion xA, which has the same engine and weighs only around 90 lbs less, scores nearly 10% better on the EPA highway cycle, which illustrates the penalty for the xB's aerodynamics (or lack thereof). That said, the xB's numbers are still in keeping with a car this small. That's quite an accomplishment when you consider how much more it can carry than other subcompacts.
RIDE AND HANDLING
Rating: 2/5
The xB's short wheelbase and tight suspension gives it a jiggly ride, and its large, flat sides make driving on the freeway on a windy day quite the adventure. The xB is nimble in town, and though there's lots of body lean in turns, it stays well planted and predictable. Aftermarket suspension kits will improve the Scion's handling at the expense of ride quality.
