You already know the 2011 Scion xB. It’s pretty much the same car as the 2010 Scion xB which in turn is a dead ringer for the 2009 model. Interestingly, the aforementioned model is a carbon copy of the 2008… Toyota is slow in updating Scion’s rides.
I suspect, after the IQ and sports coupe infiltrate the youthful brand, we’ll get an updated xB. Truth be told, the xB was never my favorite cube. I like the styling and overall feel of the KIA Soul much better.
That’s not to say I dislike the xB – because it’s a good little car.
It’s difficult to explain my feelings regarding what was once a fairly hip machine. As such, and keeping in mind my limited intellectual capacity, I found a way to illustrate my confusion. Trust me, this format is better than my original analogue in which I used prophylactics vs. abstinence.
Here are ten reasons why the 2011 Scion xB is a sinner and a saint:
1. Sinner: The plastic covering the interior is VERY easy to paint. So, those obnoxious kids that paint parts of cars to be (ahem) “hip” can easily remove and slather these surfaces with glossy artistic goodness. Hell, the plastics are coarse enough to hold paint without primer.
2. Saint: I love the 158 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It cranks out a respectable 162 lbs-feet of torque. Off the line and commuting speed is quick with a high altitude (Boulder, Colorado) 0 to 60 mph test taking around 9-seconds with the automatic. Even with the skinny, standard tires on – it corners flat and responds to input with ease. It’s even better with the sweet looking TRD 19-inch alloy wheels. They’re FAT in a good way.
3. Sinner: … externally… Uh, it’s a box.
4. Saint: This is a very easy car to live with. Space is plentiful, seating is comfortable and cargo room can expand up to 70 cubic feet when the back seats are folded. That’s good. My chunky proportions adapted comfortably with my family of four to the xB’s mini-mini-minivan-like interior. Good cup-holders too!
5. Sinner: The automatic transmission is not too shabby – BUT – there are only four forward gears. A four-speed? Seriously? A four-speed in 2011?
6. Saint: Scion’s xB already has a snappy (fun) driving demeanor. My tester had a few TRD upgrades which looked good and made for an even better ride. The TRD wheels and exhaust are great upgrades.
7. Sinner: The limited production 2011 Scion xB RS 8.0 has a “Kenstyle” body kit and is only offered in Voodoo Blue. “Oh snaps yo… where do I get my saggy pants, white-framed sunglasses and cockeyed hat? I be Ridin’ Spinnerz homeboy!” (sigh)
8. Saint: Despite chintzy interior plastics and an eye towards economy, the Toyota quality is still there. This car is a much better choice for folks who like reliability and overall quality. Crash scores are good too.
9. Sinner: Okay, which “Einstein” thought the center biased binnacle was a good idea? It’s not! It forces the driver to look to his/her right! It doesn’t make sense. Oy! At least the standard Pioneer stereo has six speakers, two tweeters and sounds damn good.
10. Saint: $16,720 for the five-speed manual. Considering what you get for the dough, that’s quite good. If you add a few TRD goodies, you can have a hip-ish, super fun car for under 20K. Bottom line: it’s a good car at a good price.
There it is in an oddball-nutshell. The 2011 Scion xB still has a little edge but in the end it all comes down to a good commuter and a pleasant vehicle to live with, which the 2011 Scion xB is.
Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE.
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