2008 Scion xB
Even Better
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SPECS
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Introduced
four years ago, Scion xB was due for a major restyle and upgrade. The new
2008 xB is a better looking car with increased interior room and a more upgraded
feel.
Not
meant to be a luxury boat by any means, the Scion xB is meant for basic transportation,
and a little fun! It's a great ride. Originally designed and marketed to the
younger set, the Scion models, particularly the xB has been a mainstay of
the Baby Boomer generation. Offering versatility, dependability (the Toyota
name) and just plain fun, Scion xB is a car you can modify to your heart's
content.
We are a fan of the first generation xB and even more
so of the redesigned 2008 xB. The looks are more interesting and attractive,
size is increased and the price is still affordable. At a total vehicle price
of $16,230, our test xB came equipped with only standard equipment, no options.
For under $20,000 you can own a Scion xB and not miss
many of the amenities of more expensive rides. Standard equipment on the xB
includes 4-wheel ABS, vehicle stability control and traction control, driver
and front passenger dual stage airbags and side airbags, direct tire pressure
monitor, Halogen headlamps, rear window wiper/roof mounted antenna, 16-inch
tires, remote keyless entry, iPod connector and auxiliary audio jack, rear
window defogger/privacy glass and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.
You can also gear up with apparel and accessories customized
to your vehicle! There is also a magazine-Scion-and events for owners and
enthusiasts.
One annoyance was, as with other cars similarly equipped,
mistakenly hitting the audio dials located on the steering wheel. Drives me
nuts. I'm forever changing radio stations unintentionally. Others may find
this convenient; to me it's unnecessary.
The 2008 xB-"free from monotony"-offers three
sets of options: Convenience: Cargo cover, cargo liner, cargo net, cargo tote,
remote engine start and Scion security system; Audio: Pioneer Premium Audio,
Pioneer Standard Audio, Scion Navigation System, Sirius Radio, XM Radio; Interior
Options: 4-N-1 Interior Illumination, Ashtray kit, C=Pillar Storage, DVD Headrest
Monitors, floor and cargo mats, illuminated door sills, interior trim kit,
leather wrapped steering wheel, overhead console box, shift knobs by OBX,
shift knob by RAZO, sport pedal covers, and the Exterior options: 16-inch
alloy wheel, 17-inch alloy wheel, carbon fiber engine cover, carbon fiber
window trim, exhaust tip, fog light kit, LED rear tail lights, rear spoiler,
rear bumper protector, upper grille enhancement, wheel covers, wheels locks.
Available are two audio systems, both offered by Pioneer.
The Standard system includes iPod capability, Scion Sound Processing, Auxiliary
port, built-in automatic sound levelizer, sound retouch technology, Satellite
radio capability and Programmable welcome message screen, along with AM/FM/CD
and 160-watts of power. The Premium system includes the base unit plus additional
features Organic Electroluminescent screen, downloadable "skins,"
personalized "skins," dual illumination and RCA outputs. Most of
the above appealing to the young technophiles. Some I would imagine load up
their xB with boom boxes located in the back cargo area. Our test vehicle
did come equipped with XM Satellite radio but service wasn't operating.
For
those who opt for the Navigation system, a wide range of features are included
With Alpine Digital Sound Processing, additional features of this package
include Alpine Focus and Equalizer, Clear Sound Effecter, Scion Sound Processing,
Automatic Volume Adjust, Auxiliary Port and Satellite Radio capability.
There
weren't any heated seats on the xB we drove and seating was cloth. Lucky for
consumers, Scion puts out a helpful catalogue from which to choose the options
for your own personal xB. Which is the fun of it all, of course, to trick
it out just as you like. For some it may be hard to visualize, so any help
is appreciated. I've seen some on the streets that were real eyecatchers.
Our xB came in Nautical Blue Metallic, more of a navy. There are six colors
available. If you log on to scion.com and go to Build Your Scion you can get
a head start creating your look. The nice thing about the options is that
they are all available by themselves. No packages. There is a choice of three
wheel cover designs, none of them outstanding, which surprised us.
We
found shifting into reverse was difficult and often required two hands to
pounce down on the gearshift and pull it to the right and rear. At first,
shifting with the xB's shiftknob wasn't smooth, but after driving it a few
days, it loosened up. It made us long for the automatic.
Scion
dealers practice the "No Haggle, No Hassle" policy; meaning the
price you pay for all products and services offered equals the dealership's
posted and advertised price.
Reviewed
by Susan Frissell. Womenwithwheels.com