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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Scion xB

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Scion xB

Overview

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2008 Scion xB Review

By KBB.com Editors

When Scion set out to redesign the nearly three-year-old xB, it asked current owners and fans of the brand what they would like to see on the next generation. Their feedback revealed that people wanted the box-like styling to stay, but also wanted the car to be larger, with a more powerful engine and more standard features, such as cruise control. The result is a vehicle that should appeal to both Scion enthusiasts and other potential buyers, all at a reasonable price. Scion's straight-forward "mono spec" basic equipment level continues, encouraging customization and making the car-buying process more personal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a versatile four-door car that is easily customizable, comes with loads of standard features and is affordable, the xB is a great choice. With 60/40 fold-flat rear seats and 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space, it could also be ideal for those with a small family or simply lots of stuff.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The xB's box-like styling, although less extreme than it used to be, may not appeal to all tastes. And if you love cars that are performance-driven, you may be happier in something a little sportier. The xB also does not offer a V6 &#151 even as an option.

What's New for 2008

Aside from being larger and somewhat rounder, the 2008 xB offers buyers 55 more horsepower, an available four-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting and standard features like iPod/MP3-player auxiliary audio inputs and 16-inch steel wheels.

Driving the xB

Driving Impressions The 2008 xB, with its longer wheelbase and wider stance, seems to be most at home on urban roads, handling the asphalt with a smooth and noticeably quiet ride, thanks...

to an improved suspension and noise-damping materials. On rural roads the xB seems a little sluggish, feeling slightly top-heavy through curves and corners. However, the new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower is a definite improvement, producing 55 more horsepower than available in the previous xB and giving it some extra power on hills and freeways. Larger disc brakes on all four wheels aid in stopping the vehicle more quickly.

Favorite Features

Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) Screen
This screen, built into the audio faceplate on the dash, allows you to display personal "skins" to customize the interior of the car. Skins can be created and downloaded on a special site produced by Pioneer just for Scion owners.

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio
By offering the choice of either XM or Sirius, Scion gives buyers the freedom to choose their favorite service. Since most manufacturers only offer one service, this adds yet another customizable feature to a long list, giving owners the chance to make their Scions one-of-a kind.

2008 Scion xB Details

Interior

Although it may not look like it from the outside, the interior of the xB has seating that is both roomy and comfortable, even in the second row. The vehicle offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are up and 69.9 cubic feet when the 60/40 rear seats are folded flat. For the driver who loves listening to music, satellite radio, auxiliary MP3 jacks and a customizable audio faceplate that can display images and short video clips are all within reach.

Exterior

The 2008 xB is noticeably rounder and larger than its predecessor, with a rectangular grille that graces the front of the car and is flanked by multi-reflector halogen lamp clusters with low projector beams that curve along the car's sides. Echoing these wrap-around headlamps are side-view mirrors with LED turn signals that illuminate in each mirror when activated. Wide pillars at the back end of the car create a bit of a blind spot that some drivers may not like. Standard 16-inch wheels &#151 an inch larger than those on the previous model &#151 do a good job of filling the wheelwells in style.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

With only one trim level, the xB comes pre-loaded with many features that make it particularly attractive for the asking price. Inside, some of these features are air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a Pioneer audio system with six speakers, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), vehicle stability and traction controls and a first-aid kit. For music lovers, the lower dash houses an iPod adapter and auxiliary audio input that allows song information and manipulation through the main unit and steering wheel controls. Gracing the exterior, a chrome exhaust tip and the choice of three wheel-cover designs are included as well.

Optional Equipment

Since the xB comes with so many features already, many of the options are geared more toward personalizing the car. Such interesting options include color-customizable interior lights with matching cup-holder illumination, sport pedals, illuminated door sill enhancements, in-pillar storage, a subwoofer, 17-inch alloy wheels and a color-keyed rear spoiler. There are a few more practical options that people may choose as well, such as carpeted floor and cargo mats, a navigation system, remote engine start, fog lights and an auto-dimming mirror. For those who want a more "upscale" feeling inside, an interior trim upgrade kit is also available.

Under the Hood

The xB shares its 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine with its Scion sibling, the tC. Buyers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for Scion and parent company Toyota. Both transmissions help the xB get slightly better gas mileage than the similar Honda Element and the PT Cruiser, which should make it extra appealing to anyone concerned about fuel consumption.

2.4-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (manual), 22/28 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Scion xB vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Scion xB Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 227 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.2/10

The most capacity for the money

By hanmojo (CA) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "value, handling, room"

Cons: "gas mileage, road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am 6'4" driving a 2009 xB. The missing/bad: - telescoping steering (they fixed that in 2010) - bigger center armrest (also fixed in 2010) - gas mileage, bad for such a light car. I get 21-22 city, 25 highway. - road noise is expected for this class - stiff ride The good: - huge inside, can seat 4 comfortable or 5 for short trip - flexible, can fix almost anything inside - great handling (result in stiff ride) - good power - great prices - zero problem for 4+ years"

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Good but Pricey Maintenance

By Kalyuzhnaya (CA) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Roomy, Comfortable, Great on Gas, Reliable,"

Cons: "Pricey Maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We enjoy the car, it is perfect for our small family however the maintenance is pricey. I can see how it balances out due to the great gas mileage and reliability but ouch."

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HARD TO SEE FRONT END

By JONO (FL) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "good gas mileage"

Cons: "too many gadgets/functions on the steering wheel."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"This car is hard to park in parking lots as the view from the driver's seat is blocked ahead by the hood design. The turning radius is very long as well. The shift lever has park, drive, drive 1/2/3/4, and reverse, making shifting errors possible- very possible in one of my cases!"

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Lots of little problems that not easy fix..

By Mel (GA) on Saturday, June 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "Like the size of car"

Cons: "Hate the stupid problems I have with car"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The scion service department in Columbus, GA is junk.. I have been in there two times first because when I changed my plates to GA the screw heads broke off and they told me I have to replace my whole back door on my scion xb to have a license plate on the back of my car.. The time I was just in there the hood latch on my car broke and I could not open hood (most time's you can open it through grill) All I asked them was how to open the hood with out the latch on the inside and to have someone show me.. I told them what was wrong with it that the latch did not work.. Needless to say they charged me $75 for looking at it and telling me the latch is broke.. telling me I can't open hood unless I lift car up and go up from bottom.. Said the part alone was going to be $259 (just for part not them put on)... I did not order from them and part number was on paperwork.. I ordered part on line and with shipping I paid $35!! My car runs good and I love it but with all the stupid problems I have with my car I will never deal with the scion dealer ship again!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this car! Fun to drive and lots of room

By Bowenarrow7 (CA) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,088

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "A lot for your money, fun to drive, lots of room"

Cons: "not enough power outlets"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have so much fun driving my xB. It is cheap to fill up, has great get up and go! Looks cool. The Release Series is the way to go! Mine is fully loaded and I plan on keeping this car forever!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Reliable, quick, a lot of get up and go, comfort

By sdbutterfly on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price, reliable, quick, maintains value"

Cons: "No navigation system."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"While there may not be as many bells and whistles as fancier cars, this car has everything I need. Comfort was important since I had a previous back injury. Rear passenger room was important with a son that is 6'3". We always have plently of leg and head room. Never feel crowded with 5 in the car. If I am alone I can even get a 6" ladder in the car. Great acceleration for getting out onto a busy street or manuervering on the freeway. Has some really interesting features with the transmission. Mileage around town could be better, average 23 mpg, but that is lower because of the way I drive. Has MP3 plug in in addition to CD player."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 227 reviews