xB = Big Car for Small Price
Written: Nov 03 '04
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Pros: Smooth ride, great features, tons of options
Cons: Acceleration, not enough power
The Bottom Line: If you want a reliable stylish car with great gas mileage, Scions might be for you
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I had been driving a Mercedes C320 and I have had some bad luck with it, so I decided to go on the hunt for a reliable and more affordable car. My girlfriend was telling me about this new type of car Toyota was putting out and although I'm not a very big Toyota fan, I decided to humor her and go look at the cars. When I first saw the Scion line I was in shock, how a company that puts out the ECHO could come up with such a modern and fresh design was amazing to me. My girlfriend had the xA in mind but it was too small for me and I just preferred the all around appeal of the xB and I bought a Thundercloud Metallic shortly after the visit.
My experience with my Scion has been nothing less than great. Although I wish it had more power, it makes up in plenty of other departments.
The seating is great, the Scion doesn't look very big from the outside but that is very misleading once you step inside. This car is cavernous! I'm 6'3" and not once have I had issues with my height in this car. There is more than enough leg room, shoulder room, and head room. Even with my seat back, my passengers in the back seat haven't complained, and I've sat there as well and my knees don't touch the back of the seat. The car has so much room and when you put the 60/40 rear seats down it's even better. I've actually slept in my car (camping trip kind of...) and although I wouldn't do it on a daily basis, the fact that if I wanted to I could, is a very good measure of the amount of space the car has.
The instrument panel is so modern it's crazy. I found everything really easy to work with and I have no complaints. I love the futuristic theme throughout the car and I think it gives it character in a cute kind of way. Also the speedometer is really easy to read. At first I thought it would be a little difficult to get used to it being in the middle but it didn't take long to realize it was better that way. It's easier to drive and look at your speed because you don't have to take your eyes off the road for too long.
Now the car doesn't quite have the power I was used to, but it's not that bad. At first I didn't think that these cars could perform very well with the ECHO engine but I guess it works out for the better. I live in Southern California where the gas prices are getting higher by the minute and it's great to have a car with such great mileage. This car isn't tiny and the fact that it can still get 30/34 mpg I find quite amazing. I test drove both the auto and manual but I settled on the auto since the manual was a little stiff but it works fine for me. The car is still very smooth and peppy and even though the car is pretty tall it still feels really solid.
Now the exterior is something that is usually hit or miss. Most of my friends love it and I like that it looks like a box on wheels. I put some 18" wheels on the car and it helps with traction and its physical appearance.
Overall I love my car. It has tons of great features, and it's just fun to drive. I'd recommend it to anyone who's willing to get a big car for next to nothing in terms of price and is still great on gas.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 16400
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: xB Auto
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Epinions.com ID:
habitatsk8r73
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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