I've had my xB for about 5K miles. I love the way it looks, love the interior, and have really enjoyed the car but have recently found myself in some dangerous situations that have made me think twice about the car.

I bought the car a few months ago in a DC area dealership. It was fine there because I did either a lot of city driving or was stuck in traffic whenever I was on the highway. We recently moved to Dallas, TX where my commute has changed to all interstate driving and a much longer drive to work (28 miles).

The weaknesses of the car are really exposed in constant highway driving and it's just not suited. At least 3-4 times, I've had to pull on the shoulder because I simply cannot merge with traffic when I'm packing 108 hp and competing with Dodge Ram's and Suburban's. If I want to change lanes, I have to carefully look in the oncoming lane to see how quickly the next car is gaining. if he's coming along at 70-80+ mph, forget it! You just have to wait for another window.

I had the recall done on the A/C and it still is subpar. It's adequate right now but will not be in June, July, and August in the Texas heat. One thing that first started to getting me thinking about the car is when the repair was being done, they gave me a Corollla loaner car. Wow, what a huge difference in performance! I'm puzzled.....the Corolla has much more zip and gets better fuel economy than the xB. If only it were a little larger inside....I'd get one of those.

I know the shape of the xB is unique but with that little 1.6L engine, the fuel economy just isn't accepable to me. Yeah, you can get in the low to mid-30's in mpg but only if you drive it with a light foot. I've gotten as little as 27-28mpg in the car and as high as 39 mpg on interstate driving. The difference is that I was driving 75mph for the low end and 55-65 mpg for the high end.

Jemo

Yeah, it's definitely not a race car.. 9 times out of 10, it can't get out of its own way, let alone someone else's. So I feel you on that part. Luckily I only have mine to promote a business, it'll be driven but nothing much is expected out of it. It does need more power though, when you have no good aerodynamics to a box shaped car, making it 2400lbs with 108 crank hp is not the smartest thing to do. I've been driving mine with a lightfoot, very light, and so far after two fill ups I have only seen about 26mpg, not too impressive. I'll be keeping mine but I'll agree, they are not going to make everyone happy.

Got to agree with both of you. The xb lacks power, and the ac may or may not work well depending on who you talk to. THe only time I calculated mpg was on way home from Lake Havasu (180 miles from phx), wife drove about 80 whole way, got 28mpg. Pretty good IMO given that it hung around 3500rpm pretty much all the way home.

Others will argue that you have got to cut some corners for a $14k vehicle. (you know, the whole "cognitive dissonance" thing)

Either way, best of luck

people people any car that can get anywhere near 30mpg is awesome. phizer. people just want the whole world. champagne taste on a beer budget

Not bad-mouthing it, just saying, they could have done better. Hell, a mustang GT can get around 30mpg on the highway lol. a 3700lb V8. But yeah, the mpg doesn't concern me nearly as much as the power that it lacks.

The Echo is around 400lbs lighter than the xB, using the same 1.5L 108hp engine. That's adequate for 2000lbs, but not 2400. Maybe they will step up and add a larger displacement engine for whatever replaces the xB.

I, for one, will be attempting a nice swap, to put me in the 180hp range, before the turbo. :-)

Glad to see that I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's not that I have a champagne tastes on a beer budget. I can think of a handful of cars that are priced the same or lower that have more power and as good or better fuel economy. Civic, Sentra, Aerio, and Corolla. As Chris said, even the Mustang gets fairly good mileage on the highway. Heck, the new Accord V6 has 240 hp and gets 30+mpg on the highway. Yes, it is $5-$6K more but it shows that the technology is there to have plenty of power with decent mileage.

My wife just replies with, "I told you so" because this was the only issue when I was looking at the car. She skeptically said, "are you SURE that you're going to be happy with the power?" It was perfectly fine on the East Coast but just doesn't work well for me and my commute.

I am not sure where you are finding a mustang gt that gets 30mpg, mine got 15-21 on a good and also you can buy two xb's for the price of one mustang gt so we are comparing apples to oranges.

I also owned a geo tracker and a nissan sentra and all had about the same performance and were around the same price hence the ';economy' portion of the car.. A corolla does have more zip to it but it also is about 5k more with all the options the xb has or atleast thats what I saw when I was at the dealer last week.

Out of the above posts, how many have manual transmissions? I find that in my manual, I'm at 60+ before I shift out of 3rd. I have to be careful when I'm "playing" 'cause I'll be doing 90 before I realize it. My car seems to have about the same preformace in a straight line as my '99 Miata.... Try driving a stick and shift above 3000 RPM, there is a little bit of power there... Just an opinion... :?

I dont know about you guys, but I have had NO TROUBLE at all merging with traffic.. I do have a manual and it is peppier than the auto, I think. Never once have I had trouble merging, passing traffic, or getting up a hill.. I too will be going 85 and not even know it..

i agree. i drive on new york city highways everyday and i dont have much of a problem. sure if i wanna pass someone thats already doin 50-60 or even 70 ill downshift to 3rd if i have to but i can get the box to move

i agree. i drive on new york city highways everyday and i dont have much of a problem. sure if i wanna pass someone thats already doin 50-60 or even 70 ill downshift to 3rd if i have to but i can get the box to move
Same here 8)

Jemo, I think it's interesting that you took the time to post your complaints about the car.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say smart people buy cars based on their needs. If they drive almost exclusively in urban settings, they will buy small cars with small engines that get good gas mileage. If they drive principally on the highway or at high speeds, they will tend to buy cars with bigger engines and more hp.

The problem is not with the xB. The problem is that your needs have changed, and the xB is no longer suited to fulfill those needs. There are very few automobiles that can serve every single person's needs, and even fewer that can do so affordably.

If I had to drive on the highway every day at 90mph, I wouldn't buy a Ford Festiva. And if I did, I wouldn't act surprised or angry when it couldn't handle the job.

The language of your post implies a desire to convince people not to buy the Scion xB, not because it has some kind of inherent design flaw, but simply because it is no longer the right car for YOU. Instead of posting all of your complaints about a car that never promised to do what you now require of it, just trade it in and get something that can handle the expectations you now have. End of story.

Nice post Louisville327!

I think some of it is the car, the region, and perception. I have a manual trans and mine feels fine most of the time. I can tell when the air is good or bad for performance. I don't have any problems merging or keeping up with traffic. I still get 34 MPG based on individual fill-ups. Some days it feels sluggish and some days it feels like it's ready to roar but I think it does well considering the cost and what it was designed to do. 6th gear would be nice and a few extra horsepower.

There are many here that complain that it can't make HP but it is in there somewhere. There are racers that are using 1800 CC Honda engines making 1000 HP and stock 1000 CC motorcycles making 180 HP. We are in the middle so the HP can be made it just depends on the cost.

Just drop the Celica GTS engine in it... 180hp.

Just drop the Celica GTS engine in it... 180hp.
If it was that easy, alot of people would have done it already 8) .

Good post, but one thing I had to comment on:

If I had to drive on the highway every day at 90mph, I wouldn't buy a Ford Festiva. And if I did, I wouldn't act surprised or angry when it couldn't handle the job.


I had two Ford Festivas, one a five speed, the other a auto. Both 1992 models. And the both had zip on the highway. In fact, when I drove around the Beltway, in D.C., I never had a problem. Great cars, with great mileage. I drove them both over 150,000 miles. So, not a bad car.

Back to the xB. I would agree, you can't always get the best of both worlds when it comes to cars, you know, speed and mileage.
But I don't have a problem with the xB merging or driving on 95 here in SOUTH FLORIDA, and I get 35 to 40 MPG around town all the time.
I have a five speed, with stock rim wheel size (not stock rims, mind you, but lighter 15 inch ENKEI RPOJ-2 rims) ...My A/C had the upgrade, and I really don't feel much of a change, however, I had tinted the windows (front windshield as well as doors) before the upgrade. It's not as cool as my Beetle, that is for sure....But it cools well.

Sounds to me, that if the car does not suit you now, then you need to change the suit.

The only time I really feel a lack of power is starting from a stop light. So ironically this car is porbably not so great in the urban setting!

Once the car is rolling I have no trouble keeping up with traffic (mine is stick shift). You need to work the engine and work the shifter- that's what they are there for :wink:

hmmm.... i swerved in, out, and around traffic on my road trips to New Orleans and Miami..... I have an (engine/wheel stock) automatic, and I was hauling ___ all around the M3's and Mustangs in my way

I don't have any complaints

I had two Ford Festivas, one a five speed, the other a auto. Both 1992 models. And the both had zip on the highway. In fact, when I drove around the Beltway, in D.C., I never had a problem. Great cars, with great mileage. I drove them both over 150,000 miles. So, not a bad car.

I was just using an example of a car with a small engine. No hate intended!

I guess I could have cited anything similar, like my brother's old Geo Metro. That thing could barely stay at 70mph, so I guess it would have been a better example.

My bad.

I had two Ford Festivas, one a five speed, the other a auto. Both 1992 models. And the both had zip on the highway. In fact, when I drove around the Beltway, in D.C., I never had a problem. Great cars, with great mileage. I drove them both over 150,000 miles. So, not a bad car.

I was just using an example of a car with a small engine. No hate intended!

I guess I could have cited anything similar, like my brother's old Geo Metro. That thing could barely stay at 70mph, so I guess it would have been a better example.

My bad.No hate received! I just was defending my old cars...They got no love during their all to brief run with the Ford company.

That's all! :D

I dont know about you guys, but I have had NO TROUBLE at all merging with traffic.. I do have a manual and it is peppier than the auto, I think. Never once have I had trouble merging, passing traffic, or getting up a hill.. I too will be going 85 and not even know it..

Yeah, I never have a problem with the car I'm in, it's the damn cars in front of me that's the problem. And I drive an auto...

It does sound like your needs have changed.

Just drop the Celica GTS engine in it... 180hp.
If it was that easy, alot of people would have done it already 8) .

<<< Doing it. :twisted: :twisted:

Just drop the Celica GTS engine in it... 180hp.
If it was that easy, alot of people would have done it already 8) .

<<< Doing it. :twisted: :twisted:
Post pics when it's done 8)

well good lucl with your decisions.

what was the idea of purchaseing the xB was it

the looks
the room
the comfort
fun to drive factor
price ---(this is what won me over :mrgreen:)
modify the F^&K out of it------(if the money was there)


can you fill us in a bit about your scion story?

Hmmmm..... :roll: :roll: :roll: well all I can say do you expect your XB to do over 100mph to out accelerate the SUV's doing 80mph?......here is my story I drive over 100 miles a day or about 2,500 miles/mo. in my XB 5spd. I drive a mix of heavy traffic and highway my other car is a 04 Volvo S60T. The box does ad well in all situations as the S60T and cost 1/2 the price and gets about 10 mpg more. What can you trade your XB for at any where near the cost that will out shine it? Mybe you need to step up to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. :lol: :lol:

I also find i have no trouble merging into traffic, neither do i feel that the car has too little power.
But then i again I wouldnt be pulling in front of a car thats going 95 when i dont intend on going more then 70.
Now if some one is going to be going that fast in the slow lane, then the problem is not your car but the driver of the other car.
The slow lane is called the slow lane for a reason.
I have a five speed, and if i need to pass or merge, its easy with the drop of a gear i can pass who i want when i want.

My wife and I drive to work everyday together, 50 miles each way on various roads. From country roads to larger highways. She tends to drive in the morning and I'll drive home. I've been keeping a log of the mileage and we are averaging 33 MPG (auto). I'm hoping it will increase as the car breaks in (only 2000 miles on the Xb).

Neither of us have any problems merging, passing or accelerating on the highways and we average 60 MPH during the commute and go up to 75-80MPH on 195 and Rt. 18.

I am constantly passing other cars and driving like I do in my Silverado...just can't blow people off the line or blow their doors off passing them. But we've had no problems at all.

Yeah, I get an average of about 32-33 MPG in the city, as I work around DC, it's all low speed driving, but I tend to keep my revs high because otherwise, it wouldn't go anywhere.

I don't know anyone who would say that anything over 30 MPG is bad, since a vast majority of cars that are rated for 30 MPG by the EPA rarely see that figure. It's all how you drive, but unfortunately, if you drive an xB like a grandma, it will definately seem slow because it has no power until you're getting close to 4000 rpm...

My sister has a Civic Hybrid with a CVT that manages to get 44-45 MPG, but that is also a 20K car will less features and less room. Nonetheless, you should buy a car that suits you.

I have a stick also and I don't have any problem keeping up with traffic. I think the only time I had a problem was going from an almost stop on a steep freeway ramp.

What I was really amazed at is how it flew up the mountain grades! I was passing all kinds of vehicles, sometimes shifting down to 4th. Very happy with that.

I like manuals to begin with, but with the small engine I don't think I would ever choose an auto on this car.

Sean

I've noted no problem with the power of the xB. No, it doesn't win the Stoplight Grand Prix, but that isn't what I bought it for. It merges fine on the freeway and climbs any hill I point it at without slowing.

Now, keep in mind that my "other car" is a VW bus with 60HP and 3000+ pounds, so perhaps my driving perspective is different. If I had had a faster "previous" car I would have developed more aggressive techniques for driving and merging that require more performance than the xB can provide. As it is, my merging technique is more of the "can't we all get along" variety.

George

Glad to see that I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's not that I have a champagne tastes on a beer budget. I can think of a handful of cars that are priced the same or lower that have more power and as good or better fuel economy. Civic, Sentra, Aerio, and Corolla. As Chris said, even the Mustang gets fairly good mileage on the highway. Heck, the new Accord V6 has 240 hp and gets 30+mpg on the highway. Yes, it is $5-$6K more but it shows that the technology is there to have plenty of power with decent mileage.


But try bring home a 32" color TV or a table or a couple of 2X4s in one of those!!
I use to drive 18 wheelers...talk about no performance on an on-ramp (under load). :roll:

Not saying that this is the vehicle for Texas (considering heat & size of vehicles) but when I put the CAI and headers on in last summer it did make a big difference in the freeway on-ramp performance on my xB. If I need to go from a dead stop I wind it out to the mid 5k RPMs in second and third. We have a few short ramps here on the I-70 were the average speed is 75-85mph between Frederick and Baltimore across ALL lanes.

My thoughts considering I live in the Dallas, Texas area also...

I don't own one...yet! :) However, when I was at the dealership during the insane Texas summer heat, I test drove both the auto & manual versions. I don't know if it was b/c both versions wasn't broken in yet but I could tell the manual version pulls noticeably harder. Not like a 20 hp difference but still noticeable if you drive both back to back.

Granted, I don't expect it to be a track fix/sporty vehicle like my weekend car (See sig.) but to me it seem fine driving on the highway (passing & merging) during the summer heat w/the a/c on. I've been doing alot of research & to me it fulfills my needs here in Texas:

1) Roomy so I can carry many supplies to/from work
2) Gets good mpg
3) Great price for a new vehicle
4) Toyota reliability (I average 20k-22k miles per year)
5) Mainly will be a school/work vehicle w/50% each city/highway driving

Good luck w/whatever you do! :)

It does take a little longer to cool down after sitting in the summer heat all day. But once it does its plenty cold for me.
A local dealer told me that the xB has a smaller compressor and that accounts for the delay. This seems true because my miles per gallon doesn't change much when I use the air.

I love the xB!! Plain and simple. I have driven stick sports cars since I could drive and well yes the the AutoB is no AutoX but I find it has more then enough go when you need it. No problems merging on the freeway, no problems passing, no problems cruising at around 80. it fits all my needs. But the funny thing is now that I am not driving a sports car any more I am actually enjoying the drive to and from work. Life has slowed down a little for me :D and thats a good thing.

Though with my past experience in the sports/autocross scene I did make some concious choices to make sure all that 108hp was put to good use and not wasted.

For example
1. I did not opt for the larger wheels as they have a direct impact on the accelleration capabilities of a vehicle. I will be getting some later for summer shows and advertising stints but for daily driving the stock 15 inch alloys are the best choice.

2. I did opt for the spoiler. As this is a huge box with an obscene amount of drag even a little bit of air being forced into that vacume at the back of the box is a good thing.

On a side note on the discussion about manual or automatic manuals will always feel as though they are "stronger" and in some cases they may in fact be. But the perception is usually due to the fact that with a manual you are a much more active driver. You also control the shift points. And most likely the percpetion in our cars is a valid one due to the parsitic loss involved with the torque converter on our automatics. However if you just mash that pedal on the right, the gerbils stand at attention and begin to go on their war march just fine. I have had 0 performance problems from my box when I needed it. I have found it to be quite the pleasant car to live with so far.

Also when it comes to traffic just do your thing. The car will easily accelerate up to the legal speed limit in most states (montana excluded) and for those who are doing 80 in a 55 they can just sit back relax and enjoy the view of my big old white ___ in front of them :) And maybe they too will realise life is to short to always be in such a hurry.


Peace

had to pull on the shoulder because I simply cannot merge with traffic

Simply do not play their game. :wink: Allow those who are in a big hurry in the first lane on the interstate/highway to go ahead before you merge in. Forget about the cars behind you on the entrance ramp, tailgating you. I, too drive 18-wheeler, and in most jurisdictions the burden IS on the entering traffic to adjust THEIR OWN speed to enter.
Not complicated at all...

I dont know about you guys, but I have had NO TROUBLE at all merging with traffic.. I do have a manual and it is peppier than the auto, I think. Never once have I had trouble merging, passing traffic, or getting up a hill.. I too will be going 85 and not even know it..

Im with you man. I have had no problems at all merging into traffic. Yes the car is slow but I don't think its any slower than a HUMMER or those other big SUVs that weigh 4000lbs+
The only thing I am unhappy about is the gas mileage I've been getting. The first two times I filled up I was getting 29/30mpg. The last two times I have been getting 27mpg. Its kinda sad I only get 2mpg more in the XB than my 11 second mr2. = (

I don't know about you, but when I bought an XB for 15,500 I expected 500 horsepower, 60+ miles per gallon, quality of a mercedes, resale of a BMW and prestige of a Jaguar...Needless to say I am very disappointed...In essence, you get what you pay for and I believe XB owners have gotten much more than they paid for...go buy a 53K Excursion with a V10...plenty of power but you will complain about gas mileage and parking situations (I own both...each serves its independent purpose well)

I have no problem murging or passing,Intake and header and heavy foot.I also drive 60 miles daily for a commute . I also drive from the Bay area to LA atleast once a month and 80-85 mph all the way and have no problem,I have a five speed so maybe that helps.

I have to disagree wit all, the XB is great, and runs like a champ, no problems merging or any thing, it sgot all the power you need with the right bolt ons, Clutch, Intake, and exhaust really help, and there are several supercharger and turbo kits available on the market.

I don't know about you, but when I bought an XB for 15,500 I expected 500 horsepower, 60+ miles per gallon, quality of a mercedes, resale of a BMW and prestige of a Jaguar...Needless to say I am very disappointed...

Good one! :lol:

Perwsonally I make people get out of my way. I mean if there not gona get out of my way i'll cut in front of them or make them merge over into the next lane. I don't care i'm just stuborn adn think of my car as a big suv. I own the road ad nif you have a problem wiht it then toooo freakin bad lol!!! ANyway thas my 2 cents for the afternoon oh i mean morning. night shift has me all screwed up.

I dont know about you guys, but I have had NO TROUBLE at all merging with traffic.. I do have a manual and it is peppier than the auto, I think. Never once have I had trouble merging, passing traffic, or getting up a hill.. I too will be going 85 and not even know it..

same here and i have an auto in SOCAL.....
with 19's.... i guess its how you drive ..lol

I'm just wondering if you are just not used to aggressive driving in heavy fast flowing traffic - I'm in Jacksonville and I drive the box 25 miles to work everyday. I cruise between 80 & 90, I never have any problems merging into traffic and I have an automatic. My auto is great, if you have an auto and want more power take the O/D off when going onto the on ramp that will give you a boost then you can put the O/D back on when you are on the high-way.

i would have to agree with most people here in saying that there is plenty of power to merge on the freeway, pass, go up hill without losing speed and so on. i have had no problems with any of these situations. i do have "some" mods and stock wheels, but there isn't a huge difference in the power from the mods. you just need to adjust your driving to accomodate the power situation in the xB.

If you dont like it- its simple- trade it in on a pt cruiser, and shut the hell up!- then dont come back on here for sympathy when you realize how big a POS it is!- also, dont expect members on here to agree with you!

A 6th Gear would be nice....or a slightly bigger engine.....Maybe a Turbo or a Supercharger!! Yummm!!

Krissi
04 Scion XB
SCIFLY
FOR SALE

Couple of thoughts on this:
1. He bought this when living in DC and was happy
2. Having lived in DFW and commuted 62 miles per day for 10 years I think I can explain his concern. In rush hour traffic in DFW the flow of traffic is bumper to bumper and 80 mph. If you try to merge into an open spot (open spot defined as 12" bigger than you car :lol: ) most drivers in DFW will speed up to prevent you getting in front of them. You could be driving a Ford GT and have trouble merging on those roads. :roll: Needless to say road rage is rampant. :evil:

In contrast btw I have to say how amazing it is in WI when it comes to merging. People actually slow down or *gasp* change lanes to allow you to merge. :!:
Pretty refreshing.

I'm just wondering if you are just not used to aggressive driving in heavy fast flowing traffic - I'm in Jacksonville and I drive the box 25 miles to work everyday. I cruise between 80 & 90, I never have any problems merging into traffic and I have an automatic. My auto is great, if you have an auto and want more power take the O/D off when going onto the on ramp that will give you a boost then you can put the O/D back on when you are on the high-way.

I agree.

I think maybe some of y'all didn't train your VVT-i correctly... :wink:

i live in arizona and drive 20 miles for work all highway driving and i have no problems merging with v8 trucks. i have an automatic too. maybe its the driver?! :P

I feel the sameway about my box, that power issue sucks. Everytime I see that Corolla S type or Mazda 6 "fly" by I get a little disappointed. Has anyone actually traded in their car? How was it.

I feel the sameway about my box, that power issue sucks. Everytime I see that Corolla S type or Mazda 6 "fly" by I get a little disappointed. Has anyone actually traded in their car? How was it.

Rarely have the problem of cars flying by me. At what speed are you talking about? Are you prepared to go faster ? Are you saying you topped out and they were still accelerating? Were these other cars right next to you even-steven and then suddenly were able to accelerate away or were they already going fast and you weren't? If you drive slow, it won't matter what car you're in, the Mazda 6s are flying cuz the people are driving them fast, same reason my Box goes fast...

I'm just saying when I see a car go by me that is obviously a better performance car then mines I think about my decision to purchase the box. Like at a light, they just "fly" by when the light turns green.

But I get over it! There are alot of xB's in my area(Notheren VA) so that helps out the decision to buy a little better. :D

Out of the above posts, how many have manual transmissions? I find that in my manual, I'm at 60+ before I shift out of 3rd. I have to be careful when I'm "playing" 'cause I'll be doing 90 before I realize it. My car seems to have about the same preformace in a straight line as my '99 Miata.... Try driving a stick and shift above 3000 RPM, there is a little bit of power there... Just an opinion... :?

I have an xB with an automatic and it gets up and scoots!
It's a lightweight car and can easily out manuver bigger vehicles.

The computer controlled transmission seems very "smart"
and adapts the shift points depending on how hard I push it.
Drive aggressively and it will crank the RPM's
up to 5200 before shifting.

The only modification I have is a TRD free-flow air filter
that I bought with my $50 Scion gift card.
I noticed an immediate improvement after putting it in.
I have also switched to a 1/2 synthetic oil and now
the engine starts and runs very smoothly at 8500 miles.

Another thing to consider is how many miles are on your car.
I noticed that the gas millage and performance didn't improve
significantly until the engine was beyond 3000 miles.
I guess it had to wear in?

If you need more performance, switch to synthetic oil and
try a free-flow air filter or a cold air induction system before you throw in the towel.

At 700 miles, Fugli averages about 31 mpg with mostly urban (NYC) driving and a litle highway on rte 280 to livingston. I have no complaints except that the xB wants to roll at 60 mph while I prefer 50!!
No trouble accellerating, stopping or cornering, and the width is great for squeaking through traffic!
:)

5 speed, steel wheels, no mods or aero.

The Celica GTS motor is impressive. That swap is going to be awesome. I was impressed enough by it in lotus tune (10 more HP) that after driving an Elise around for 45 minutes I put my deposit down and stepped in line for the 16 month wait. The Elise is also a lot lighter (under 2000 lbs) but even with the few hundred extra lbs of the XB it will move it pretty good. Mileage should still be decent too.

I'm suprised people don't report higher mileage from thier XB's. My Mom's lincoln Mark 8 still gets 29 MPG with 140Kmiles on it's 4.6L dual overhead cam V-8- and it WILL get out of it's own way.

I've got an xB with the 5 speed, I bought it when I lived in Northern VA. I commuted on the Dulles Toll Road and beltway everyday and never had any trouble merging and switching lanes with the big, fast SUV a-holes. Just go for your holeshot and take it, You cant be timid because you're driving a smaller car. F-them. Drive defensively always, of course though.

BTW, I live in Phoenix now where the SUV's are bigger and more plentiful than 10 DC area's worth put together and the speed limit is 75 mph here--- guess what, I have no trouble keeping up and I cruise at 90-100 mph on Highway 17 all the way up to Sedona too.

I can understand where you are coming from. I would not have bought an xB if it didn't pass my basic standards. Edmunds clocked an 8.99 second 0-60 for the 5 speed manual xB and I managed a 9.2 hardly trying. That's sufficent for me and coincidentally it's on par with or better than most of your large SUV's out there. It's about the same as a H2, Chevy Tahoe etc, though not as fast as the 'performance' SUV's.

Point is, I think it's got adequate power if I can maintain 100 mph on the freeway on a slight incline in 5th gear. If you must have an automatic, then I would want something torquier than this engine at the other end, personally. But many people here are happy with even the automatics performance.

We all agree it could be better, but the bottom line is this car would not have cost $14,000 if it came with a 180 hp celica engine and a 6 speed and navagation and AWD and everything else people _____ about it not having.