That's about the way my wife and I look at it also. Our kids are growing up so we don't need a mini-van any more, but do need the easy-to-get-in factor and the space. By the way, I'm the one who started the thread, and voted for the PT Cruiser. The superior xB mileage was the nail in the coffin for our getting another Chrysler product.

What I learned from this thread -- not that it's anything bad -- is that more Americans may choose their car based on image than practicality.

I actually think that the xB would be a superb vehicle for the elderly. It's easy to get in and out of, not just in front but also for your friends in the wonderful back seat. You can get the same pluses in an SUV, but how many older people are going to be driving off road? Of course, the last thing Toyota would have wanted was to lose Camry/Avalon-type buyers to the xB, and it looks like their youth-oriented marketing has been reasonably successful in achieving this.

 

Toyota Matrix or Hyundai Elantra GT (5-door hatchback)

 

I would have held on to my 99 BMW Z3 Roadster.

 

Jeep Wrangler

 

If it hadn't been for the BOX, I think I would have gotten either an Aveo hatch or the Focus ZX5. Real glad I was able to get what I really wanted though.

 

im thinking toyota corolla-s, except they don't make really any performance parts for it (because of the new xrs series) so the performance parts available have to be custom, which is pricey

it has better gas mileage, fake body kit, and more horsepower with slightly more weight, which isn't a bad thing up in new england. and i can haggle the price, and i can get 1.9% financing on a 4 year loan so I can get it paid off quicker. the relatively high rates and non-existent specials on scions are kinda killer for me.

The xB has the style factor going for it, and the stock pioneer sound system with mp3 player, and 4-wheel ABS. I'm prolly gonna be upgrading the corolla-s, if thats what I decide on, to an mp3 headunit with a nice sub and some nicer component speakers.

we'll see.

Is the corolla not on anyone's list because it's at the same dealership?

 

It's prolly not on anyones list because the Corolla is more of an old persons car and has no potential to be modded.

 

We were deciding between a Dodge Magnum and the Xb...but economically we couldn't beat the Xb for the price and warranty.

 

Talk about apples and oranges

 

mazda m3 stick shift..

 

Chevy Silverado, that thing is big

 

s13

 

Sortof....we just really needed something with more room...and those were the two that the husband found appealing.

 

I was shoping around for a hard core old school chopper, but decided I needed to get a reliable backup care first.

 

Actually, it most likely would have been either a CR-V or a Subaru Forester X.

But I am much happier with the payments on the xB.

 

It would have actually been a Hummer H2 SUT. I know, opposite sides of the spectrum,. I wanted something for my business that was going to get attention and I've always wanted a Hummer. Once I saw the xb I changed my mind and decided to keep my Avalanche and get the xb as a second car to promote the business. It'll save me on gas too.

 

i would have got a PT Turbo 5 speed hehehe

 

Regarding the Matrix, you might as well look at the Pontiac Vibe. Same sister plant and platform, so same reliability even though one is GM. The Pontiac just gets more SUV like exterior styling. The interiors are different, but pontiac styled both. The GT version has a peppy although torqueless engine. Its "ok". Nothing too impressive.

I think you'll like the Focus ZX5, but IMO I would look at a used one for the cost savings. In particular I would try to find one with the optional 2.3 liter Duratec. This is a very relaible and quite powerful (and mod friendly) powerplant. Fuel economy is pretty good. Its much nicer than the older 2.0 liter Zetec seen in previous and base models. The ZX5 also has a great suspension design thanks to Ford Europe. Although front heavy like all FFs, it is well balanced (no terminal understeer) and the rear uses a sweet independent 5-link "control-blade" suspension. Used SVT dampers/springs are inexpensive and a direct swap. This is top on my list next to a more practical box xB. The "new" 2005 Focus is not new. It looks a bit different and the interior has changed, but its more of the same.

The Mazda 3 is actually on the chassis designed for the "real" second generation Ford Focus now available in Europe. I have only heard good things about this car, although I'm not a huge fan of the styling. Definitely give it a look over .

The PT Cruiser is a joke. Its extremly overweight for its size (the biggest problem affecting the general performance of the whole car), and while the GT specs aren't bad, it doesn't get a much needed LSD, fuel economy isn't that great, ergonomics are poor, and its overpriced for what you get IMO.

If you like the GTs engine, have you taken a look at the turbo neon? The SRT-4 for 2004 does get a LSD, its a sedan and seats 5 comfortably, and there is even a limited production ACR version that you should be able to order shortly. I'm just not sold on the styling and interior quality. The speed is sweet though and they CAN turn.

 

Toyota Corola

 

Not true. A corolla has more mod potential than the xB.

Unlike the xB, Toyota makes a TRD factory supercharger for the Corolla.

I seriously considered a Corolla myself and supercharging it, but I really wanted a wagon and the mushy, zero support marshmellow seats in the Corolla ruled it out for me. Of course that was before the Corolla XRS came out.

Had the same problem with the Matrix, unsupportive seats. I also found the interior styling of the Matrix somewhat objectionable.