I'm 99.9% sure I'm getting an '08 xB, but does anyone know of anything else with all of this?
-Similar price
-Similar milage
-Similar cargo space
-Similar features (and still similar price)

The only thing I could find that was even close was the Dodge Caliber. However, (if memory of my research serves) owners complained that the interior seemed cheap, it was a slug unless you get the more expensive version (increasing price and decreasing milage), and the cargo space was smaller.

My wife was like, "so you're not even going to test-drive anything else?" (Not that she tested anything but her xA)
I'm like, "nothing else meets my criteria..."

What else did you guys look at?

Thanks!

 

I compared it to the Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Honda Fit, Scion xD, Honda CRV, Mazda3, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Rabbit, and the Dodge Caliber. Some also include the Chevrolet HHR, and Chrysler PT Cruiser.

After looking at all those cars it's the xB2 FTW!

 

and if it didnt look like a fresh pile of doo doo i would say check out the focus...but they dont even have a wagon anymore so forget it...box it

 

No, that's why I chose the XB2. For the price, you can't get anything else as equipped as the 08 xb. I looked around at the fit, mazda 3, civic, tc, 04 gto .

The fit was way too underpowered and the same price as the xb2. I wanted a mazda 3 but the Mazdaspeed version but more than I could afford.

The Civic interior looks like garbage in my opinion. The seats looked like the seams would literally seperate if you looked at it too long.

The tc was another one I though about getting, but it seems the price has been creeping up since its debut and nothing much has been upgraded on it since 05. Also I really didn't want another coupe as its a pain with passengers.

I badly wanted the GTO but I would have had to get one with high mileage. When I thought about it, I just didn't want to deal with a used car out of warranty.

Finally decided on the XB2 and I have no regrets! I love this thing! :D

 

The new Caliber is really cheap inside.

XB is best buy for the $$$. The only exception would be if you wanted somthing w/All wheel drive.

Toyota has a new Matrix coming out in the spring, Subaru has the new Impreza.
Both not as "cool" as an XB.

Obviously Honda has the Element - but it is a larger vehicle.

 

I probably would not have gotten new car at all if the new xB didn't exist. I wanted something with a hatch (hatchback, SUV, station wagon, etc). I think this vehicle fills a niche very well. It's well-equipped with very good space and economy. At $17.6k it's an outstanding deal for the base model. But mine at $20.4k with floor mats, navigation, and alloy wheels is loaded. What other car can even touch that? A comparably equipped Dodge Caliber can come close if you assume you'll get a large discount over MSRP. But I did not want to commit to owning a vehicle with suspect reliability. The Mazda 3 is really nice, but more expensive and is getting a little old. The new Subaru Impreza is looking good too, but it's $$$.

 

IMO, Toyota hit a "$/cf" that no other vehicle can match. So, you have to decide what's important in your transportation. I love the CRV. It drives great and is very comfortable. But it's >$4k more. If comfort and impressing your parents is more important than $$$, the CRV is the car.

The element is a very good vehicle as well. You can hose it out, the seat material is water resistant, and the rear seats are removable for incredible versatility. But the back seat can only seat two, and comparably equipped, it's $3k more. So, if you like carrying messing things more than people and the money's not a big deal, the Element is the car.

 

The Mazda3 is a good car. I had a 2005 Mazda3s. 2.3 liter Auto with a moonroof. My 05 Mazda3 stickered for about $21,000 with anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags.

I traded my Mazda3 for a 08 xB because I needed more space. I also gained traction control, stability control, an iPod capable stereo and a better ride for about $4000 less than my 3 cost two years ago. My 08 xB with all the mods I have done so far cost less than my stock Madza3s hatchback two years earlier. That is a better deal any way you slice it.

I don't think there is a better deal out there for the money than the 08 xB.

 

There is no other car that is as cool, fun, reliable, functional, and cool for the price as the xB2. Yes it's that cool.

Motortrend said it best - "Quirky raised to a near art form"

 

The Mazda 5 is a real nice vehicle. Tons of room inside with available 3rd row seats. Good 2.3 liter engine and pretty much loaded from the factory.

 

but its ugly as sin.

 

Ugly as sin? How can someone that drives a questionably ugly car say that about another vehicle? Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and believe me, many people think my Scion is ugly.

 

Well, the Mazda loses (for me) on price and looks. I like the 3, but it's a little small.

I'd guess the ride is more soccer-mom-tuned, but that's just speculation.

Yeah, umm...the looks....

 

We have the Mazda3 GT hatchback and it's actually a nice vehicle but pricey when compared to the xB. It does drive well though, much better than I thought it would. OEM HID's are nice as is factory leather and sunroof. Hate BOSE but it actually sounds ok in this car. It's for her anyway and a lease at that, the xB2 for me. Rear legroom is horrible on the Mazda 3 though. Fit and finish are quite good.
Also looked at the Caliber, the inside is so horrible we knew neither of us could live with it at all, didn't even test drive it, left the salesperson with the keys in hand.
Fit is just too small and underpowered, felt like it could rattle loose on the highway, didn't even bother test driving it either.
Price is just a major concern for me, I was originally looking at an Audi A3, look at me now lol I'll make do with less on my xB2 but I want to get ahead financially, sacrifices must be made.

 

The Mazda 5 is really expensive. They START at $18,630, roughly $2,400 more than the xB. It is also a lot slower.

 

The Mazda does sticker at more but you throw on a ton of dealer installed options on our Scions and they get up over 20K. Plus, they discount the crap out of Mazda 5's around here.

 

I'm almost willing to bet money that both the Mazda3 AND the Mazda5 handle better than an xB2

 

^^^^^^^^^^I agree Ninja.

 

Well I've driven quite a few minivans and they all felt like mush, but only Mazda seems like they'd even try to make a non-sucky-handling one.

...and if I was blind, I'd get in one...

 

Our Mazda 3 handles much better than an xB2, both at stock trim.