Feedback on the Scion xB

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A while ago Zipcar added Scion xB's and asked for feedback. Having seen no threads on this topic, here's mine after using the local one twice:

1. The xB is nice to drive and has that nice SUV-style height without (I hope) any SUV gas-guzzling "features." {Just looked it up... it gets over 30 MPG, so, good!). It's not as fun to drive as the Mini or even any of the compacts, though.

2. I though the main point of the Scion was its friendliness to "modding," which clearly none of us will take advantage of (!!!). I would say this would be a bigger problem if it were more expensive, but since I guess we're not paying more for less, that's OK.

3. My main grip is the first time I tried it I had my bike with me. With the back seats folded down, I still couldn't get my bike to fit well. The Scion may be nice for moving boxes around or camping or whatever, but not for my bike at least (and I don't have a very large bike). I would prefer a few of the shorter, compact cars with rooftop bike racks to this thing.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2004

Answers

I absolutely LOVE the Xb!!! GO ZIPCAR! You've treated JP well by giving us Bhutan! Maybe a little too well, as my usage has jumped again, wreaking havoc on my wallet. However, I just can't seem to get enough of the Xb. You should see the way it literally turns heads on the street. I've had countless people ask me about it when I get out of it, of course I use that moment to tell them about Zipcar and how you can drive cool cars whenever you like. It's nice and roomy, too!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2004

Sure, the xB turns head, but only because it is so ugly. We took it out once to go golfing, figuring four sets of clubs required a lot of space. Truth is, the clubs fit just as nicely in the trunk of a jetta and the xB was such an eyesore that my girlfriend refused to take it anymore because she's embarassed to be seen in it.

I will say I thought it drove nicely, though.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2004


The XB is a clever design. It never pretended to be a mini, or a Chevy Suburban, rather just a low-rider with some extra cubes inside. I think that Zipcar does deserve credit for recognizing good cars for urban use, of which this is an excellent example.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2004

I just recently bought a xB and......well...I LOVE IT! I thought when I first saw it on a Biz trip in California that has to be the ugliest car ever built? Then it grew on me, when finaly I had to test drive it for giggles. I bought it on the spot only to find out I would have to wait 3 weeks. It was worth the wait! Great value, great space,great car! Kreg

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2004

i was shocked at how little cargo space it has

yes, you can put the seats down, but not when there are people in there

i also happen to think it's the coolest looking car on the road

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2004



I drove an xB today for the first time. It's fun to drive and unbelievably roomy in the passenger compartment. Tall people will love this car and if you're going anywhere with adults in the back seat, it's a great choice. But just make sure that there's not much luggage because you can fit - maybe - two small suitcases in the space behind the back seat. If there are two people, you can fold down the seat and get more room but still, as others have said, less room than you'd think.

You do get good road view, a little bit over other cars. I really like the sit-up-straight driving position. The car gets good mileage and is not expensive to buy - good for us to keep Zipcar's expenses down.

3 people went out of their way to tell me how hideously ugly my car was! I couldn't exactly dispute that as I think it looks kind of like an old fashioned milk truck shrunk down by about 40%.

The xB costs the same as a Focus and gets about the same mileage. But the Focus has more cargo room and almost as much room for passengers. The Focus handles better, is just as comfortable, and your friends aren't going to laugh at it. I really like the fact that Zipcar gives you interesting choices of cars to drive, and the xB sure is interesting. But I hope it never becomes a major part of the fleet.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2004


no one's mentioned the xA here, which I think makes the xB look WAY better by comparison. the xA has a much more sloped windshield and less headroom, which means that my 6' 4" husband has to duck to be able to see out the windshield when driving (yes, we only tried it once--never again). plus, the steering wheel won't go up far enough and the seat won't go back far enough, meaning that both the driver and back-seat passengers in the xA are _far_ more cramped than in the xB. trunk space in the xA also seems worse than in the xB.

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2004

I have to say, that the xB has been a true pleasure for me and my wife - and our friends - in the city area use that we've had for it. It's definitely an interesting looking car. I think it's just what Zipcar is all about - interesting and special. I think that the design is looks great - taking an other direction in the all-round-car-design-trend. But most importantantly: it's got enough room for my long legs (6'2" and long legs) - also in the back seat; it's nice to drive (good viz) and it's milage is good. I just love it! (And I'm sorry they took it away from Courthouse, Arlington...)

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2004

I haven't heard anyone with severe arthritis and back problems, like myself, speak on this car. Let me tell you, this is the MOST comfortable and easiest car to get in and out of, the driving position with all the interior room suits my large body perfectly. 53 years old, suffer from intractable pain in all joints and here I am buying some 'kids car'. If your hurting and find it difficult to enter and exit the newer cars on the market you have to try the Scion xB, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Not a bad little car either, drives good, nice amenities, quality build, inexpensive and, hey, it's a Toyota.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2004

I love driving the xB! It's so comfortable, great visibility, and gets good mileage. Sure it's funky looking, but isn't that part of the package? You always get looks on the road or comments one way or another.

The only things that aren't the greatest about it are the lack of "trunk" space and poor pickup on the highway when you're trying to pass someone.

Cheers to Zipcar for having them in their fleet!

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2004



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