The broad expanses of glass make outward visibility stellar, good for heavy traffic and tight parking spaces. Big outside mirrors afford a good view rearward.

Interior quality is better than decent, especially given the xB's price point. Fit and finish are up to Toyota standards. The stereo is mounted above the air conditioning controls because they're operated more often. Temperature and ventilation settings are adjusted with basic knobs, buttons and lever. But the stereo plays to people used to directional buttons and PDA cursor pads.

The xB's exterior styling suggests a roomy interior and it delivers on this promise. Compared with the Honda Civic and VW Golf, the xB leads in virtually every passenger compartment measurement, and generally not by small amounts. Remarkably, the xB offers more passenger room than the larger and taller Honda Element. Scion xB delivers about 6 inches more front and rear headroom and 3-5 inches more legroom than Civic and Golf offer. Amazingly, the xB boasts nearly 3 inches more front-seat headroom and 7 inches more rear-seat headroom than the Element, despite the Element being 6 inches taller. The Element does offer a lot more front-seat hip room, however, and slightly more rear-seat legroom.

For hauling booty away from the local flea market and garage sales, the xB offers a smidgen more space than the Civic and the Golf. The Element easily tops the xB, however, offering 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the xB's 43.4 cubic feet.

Ordering the available subwoofer takes up 2 square feet of floor space in the cargo area. Worse, it's mounted right smack in the middle rear of the cargo area and is really in the way when loading or unloading materials. Also, the subwoofer on our car rattled over bumps.

Cubby space is normal for the class. There are the usual map pockets in the doors, cupholders front and rear and so on. There's a nook in the lower half of the dash to the left of the steering column, a cranny to the right of the column and a shelf-like opening above the glove box.

Driving Impressions

The ride is firm. You hear and feel every bump. At first, the xB didn't generate a lot of confidence when braking and cornering, especially when they're done at the same time, but confidence in its capabilities increases with time behind the wheel. Body lean in corners is minimal, notwithstanding the tallish glass house. It's difficult to envision the xB in a situation requiring the vehicle stability control system, but it's standing by in the event it's needed, ready to eliminate any skidding. Steering assist is about right. Some torque steer was evident, and there's a bit of kick back over uneven trolley tracks but nothing untoward on either account.

Acceleration is adequate and lives up to our expectations. Torque peaks at rather high engine speeds, so revving it up in lower gears is advisable for merging onto freeways. Scion xB gets excellent gas mileage: 31/35 mpg on the EPA City/Highway test with the manual, 30/34 with the automatic.

The automatic is responsive enough. Gear changes with the manual shifter could have been crisper, but clutch take-up is smooth. Brakes feel solid and hold well on steep hills.

The Scion is a small Toyota. With that comes quality design and assembly, which translates into minimal wind noise; no odd vibrations, buzzes, squeaks or rattles; and no harshness, really, at least nothing beyond what might be expected in a relatively lightweight, short-wheelbase car.

Summary

The Scion xB features trendy styling, a roomy cabin, and is priced aggressively. When it comes to moving stuff around, it's better than a compact car. Because it's a Toyota, owners should expect and expect and demand solid quality and the durability and reliability associated with the marque.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Scion xB ($13,680)

Engines:1.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder

Transmissions:5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags; first-aid kit; antilock brake system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control; head restraints and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions

Safety equipment (optional):N/A

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:N