2008 Scion xB Consumer Reviews Page 3

Little Car that Could

Written by: JettAntonio on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Just bought my xB last week & I'm very happy & impressed. This car almost has everything. It's big enough of to fit 5 full adults with still enough cargo space but not too big to park on a compact parking space. The MPG isn't so bad considering the trade off. The center speedometer takes awhile getting used to but it's an a safety improvement. It's very ideal that side curtain airbags and VSC come standard. If you are shopping for a bigger car, give this car a try. Take it for a spin & decide for yourself. & if you do, we look forward to reading your reviews here.

Favorite Features

Auto Sound Leveler(ASL),iPod & AUX connections, steering wheel audio controls, huge space, ave MPG & range digital readouts, lots of cup holders, 158 hp, the price tag. The 2008 also comes with supercharger option.

Suggested Improvements

moonroof on all models, roof rack availability, 6th gear, interior color options

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Glad I Waited

Written by: gwoodjr on 06/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I reviewed by driving and reading (Edmunds, of course) a lot of cars for over a year before deciding to test drive the xB. I was impressed immediately with the comfort, practicality, drivability, and value of the Scion. I wanted a car that I could haul stuff in, sleep in if necessary, and would look smart around town doing so. I quickly put a hitch on the end to enable the transport of two bicycles and can state you cannot tell two bicycles are mounted to the back end. The car has easy ingress and egress which makes my elderly mother happy. The sound system is great and how many value cars come with stock tinted windows? Totally cool. This is one quick, nimble, easy to drive car.

Favorite Features

Great acceleration and a firm, secure ride at 80+ miles per hour, not that I ever drive that fast. Short, smooth throw on the 5-speed manual. Easy, no hassle purchase, to wit: Manual or automatic? Color? Let's go in.

Suggested Improvements

Quieter engine. Better gas mileage. Functional armrests for driver and front seat passenger. Stock sunroof. Longer sun shades to block sun to the left. Telescoping steering wheel. Lighted switches on driver's side door. But--talk to owners as I did--they will praise far more than criticize.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive

Written by: Frank on 05/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is my first "small" vehicle, I have had a Dodge Durango for the past 10 years, mostly for the towing ability. This car is great and fun to drive. I am a 400 pound guy and I have plenty of room. Gas mileage is very good. The ride is much better than I expected. Plenty of get up and go and a quiet ride. The sound system is good with plenty of power. I just ordered the XM receiver.

Favorite Features

Interior dash layout is different but nice. Radio controls on the steering wheel. Plenty of storage room in the back. Comfortable ride.

Suggested Improvements

Move the display push button to a better location like next to the shift lever. Two back up lights. Equal arm rest on both front seats. Variable speed on the rear wipers.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Exceptional bang 4 the buck!

Written by: tom on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

A blast to drive! Mine is the 5.0 release series, in gold. (only way to get a factory sunroof) as a 55 yr male, I get a lot of looks, and laughs as well. Has a "gangster car" interior feel to it. Tons of headroom, lots of space between you and the windshield. Front seats-backs a bit soft, but accommodating. Takes a little to get used to. Low seating height, high door sills might be a problem for shorter drivers, but is really where the vibe of this vehicle comes from. Definite blind spots in rear pillars. 4-speed auto-trans ratios are perfect. Some reviewers mention the need of a 5 speed, I disagree. I don't believe the 2.4 motor could pull it. Too quick to downshift.

Favorite Features

Ease of entry, legroom far superior to the 07 4runner i traded 4 it. steering is VERY quick, which i like very much. first tank was 24.5 mpg. plentiful interior space. I am VERY happy with my purchase!

Suggested Improvements

Real armrests needed, front seats. full time clock. extended steering wheel tilt angle. taller, extended center console. more color choices on exterior. perhaps an inch or 2 longer on the front seat cushion length for additional leg support. Improved texture on steering wheel (a little slick).

13 out 14 people found this review helpful

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the xB IS golden

Written by: AerBer on 05/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We bought our first xB in 2003 manual transmission, it works we have over 150,000 miles on it. We needed a 2nd car with a little more room and an automatic...The answer was golden - the 2008 xB with the moonroof. It is just the right size, fun to drive, with the larger engine, the gas mileage not too bad. However, it does need some noiseproofing... Nevertheless we love our new goldmember. Now we're going to bring it to Lombards (the Car Stereo Store) in San Luis Obispo for serious Dynamat.

Favorite Features

It is a wonderful car. The moonroof says it all.

Suggested Improvements

The aux and iPod connections should be inside the glove box or center console, not visible, it looks messy when you've got the iPod/MP3 sitting in the cup holder, actually tacky. There is a bit of road noise, it definitely definitely needs Dynamat...

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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New xB

Written by: xB Owners on 05/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My husband and I purchased this car as a replacement - my car was dieing. This xB is awesome! It drives great, and is very comfortable - a great buy for the money. The ride is a tad bouncy on the highway. A lot more room than you think! I thought it was weird looking at first, and now I think it's super cute! Gas mileage is good, but gas seems to run out fast. I HIGHLY recommend this car! Toyota Reliability and solidly built!

Favorite Features

Customization (accessories), got same amount as a small SUV but without high price, a rear window wiper, steering wheel audio controls, arm rest, digital readouts.

Suggested Improvements

Another gear for the automatic - better gas mileage! Variable intermittent windshield wipers,

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love it!

Written by: Jen on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I am absolutely in love with my XB! I traded in my Cavalier coupe and I am loving the room in the XB. My fiance who is 6'4 could not fit in my old car and was amazed at how much room the XB has. Everyone that sees the interior is shocked at how big it is since it looks so small from the outside. I got it in white and I love the way it looks with the tinted windows and the dark interior. Very happy with all of the standard features, I have not added any options at all. I shopped around for almost 6 months trying to find the "perfect" car for me and this is it. When compared to other similar vehicles, the XB really gives you more features for less money.

Favorite Features

Love the way it drives and handles. Interior and dash display are cool. Seats are very comfy. Love all the room in the back and the folding seats are a plus.Storage under the back seat is neat too. Always get lots of looks and compliments!

Suggested Improvements

The arm rest is way too small and the passenger does not have one at all, definitely need that changed. Needs bigger sun visors with bigger mirrors. Wish it got better gas mileage but since I do not commute it is not that big of a deal for me.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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A few days in.

Written by: Genki on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Just bought this car about 3 days ago and already I can see some fantastic features. Some of the notable upgrades from my '05 Chevy Colorado are the center mounted gauges that make it easier for someone like myself being 6'3", to see them without the steering wheel interfering. This is the first vehicle outside of larger SUVs and some of the larger extended cab trucks that allow a 6'+ person to sit directly behind a 6'+ driver and not have to be awkwardly positioned to the side. Last thing to mention is that the only upgrade I have with mine is the improved sound system with the stereo head unit that includes the RCA outputs, which is the best system for the money that I've seen yet.

Favorite Features

Great standard features such as 4 ABS disc breaks and side impact / curtain airbags. for having paid 17,700 I didn't expect these features to be standard as they are upgrades for many of the more expensive cars.

Suggested Improvements

Arm rest is poorly placed (though it's not bad once you stop thinking about it) and there's only one for the driver. Though not a flaw you have to use caution when hitting the gas pedal, it doesn't take much to get it going.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Found the Perfect Match

Written by: Daren on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After owning a Mazda3 sedan for a year then a Ford Escape for a year I finally found the vehicle that is perfect utility tool. Has the gas mileage and comfort of a car with the hauling capacity of an SUV, all while being a great eye-catcher and conversation starter! Right now on my MPG display it says 33 mpg with 120 highway miles and a touch of city. I usually end my tank with about 26-29 mpg which I can definitely live with. The only problem I have with the car is that the interior dash and exterior paint are both extremely easy to scratch. I have a small dog and he has done his damage. Both the Mazda and Ford.

Favorite Features

Love the shape which enables you to haul practically anything (just hauled a desk last week). Ipod control, full power features standard. I actually like the low center console, it fits me. I do wish the center console was padded/matted as things can bang out and make quite a bit of noise.

Suggested Improvements

A sunroof feature, not just for limited release! Wish I could tow at least 500 lbs. Center cup holders both larger size. These are all minimal compared to everything this vehicle has to offer for 17k! This is an absolutely unreal value!

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Value - Safety, Performance, Utility

Written by: Jeff on 05/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had this car for a week, but have found it all that it is advertised to be and the other reviews accurate. As an engineer, I research all other potential vehicles thoroughly. The xB is without doubt the best value for the price. My attitude is that a car is an appliance and must meet a list of needs. Scion has created a very utilitarian vehicle -- I don't care about all the style discussions. But you might. The vehicle has all the advanced safety features and incredible space with seats down. The vehicle has all the expected creature comforts and is of expected Toyota quality. Ride is firm but comfortable. MPG on first tank was 30 mpg mixed on hilly PA highways and city.

Favorite Features

Safety and utility. Quality. Good fuel economy despite the over reaction to increasing horsepower from previous. Comfort, quiet, and space. This is a super value -- look around and you can find this vehicle for invoice -- don't believe the pricing claims by some dealers. I paid $14500 + destination

Suggested Improvements

Driver's left arm rest redesign, separate clock, variable speed intermittent front and rear wipers, floor mats standard ($155 option?!), rear cubby nets standard ($200+ option?!), larger front cup holder, lighted glove box, better positioned clutch. Needs smaller engine for better mpg - 1.8L?

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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