Drove my first Scion xB today
By: Greasyman
September 3rd, 2012
7:09 pm
I drove a 1st gen xB today, first time I even sat in one. Even though I've been researching them, I was pleasantly surprised by how big the interior was. It's small on the outside but so big on the inside. The gigantic windshield and the short hood add to the impression of openness.
The space looks very usable, there aren't things like the wheel wells jutting into it, and the rear opening is very large and square. You could probably fit some good sized pieces of furniture in there, like a kitchen table, or a love seat, or an easy chair, probably even the dining room toilet. I don't think sunroofs are available, but you don't need one because there's so much head room the sky sneaks inside.
The dash has a lot of nice little storage areas, and I like the look of the speedo/tach, which isn't positioned at all awkwardly, even though it looks like it in the photos. It's a bit off center, lined up with my right shoulder.
It drove a lot less sporty than I hoped, it reminded me most of an old VW bus, tall and low-powered, with the gear shift located so you hang your right arm straight down to reach it. I could get used to it, and it was fun in it's own way. Seemed nimble because it's small, but the suspension felt pretty soft, hard to tell for sure in a short test drive. The power wasn't really that bad, I'd call it adequate. Made me appreciate the performance of my WRX when I got back in it for the drive home.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how roomy the engine compartment was, but that could be because at 1.5 L the engine is so tiny you could put it in the glove box and have plenty of room left over. It's nice to have working room, but from what I've read these engines are so reliable I'll rarely need to get in there.
All in all I really liked the vehicle. It's simple, utilitarian, reasonably fun, cheap, and there seems to be a fairly good sized aftermarket. I can live with the 108 hp, and the suspension can always be helped if needed. I didn't like the particular xB I looked at, it wasn't a well cared for car, but I'm going to look at a couple others in the next few days.
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10 comments on "Drove my first Scion xB today"
September 3, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Gotta say I like your review, well worded, and it made me smile (a tough feat in itself, as my smile muscles were removed at birth).
As a person who is strongly considering purchasing a Forester, I know what you mean as far as performance is concerned. But, as you stated, the xB is a fun car. I've enjoyed mine since '05, and I'm sure you will too when you find just the right one. Happy hunting.
September 4, 2012 at 6:03 am
Gotta say I like your review, well worded, and it made me smile (a tough feat in itself, as my smile muscles were removed at birth).
Awesome little review.
And for the record, on the subject of space, the 1st gen xB can easily fit a (roughly) 5x4.5' dresser + the entire wardrobe from the closet in the back.
My first xB was basically the source of moving my 1 bedroom apartment back in the day...
It also hauls 4 bales of hay comfortably
Welcome, and good luck on your search!
September 4, 2012 at 6:59 am
I actually bought another tv for my house, i stopped by best buy then got to thinking I'm here to buy a 50+" tv i may have to go home and get my truck...
Well on top of having my 8 yr old and 2yr old in the rear seat I'm def considering that I'll have to come back with the truck to get this tv..
Told my oldest son to sit in the middle and i folded the ldft side seat down and that sucker slid right in... 55" tv bam i was surprised and glad i didn't have to go home and come back..
September 4, 2012 at 7:03 am
Very nice review, and as far as the power situation goes you'll get used to it rather quickly when you go to fill up. 11 or so gallon tank only cost about 37 dollars(in Ohio) and with 31+ mpg who needs power.
September 4, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Nice review!
Glad I'm not the only person that went from WRXs to xBs
September 6, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Very nice review !! Got to say that some parts in your statement is why we all got a box !!!!
September 7, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Great Review!
It's funny, I think everyone who has sat in my xb has been astounded by the amount of space there is.
October 7, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Whats a dining room toilet?
October 7, 2012 at 11:05 pm
Great Review!
It's funny, I think everyone who has sat in my xb has been astounded by the amount of space there is.
sent from my Xb
October 8, 2012 at 9:33 am
Whats a dining room toilet?
Rereading my initial post, and having since bought an xB, there's a couple of things I've changed my mind about. Mostly, the car feels a lot sportier than it first did. It's nimble and has a minimum of body roll, and goes where I point it. I autocrossed it twice, and it handled surprisingly precisely. I thought it would be rolly-polly and understeer like a drunken elephant, but it was very willing and cooperative. I normally autocross a Miata with good tires and suspension mods, so I know what a good handling car feels like. I was very impressed by it.
I also don't find the suspension especially soft. I feel no need to change it, and I'm going to leave it as it is. The driving position is kind of deceptive. It feels like you're sitting in a bus, not a car, fairly high up and with the steering wheel low down by my navel. Not a really sporty feel, but once I started pushing the car, it drove much more like a sports coupe and much less like a bus.
I've owned my xB for about 3 weeks now, and I really like it. I think up excuses to drive it. "What, we're out of corn cob holders?! I'd better go get some!"