man I just put almost $50 in my jeep today, sometimes I think the only saving grace of the thing is the fact that Im mainly running around on the highway at 60mph and not in stop and go traffic. How does the box fair out there on the highways? can anyone give me some input or first hand opinions of how it handles out there at a "normal" speed

 

Well I am not in stop and go infrequently. The box handles fine at 60, 70, and 80, all of the above I run daily. When I first got it, I looked up to see the speedo at 95, which I was unaware of since it was so smooth and responsive.

There are threads around here of people running well into the 100s. I saw a 122 thread once.

I can definitely vouch that the xB does fine on normal highway speeds. Big long hills when loaded will slow you down, but for merging and passing, it does fine. My daily merge from 30 to 60 or more has never given me trouble, it's quicker at those speeds than you'd realize.

I will say that high winds will blow the xB around a lot, and fast passing semis buffet the car around, but I've never been scared or felt in danger.

 

Mines a daily highway runner. 60 miles a day every monday-friday. Auto or manual? Mines manual and runs 3500rpms at 60-65. Not too shabby on gas. Alot better than your jeep for sure. If you have an auto you'll get better mpg

 

i drove from fresno cali to sacramento cali today. 177 miles and it took me two hours. so yep just about 90mph average speed.

sshhhh don't tell the cops.

hell i even got about 30mpg..

not bad eh ?

 

I use the toll roads around here so I can travel at speeds of 90mph or so... to me the xB is to buzzy due to RPMs and the ride is crap due to the Tanabes... definatley need some Konis. Car runs better at 65mph... but I'd rather get home faster...

Bottom line, this ain't no Lexus...

 

my car is on cut celica springs. way too soft and yeah. stock struts with over 25k on em. i have no complaints.

 

I run my xb about 100miles a good portion about 80mph....it runs fine....and I get in the mid 30's mpg

 

For the type of driving you describe the xB is perfect. Mines an '05 w/ auto and about 3500 miles. I find when i keep the speedo at 65 or so I get the best milage. When I travel at above 65 my mileage drops. I'm at just under 3000rpm at 65. When I pay attention to slow starting and staying at 65 or below I consistently get 35+ mpg with the best being 36.5. I think at 60 you might do even better.

It rides nicely too at these speed. My only complaint would be on one road with alot of older expansion gaps the ride is kind of rough. Otherwise no complaints. I do 60 miles round trip on 95% highway daily with more on the wekends.

Sounds like the xb is just what you are looking for.

 

I drive 4 days a week on the LIE about 60 miles each way.
As a matter of fact, I'm about to do that in a few minutes.
Anyway, the xB is great on the highway. It can cruise at 80mph no problem. It will keep up with traffic and maneuvers awesome.
It's a great car and it has the pickup when you need it.

I have an '05 Automatic

 

The xB is a champ when it comes to mpg with any suv. The auto trans is a little better compared to the 5 speed from what I've read here on SL.

I had a 99 Olds alero GLS v6 that would have to visit a gas pump twice a week but thanks to the xB switch, the wallet only needs to open once a work week.

Second gear is the only issuse (Hoping that adding headers and Greddy evo2 helps).

 

My xb is great on the highway. Smooth but sporty ride with my hotchkis springs and enough power to pass easily and keep up with traffic. If you're a normal person and not a idiot with a chip on your shoulder, it's a great little car on the open road.

 

In my job as a rep I take my XB for long trips around teh DC Metro area. It handles great ta highway speeds (70-80MPH for me). I haven't checked my mileage lately but when I first got the car my driving habits were getting me around 29-31MPG.

 

I drive 160 miles round trip when I work. I get 30 mpg going w/ the flow of traffic which is usually 10-15 mph over the posted sped limit.

I'm dumped on coilovers and run 18s.

 

I'm old so maybe its a different perspective, but I wouldn't consider the xB an ideal highway car. (One clue would be no factory cruise control option.)

 

Ditto that. I'm on stockies (17's are in the shop) and get the same mileage as Brad. 75k miles strong!

 

I personally wouldn't want cruise control on my 5 speed.

 

I have used mine many times for 320 mile day trips, Charlotte to Raleigh and back. I cruise at 80 most of the time. Last trip I got 34.6 mpg wihch is good for the box at those speeds. Fairly comfortable... ride is a bit jaring but not bad, keeps you awake.

 

Oh yeah. The xB is great for those long trips to SoCal.

Its just that I-5 sucks w/ all of the tractor trailers.

 

I drive 80 miles round trip 5 days/week and I try to run 65-70. I get around 37mpg pretty consistant. My miles per day is 70/30 hwy/local.

It rides somewhat ruff on really ruff roads, but is nice and smooth on the interstate.

 

I do 100 miles a day on all highway or at least 50mph county roads. No problems at speeds up to 80.

Actually got pull over for speeding last night - doing 70 in a 55. No problems handling at that speed in the rain either.

No ticket either.