Used 2008 Scion xB Consumer Reviews
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Scionara xB1 update
This is an update from an earlier review. Well I finally had a chance to take the car out to 1200 mile trip to Vegas from northern Cali. Which I had planned so many time with my 06 xB but could not get the nerve to do it. Given that the car was fully loaded with 4 passengers and luggage to the ceiling, the ride was comfy, power decent and got a very good 27.3 MPG running +85 90% of the trip. So over all I am very satisfied with the car.
Outside the Demographic
This is a nice car for money with very good room inside. Very good quality and lots of nice features for nothing extra. I would recommend getting none of the add-ons unless you are absolutely sure you need them because they really reduce the economy of the car. Great combo of power, build quality, ergonomics, price. Only negatives are the fuel mileage (you have to make a trade for the power & Im still getting 26), no arm rest for passenger, and engine is a little noisy. Overall, very happy with purchase.
- Base WagonMSRP: $7,500102 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,100132 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $5,995134 mi away
My Second Scion
This is my second Scion - I traded in my 2005 xB. I loved my first one and I love this one too. I really like the new look!
price vs expectation
To be fair, you get what you paid for. At $18, xxx don't expect performance like a Porsche. I read other reviewers, you going to get some damage when you hit the curb unless you drive a tank. Build is great at this price, pretty quiet ride. Huge space picking up passengers from airport. Quality/comfort is up to my expectation at this price. My friend has a Mercedes which cost 3 times more. You can't compare at that price range. Overall, happy with this car. One thing is at 8xxx miles, engine start shaking and vsc lights on. Took it to dealership and the replaced the engine wiring hardness. So far, it's ok. Didn't expect this issue from a Toyota 11 months old car.
fun ride
I dont know where to begin! This is such a great car! It's super fun to drive and the functionality is superior to other cars in its class! I was set on buying an HHR until I happened upon the Scion. The Scion wins hands down for room! So much leg room in front and back! It easily fits 3 adults comfortably in the back seat! And the price cannot be beat! A great value! I was leery about "the blind spot" in the cargo area but I have not had any problems. The engine is peppy and gets up and goes when you want it! And another plus is the gas mileage! I have only had the car for a week but so far my average mpg is 30! that is a combo of city and highway! Try one you will be impressed!
After one year and 18,000 miles...
... my Scion xB is still living up to my expectations with zero problems and gas mileage consistently over 30mpg. With 69.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded (more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee at 67.4 cu.ft.) The xB can carry a lot of stuff if needed. Bottom line is that the Scion xB is a great value, reliable, efficient. Negatives are few at this price point. Ride can be a bit intrusive on bad roads but still solid. Interior plastic scratches easily... that's about it really. I am always looking for a replacement for the car that I currently drive. Just to see if there is something that would work better for the price. I haven't found it yet.
Lots of Bang for your Buck! Gold Rush !
I have my 2008 Scion XB Limited Edition Gold Rush a month. Before purchasing, I came to this site to read the many reviews,very informative. I simply LOVE the Scion. I was amazed how spacious the interior was. I slipped in and out very comfortably and felt the ride was extremely easy to handle, zippy pick up. The interior was 2 tone/very stylish. I passed on the $400 "Teflon" treatment from dealer and found 5 step Simonize Teflon treatment for $20 on eBay. I did get the spoiler & remote starter, mats. Also ordered side molding and touch up paint. I didn't start out to buy the limited edition,but dealer had only one,and I felt in love. Getting about 24 city, 28 highway. Lots of fun
Scion xB2 = Awesomeness
I love it! It's the perfect blend of slick, unique styling inside and out and urban-living functionality, all at a great price, with a great engine, sound system, and tons of cool extras all standard. I traded in my 2003 BSP Toyota Matrix for a 2008 HTM xB. I liked the xB1 but it had too many flaws for me to consider it for my next purchase. Perfect timing for a redesign. Drastically improved exterior, interior, and under the hood over the previous generation. Still has the unique, quirky-but-cool boxy look, Toyota reliability, low base price, extremely well engineered convenience and functionality, awesome upgrade Pioneer stereo. The xB possesses that "fun-to-drive" factor in excess.
Great Car!!!!
This car is exceptional! Between the extremely sharp looking exterior (midnight blue with tinted windows, it always stands out in a parking lot) and a functional, amazingly spacious interior this car has it all for a very realistic price. I can't over-emphasize the spaciousness of this car. Sit in one and you'll see what I mean. We'll drive the hell out of it until Toyota comes out with a hybrid version of the Scion xB or an electric and only then will we make the switch.
What's this? Tall Wagon? Small SUV?
It's unique, I'll give it that. The fuel economy is a big disappointment, not expecting this from a Toyota brand and there's also a substantial amount of road noise. It's really a 'strip' car, you have to pay for everything including floor mats! There seems to be some vibration at highway speeds (over 60 mph). The upgraded radio ($389) doesn't pick up all the stations in my area and there are 2 FM frequencies: FM1 and FM2 , this is a ripoff!! Save your money!! Overall it's a good buy for the money.
A true joy to drive
I bought my Scion lasy Saturday and I have to say that I am very Impressed with this vehicle. For the price, it is really a great buy and it is fun to drive. Now I make up excuses to go out and drive. With all the accessories for it, it really makes it become your very own extension of yourself. I highly recommend anyone to give it a try and test drive one and you will get one for yourself.
Unique Car
I traded in a 2008 Toyota Corolla for a 2008 xB. The only thing I miss is the fuel economy (35 vs. 28 on xB, highway). But the Scion has a lot more room and comes with more standard features, like curtain airbags for rear passengers, which I required for my 3 and 6 y/o boys, VSC and ABS. The stereo sounds great/unique, and I still haven't seen another 2008 xB on the road yet! When I get to a place I like to stand out from the rest, not possible with the Corolla which is ubiquitous. In the outside the Scion xB is 10 inches shorter than the Corolla, and inside it's bigger, oh so nice. I love this car. The purchase process was very painless too.
Never thought I'd drive this
When a friend of mine told me to go look at the xB when I was in the market for a small SUV I called him CRAZY. I swore I was not driving a box. Well, this box is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It has awesome power and handling. Gas mileage is wonderful since I came from a Nissan Titan. I have all the extras like the Pioneer enhanced radio, rear spoiler, fog lights, overhead console, illuminated door sills, 17" rims, and under dash and cupholder neon lights. All this makes my xB even more unique than it already is. It is a great and fun car for the price, I would recommend it to anyone. Actually a month after I bought mine, my mom bought one too. We are now an xB family.
Best kept Secret
The xB may be the best kept secret of the year.Mine is an awesome conveyance, [this, from someone who has owned about 30 vehicles and did for over 25 years, drive over 40K miles per year. As with my '94 Previa AWD van that has 260K and still runs well, my xB is no disappointment when it comes to reliability,[not a single problem yet],and now that it has 20K and the engine has settled in, I just observed over 30 MPG [only got about 25 whthru the Mt.s of WV, and the hills of VA/PA, [this, with over 500 lbs of luggage/demo gear plus my 230+ wt.]. It has plenty of acceleration and although suspension could be stiffer, [I could cure that for a few hundred $ in factory add-ons], it's fine, as is.
Great car
This is my first new car and I love it. I've had it for around three weeks and already have 1100 miles. The interior is very roomy, and being 6'4" that is very important. The performance of the car is not great, but if you get the TRD performance exahust and the cold air intake, it really helps. The exterior design is amazing. When I'm stopped or just driving around I get people stopping and staring.
Great car
I purchased the 2008 Scion xB last week and have driven it all over - it handles well, has a great turning radius, little car/road noise and responds well and quickly.
my first Scion xB
After 8 years of driving two Mercedes in a row, the xB is a big improvement! 24 mpg in town, inexpensive to insure and license, accelerates and handles great, FUN to drive, great visibility, comfortable on 600 mile trip, parks easy, hauls a lot, looks cool, stereo with IPOD dock is the greatest, 15 mile commute to work is enjoyable, holds the road on hills and curves along the Missouri river bluffs, handled great in mid- west ice and snow. Ability to add Toyota Racing Division parts makes it something I can personalize, Toyota reliability and service is reassuring. My Mercedes was always in the shop, my xB only goes in for oil changes. Think inside "the box."
Very Satisfied; fun car
I love this car. Researched all different makes/models for 6 months prior to purchase. After 21 months and 30,000 miles this definitely was the best value for the money. Fun to drive. Comfortable with roomy. Easy to get in and out both front and rear passengers. Good gas mileage and pickup. Versatile. Does well in snow. Will definitely buy another one when it's time to replace the Sienna.
Great redesign!
I traded my 2006 xB in for the 2008 and I couldn't be happier. It has so much more power and the ride is so much more smooth and quiet. In addition, I feel safer since it has side airbags and a higher doorline. I do a lot of freeway driving and can merge and pass with ease now. The vehicle feels much more responsive than the original xB. It is loaded with features for the price and feels and rides like a much pricier car. My only quibbles are the blindspots in the rear corner, the width of the armrest, and the mushiness of the driver's seat.
I love it!!
I was sold on this car two seconds into the test drive, it handles so well and the pickup is amazing. Its exactly what I was in the market for, not a sedan, but not quite an SUV. Its just a very fun car the drive, and decent gas mileage. Ive only had mine for a couple of weeks, but Im very satisfied. I cannot recommend this car enough.
too bad
Had a very high expectation level for the 08 xB. The Camry engine was a plus, except for my actual 26 mpg on the highway. Over all, I just didn't find it enjoyable to keep. It was difficult to see stop lights, poor color selection, the rear bumper is a dust and dirt magnet, the style gets a bit long in the tooth after only 6 months. Couldn't slow down the rear window wipers.
LOVIN IT!!!
This is my 2nd xb. More comfortable ride, still like the boxy look of the older style. Drives awesome. Wish I would have gotten the standard. I average about 30 mpg. Love the sound system and handling. More spacious for having 3 kids (2 young adults) no squooshing together in back. I will stay with this for along time. Scion is an excellent brand. Would like more unusual colors. My last was yellow limited edition.
2008 GOLD RUSH MICA SCION XB R.S. 5.0
I was so impressed with this car when I test drove It I put a down payment the same day and I bought it the next. It has everything I was looking for in a car, 4 cylinder engine, a lot of seating room because I am 6'1" tall, decent fuel economy without compromising performance, safety with six air bags, and toyotas legendary dependability and longevity. The brakes stop firmly without the ABS overly intruding. The steering is not soft or hard it is just right. The car takes corners without to much leaning.
Go xB Go!
This is a fun car at an affordable price. Lots of safety features which I really appreciate. I put on about 30,000 miles/year and safety is very important to me. I like the solid feel of the xB and its quiet ride on the highway. The engine is quiet and powerful. I have the manual and it shifts like a dream. The best shifting car I have ever owned. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a car that is fun to drive and yet quite practical to own.
08 xB New Style, Price, Decreased MPG
The 08 xB looks less like a box, has more features, more power, is fun to drive, and gets fewer MPG than the prior xB models. I really enjoy the new auto trans with the trick shifting lever it is kinda like a stick without a clutch. The ride is much quieter and so much smoother - even with all the improvements I will always love the looks of the first generation xB over the new one.
Good Little Car
I had a 2005 Scion XB and loved it but it was a little slower than I liked. So I traded it in for the 2008 Scion with the new body style. Love the car. She has enough power to get out of the way of fast approaching vehicles that don't want to let you merge into traffic.
Love my Baby!
Bought my Xb sight unseen and was not disappointed. I've driven it to California (from Missouri) and back, upstate New York and back and Florida and back with no problems. Gets great gas mileage. I switched to synthetic oil and I average 30 mpg. Love the ease of entry and exit and the roomy backseat.
Fantabulous
This car comes loaded with everything and it's cheaper than most popular cars out there. Fun to drive, great gas mileage and very comfy. Road noise is much better than others in its class. Very roomy, young couples with a kid or two will love it. Big folks will find lots of room. Car made in Japan which is a big plus since my confidence in domestic made products has declined to low levels. Do yourself a favor and get a GPS if you do buy one, you gonna need it for all the fun driving you gonna be doing in it.
1st import
went to my local scion dealer, had the chance to test drive the tc then the xb really like the tc but needed room and the xb had what i needed for my five dogs. it's really fun to drive but have not gone a long trip yet, gas mileage at first was alright until i put a cold air intake went up about 2 miles per gallon (as long as i don't get in it)
A Must Buy!
Everyone should at least check this vehicle out. I was so amazed by the standard options (i.e., iPod connector, side airbags, stability and traction control, projector headlamps, digital gauges, and well laid out interior, practical storage areas underneath rear passenger seats). I could go on and on, I love this car. I traded in my tC for this car because I needed more room for hauling things.
The xB - The New Extreme
This is a great car. Not only for the younger generation but for the older as well. It's fast, sleek, and has an awesome sound system. Try one you'll love it.
Scion xB (@ 750 miles
Clutch has a long throw. Radio did not have a manual.
the toaster
It has been a great car for the price and I wanted something good on gas and the interior size was a big surprise.I will be selling mine soon as I want to go back to AWD and something with more of a luxury feel.
Scionara xB1, Hello xB2
Traded in an 06 3 weeks ago after driving it just 3 months shy of 2 yrs. As much as I enjoyed the 06, I like the 08 a lot more, it is a much better car overall. The 06 was perfect for commuting and trips to local places. I enjoyed driving it as long I was the only passenger but with wife, two kids and occasional third party, the fun goes away especially freeway ride > 30 miles. The 08 has addressed what the 06 lacked: power, safety, cargo behind 2nd row, lack of basic amenities, cup holders, cruise control. However the MPG, cool styling, and fun to drive has decreased on the 08. For me the 2.4L and safety of the 08 was worth the upgrade.
Scion has made a me a customer for life!
Dropping down from an SUV to a small vehicle to make my commute more economical was my motivation. Scion xB has continued to amaze me as I use it for everything from Home Depot to camping. Plenty of interior space and it drives like a little sports car. What more can you ask for from a vehicle priced well below 20K that lets you do everything an SUV or truck can do. The new xB sacrificed MPG for more pep, and it's a great trade-off. I've had my xB for almost a year and its running like a champ. Getting about 25 mpg in mixed driving. If you need a little commuter car with big style and plenty of room (I'm 6'0") then this is your car.
My first xB
I love everything about this car. It has great acceleration, handles well, fast, powerful. Fun to drive. The base model comes with everything you need. Anything else is an aftermarket accessory. I got 280 miles out of my first full tank of gas. If I had to pick one thing I did not like it would be the road noise. Small price to pay for such a great car though!
Great car for the price
My wife and I bought a 2008 xB as our family car (we have 1 small child), and so far it has been wonderful. We just recently took a very long trip across the country, and the dual DVD monitors really came in handy keeping our son entertained!! Fuel economy is good, performance is great, love the iPod hookup and folding rear seats!!
Loved it...BUT
I came from a Nissan Frontier to the Scion. I was originally going to get a Tacoma P/U but the newly designed xB really caught me by suprise. I loved the options. The nav with the Alpine audio is a must ! Great quality sound and a whole host of sound quality options. I got 26-27 MPG consistantly (60%HW, 40% city). The center dash gage mount is a bit funky. The first week I had it I got a speeding ticket, I did not realize I was going that fast and with the speedo to the right of driver's sight, I did not know. The multi color neon floor lights were fun but not worth the option cost. Unfortunately, the car was broadsided (pass side) and totaled. If it were not for the curtain AB, my wife would have died.
Best New Car in 33 Years
I've purchased many new cars in 33 years, the 2008 xB is the best value, most comfortable, best equipped, and most satisfying car I've ever owned. The driving performance and standard features are amazing. Average fuel economy after 1000 miles = 30.7 MPG in mixed highway and city driving. Interior space and comfort is better than vehicles costing twice as much. Toyota's attention to design detail and build quality is exceptional. Also, in spite of the xB's massive interior space for people and cargo, the great handling, powerful engine, and small exterior size of this car make it really fun to drive! Now you will understand why all 2008 xB drivers have big smiles on their faces!
32 MPG CITY
Looked at and drove all the contenders including Fit, Element, Matrix. But nothing really came close for the price. My last vehicle was the King Reliable Toyota Previa minivan. But I wanted something much more efficient but just as reliable. I do handy work and small remodeling projects for a living and needed some hauling ability. The Scion xB has been doing the duty for over 4 months now and getting 32 mpg in the process. The key to higher mpg numbers is in the 5 speed manual and coasting techniques. I'm always looking for something better but I don't think anyone has made it yet. For now the xB rules.
Too Hip 2B Square!
What a ride! I purchased a special edition Gold Rush Xb. This car came with TRD lowering springs. This gives it a good stance. I purchase a set of 16'' Bronze powered coated wheels from Discount Tire direct for $350 delivered. I also have installed a short throw shifter for my five speed and some fog lights. This is the biggest small car I have ever owned. With it's high belt-line and low flat roof, it looks like an old chopped top 32 five window coupe! My wife hated the color, saying it "Looked like a Pimp Mobile". She has since warmed up to its interior room and comfortable ride. This car came with a huge sunroof, that should an available option in the future. take a test drive today
Brakes
I really like the Scion. Very roomy with great interior.
Highly impressed
I laughed when I first saw the older Scion "boxes with wheels". The more I saw them the better they grew on me. We just bought the 08 xB and we are really impressed with the ride, performance and accessibility. We really went overboard on extras and ended up with a remarkable classy vehicle. We added the Alpine navigation/radio system, leather interior (charcoal and ash), Camry alloy wheels and sports steering wheel. The audio system is awesome and navigation system has largest screen I have ever seen. You can sit and play DVD movies in the nav system while you are sitting and the surround sound is spectacular. I recommend that you become a proud owner of one.
Love Love Love my wagon!
I love this car! Sure, it's funny looking, but just sit inside it and you won't have any more complaints about that. The interior is so roomy and the backseat is wonderful, there's no backseat-middle hump, so people love taking my car when we have a full load. Plus there's tons of head and legroom, it's easy to get into, and I love the rear tinted windows. Of course, the cargo space is the reason this 21 year old wanted a wagon. I fit all my junk in it when I moved away to college, and still had room to leave visibility in the passenger rear window and the passenger side half of the hatch window. Lastly, the car drives wonderfully, like a little car, and has a great stereo system.
xB has hit the spot!
Great car and has all the safety features.
Great car and a great price
I bought this car in March '08 and I like it a lot. It handles well and it is fun to drive.
Great in Snow
I love how much room is inside with the seats foleded down. I am tall and even I have pleanty of head room in the front and back seat. I live in WI and drive in allot of snow, I have no worries driving in bad weather. Also I drive almost all hwy miles and avg 30 mpg.
Solid car
I have owned a dark blue xB for 10 days. I really love it. Before this purchase, also looked at Toyota Matrix, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevy HHR . Scion xB is the best among this group of small wagons. I initially targeted a Matrix, but its engine is so loud even at the idling speed and its building quality (including paint) is one tier below the xB. The xB has way many satefy features and sensors than all the other cars.
So good had to buy two of them
Recently purchased two 2008 xBs, one for me and one for my daugther. We are both very pleased with our new babies. Mine has the optional navigation in it. Hers has the deluxe Pioneer radio with XM. They are both white with automatic transmissions. Cannot believe the amount of stares we are getting from people as we drive. Overall I have only good things to say about the xB, but if there were any negatives, thus far for me it would be that the gas and brake pedals are a little to close together.
Not the quality I expected from Toyota
We have been driving this xB for about 20,000 miles for two years, and disappointing since about 10,000 miles. Besides a major problem with engine (the dealershop fixed it), it rattles with the breake pushed, and plastic fell apart from under the passenger chair. This is not the Toyota quality we used to know. Although it has a unique design and some functionality, the overal quality is below my expectation considering the price tag.