Review of the 2011 Scion xB

Here's a brief review from Edmunds.com:

2011 scion xb review

The Scion xB started life dripping with hipster cool. It was a box among curves, a fashionable rebellion from the norm if there ever was one in the automotive world. Driving an xB was like wearing skinny jeans, wrapping a scarf around your neck in the middle of summer and donning a thin-brimmed fedora.Yet just as those fashion trends will inevitably lose their cool, so to speak, the 2011 Scion xB has lost some of its hipster image to time, familiarity and a second generation that sacrificed some funk for functionality. 

But just because something’s a fading trend doesn’t mean it’s not without merit. That boxy shape may not be as unique as it once was thanks to copycats like the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul, but being shaped like a box has other advantages. For one, the xB boasts more maximum cargo space than most rivals and even some midsize SUVs. Passenger space is just as impressive — there’s enough headroom for you to don that fedora, and the backseat is so spacious relative to the exterior proportions that cab companies in Chicago have added xBs to their fleets. For 2011, a new telescoping steering wheel makes finding a comfortable seating position easier for taller drivers.

Despite losing some of its cool vibe, Scion hasn’t abandoned its goal of trying to stay ahead of the game in those areas that matter most to young buyers. The main way to do that: audio systems. Standard on every xB is a six-speaker Pioneer sound system with an iPod interface, a regular auxiliary audio jack, an RCA output for additional speakers and a customizable head unit display. An upgraded system from Alpine adds a touchscreen interface and a knob that mimics an iPod’s controls, while a “media expander” improves digital music quality. 

The main drawback to the 2011 Scion xB is its fuel economy. Though surprisingly punchy, the 158-horsepower four-cylinder achieves the same or worse fuel economy as crossovers like the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4. The xB is cheaper to begin with and offers similar interior space, so we think it’s still a smart alternative to those popular family vehicles. Of course, it’s a safe bet the Scion xB was never meant to be mentioned in the same sentence as “family vehicle.” For those who shudder at those words and proudly wear that scarf in July, the xB still has undeniable appeal.

Source:  Edmunds.com