So, I've just hit 12 months with the box (on Valentine's day no less) and wanted to sucker all of you into reading my thoughts. Sorry for the long post. I'm going to try to concentrate on the car, rather than the whole “Scion experience,” but the fact is that the little community that’s grown up around these vehicles might be the best part of owning one.

Overall Grade: A-
I’m still in love with the xB. I still look forward to getting into it every morning. I still spend stupid amounts of time planning out future mods. I still waste away the day online searching for Scion stuff and talking with other owners. It’s the first time a car has captured my imagination like this, and the first time I haven’t grown bored after this much time. I would buy another one in a second, and have happily recommended it to everyone I’ve talked to. If Toyota starts building vehicles like the FJ and new Lexus IS, I might be in the family for life.

Interior/Ergonomics: A
I love the hard plastics and the pattern on the dash. It’s appropriately modern, and significantly better than the usually fake leather manufactures try to cover dashes in. The seats are comfortable and supportive, nearly as good as the Volvo seats I’m used to. Drives up to 14 hours straight in this and have never been uncomfortable or tiring – an accomplishment given the fact that I’m 6’5”. Usable space goes without saying; I’ve never found myself in a situation where the xB couldn’t handle what I wanted it to haul. Rear seat room is simply unbelievable.

Main controls are well marked, and well placed. Use is very straight forward, without the need of owner’s manual familiarization. The HVAC controls are a bit of a reach, but nothing terrible. I’ve come to love the center speedo, and find that it does reduce the amount of time my eyes are off the road. Its placement also opens up additional usable space. The radio is an ergonomic nightmare. Too many small buttons that are responsible for two or three separate functions. The reach that is required to operate it does not help.

Drivability/Ride: B
This is a very fun car to toss around – I’ve compared it to the old VW Rabbits, they weren’t sports cars but they were fun to drive, handled well and were very willing. If you go into it with your expectations set right, the engine power is not an issue. Despite its low numbers, it is a very peppy, willing unit. I’ve found the engine and auto drive train work very well in concert, and admirably adapt to different driving styles. Down shifts are quick, and I’ve never been stuck with the computer searching for a gear. There is a “sneeze factor” built into the steering, which is actually useful when you encounter strong mountain winds at highway speeds. But, aside from a way too big turning radius, the handling is very good for a car in this class.

The ride leaves something to be desired. Trying to find a compromise between handling and comfort, Toyota strayed too far toward handling and ended up with a punishing ride. The xB will never be a track car, so I believe the ride should have been tuned more for cruising than attacking corners. Every bump and imperfection is translated into the cabin. This becomes very clear when taking a corner with broken pavement.

Build Quality: B-
There are no major faults here, the car is well put together, with the expected Toyota quality regarding the major items. But, more attention could have been paid to the details. The number of rattles is unacceptable, even in a car at this price point. Both cost and weight were likely factors here, but I can’t help but be disappointed that a car that’s been out in Japan for so long is still saddled with small annoyances like this.

Dealership Experience: A
This has varied from owner to owner, but the three dealerships I’ve dealt with in three different states have been outstanding. The buying process was painless and worked flawlessly. Financing was easy, and working with the designated Scion rep in service has made the process consistently positive. I do think Scion needs to lower prices on the accessories if they want to sell more of them through the dealership, and I am hoping that the company keeps up support for the xB even after its production ceases.

Reliability: A
Nothing has gone wrong, nothing. In the twelve months I’ve owned the xB, my Volvo has had a fuel injector replaced, its entire fuel system removed and replaced and the brake pads replaced (after 12K miles). I know it’s only 12 months, but it is nice to know that you can wake up every morning and know what to expect from your car.

Scion Customer Service: A
This is probably the most engaged car company I’ve ever seen. They ask owners what they would like to see improved or available in the future. They participate in online communities. They attend owner events. They respond to inquiries. The company itself has made ownership enjoyable, and that is leaps and bounds beyond what I’ve experienced with other companies. Scion has done a great job making owners feel like they are part of a community, but has also reached a great balance between taking an active role in the community and letting it grow on its own.

 

Glad to see you still like it. Like you, I usually can get bored with a vehicle quickly. Good thing about the XB is you can continually change it to keep it "fresh".

I have only had mine about a month and agree with you on all your points. Auto and Engine do work well together, interior is comfortable, radio is button 'hell' -but I like the way it sounds, ride can be harsh...but I switched out the Eagle LS's for Michelin Harmony's and it is better, some rattles yes, but the car is simple enough to where I have tracked down most of them and fixed em' myself- Its funny, all the cars I have owned( 23 to be exact) have rattled and driven me nuts....but with the XB, I am oddly at peace with it and just find em' and fix em'. And luckily, nothing mechanical has hit me yet and hope it never does. My last car (and some of you know what it was), was in the shop 3 times the first week.

And yes, strangely, it does remind me of the VW Rabbit I still own. This might just be the primary car I keep past 3 years for once. Sure hope so.

 

Awesome Yoshi!! You make me feel better about buying a
budget box after having driven Swede and German rockets!
I hope my results are the same as yours a year from now.

What's your gas milage looking like right now?

Hey, did you show up for the Elmhurst Scion meet, did I
meet you?

 

I'm averaging about 30mpg right now, though it's been getting lower due to traffic.

I was at Elmhurst, not sure if we met. I've got an almost stock Camo, was wearing a red Canada sweatshirt.

I've tracked down most of my rattles, but there are a few persistent ones I haven't found yet! I'm thinking that once I swap the springs it will quiet down.

 

Nice write-up. In my short time with the box, I have been enjoying the utility and economy of the thing. Agree with many of your points but not enough time yet for rattles or a road trip.

 

congrats on your anniversary. May the grade stay as high in the future.

 

yoshi you came with your wife and said you bought the xb in CA? is so i saw you but i didnt meet you.

 

I saw you as well, but briefly. Yeah, bought it out in CA and drove to Colorado. Just moved to Shicago and am loving the energy of the Scion group out here!

Thanks for the feedback on the write-up everyone.

 

By the sounds I will feel more at home in the xB then I thought. That is if it really is reminding people of VW Rabbits. I am used to rattles and a good handling ride. I don't know if I will get used to A/C and power steering though .

 

That's the best part of the xB, in my opinion -- it's a fun, simple car with well integrated and efficient conveniences.

 

dude i hit 1 yr on valentines day as well. its also camo!!!

 

Hey Yoshi, I'm glad you made this topic. I'm gonna get my black cherry xB soon and you made my purchase decision simpler, THANKS... :D