It’s hard to find another compact car at this price with as much interior and cargo room as the xB: it goes for $15,650 without destination. The xB is also packed with value, as it includes standard safety features like antilock brakes and an electronic stability system, plus side-impact and side curtain airbags.
The xB was redesigned for 2008 and is now longer, wider and heavier than the first boxy generation. There’s a more powerful engine, which is good, but that combined with the added weight equals a drop in gas mileage compared to the previous generation.
You can see our collection of 2008 xB articles and reviews below, and be sure to start off with Mike Hanley’s expert review here.
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The XBox is the ugliest thing on 4 wheels ever created!!
My wife and turn away whenever one comes into view, averting our eyes and shouting "Look away! Look away!"
I love the old generations of the XB. IT is so ugly that they are cute. It has enough room in the inside but looks small on the outside.It is fun to drive. I love it, its awesome.
I have had a 2008 xB since October.
I have heard of the cracked windshield problem in the earlier xB models, and know it was a major reason the slant of the windshield was changed in the 2008 model. I have had no windshield problems.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder is certainly true with the xB, any model year. I don't find it as ugly, for example, as the "trash-compactor-stopped-midway" rear end of the CTS.
But I did not buy it for looks. People who buy cars based on their looks are many times (thought not always) the same who think B*** speakers (rhymes with 'blows') are the top of the line. They care too much about what others think and not enough about what would be right for them.
For me, with three large dogs and a second car over 20 years old that will soon need to be replaced, the large interior cargo space, *lack* of an expensive interior, and a price where my monthly payments are well under $200.00, is what makes the xB my choice.
My friend wanted one, so we went to the dealership, in five minutes he decided he didn't like it, and his exact words were "this is a toy car". It was also very expensive. He bought a Mazda 3 instead.
I've posted preliminary reliability info for the 2008 xB at TrueDelta.com, and will have a more solid result at the next update, in May.
The initial result indicates a worse than average repair rate, largely due to issues with exterior trim.
The May update will indicate whether this initial result was accurate.
xB is great in practicality and comfort. Rear seat the best of any car... May be Avalon is the only one with better rear seat.
If GM had made this it would be have been called another Aztec.
If GM had made this it would be have been called another Aztec.
Love my '08 Scion XB. 2nd one for me.
This generation is so much more quiet and horsepower increase makes a huge increase in 0-60 times.
Much bigger trunk...you feel like you are in a big vehicle. Like how you sit up like a SUV.
Love the radio and ipod connect.
It feels so solid and extra side airbags a plus.
I ski and the '08 is great in snow.
No problems. LOVE IT!!!
KUDOS to SCION for this winner!
Vomitus maximus ad nauseum.
Nice box, where is the car that came in it?
Scion xb has a cool futuristic look.
Noticed Consumer Reports rated it a top pick.
Top resale value.
Also read a past US News & World Report stating Scion xb had lowest cost of ownership per mile in '06.
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 70 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Scion xB ranks #1 of 12 in Affordable Compact Wagons.
Fugly.
Anything else?
Cherry Popper xB zipability in the Cali sun!
-Scikotics
I have the 2008 XB and it is a major improvement over the older generation (I owned a 2006 XB before-hand). Performance is one area where you won't be disappointed. With a beefy 2.4L engine, it has plenty of torque and power. The interior is very roomy, even for a tall person like myself. As usual, the instrument layout is well-thought and well-implemented. The car is about 600 lbs. heavier than its predecessor, but it feels much more stable at higher speeds under all weather conditions. The one negative about the added weight is the cornering -- not what it used to be, but still very decent. I opted for the front strut brace and rear sway bar and have seen a huge increase in cornering traction. The braking is more solid, but the visibility is less compared to the 1st gen models. All in all, I really like the new XB. It's well worth the price.
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I've got just over 11,000 on my '08 xB. I'm on my third windshield; the upright glass is prone to cracks. I wish there was better lumbar support. Otherwise I'm very happy with it. Small on the outside, big on the inside, unique looks.