For one reason or another I had yet to drive the xB up until last night. As one of the few editors who actually like the xBâs new look, it was about time I got behind the wheel. First impression? Feels huge inside, even for my 6-foot-2 frame...
I donât mind the low seating position either as it makes the xB feel less like an SUV and more like a small car. It gets up pretty good for a four-cylinder as you get a big surge of power from a stop. It runs out of steam pretty quickly, but given the relatively large size of the xB itâs hard to complain.
The rubbery steering is the only real flaw that I found. Itâs typical economy car stuff so I wasnât surprised. I could do without the center-mount gauges too, but I think theyâll bother me less after some additional seat time. Overall, a good first impression for a relatively inexpensive car.
The rubbery steering is the only real flaw that I found. Itâs typical economy car stuff so I wasnât surprised. I could do without the center-mount gauges too, but I think theyâll bother me less after some additional seat time. Overall, a good first impression for a relatively inexpensive car.
iancar says:
10:12 PM, 11/ 7/07
xB should be tiny, lightweight, and handle well. Now Toyota finally ruin it like they had ruined MR2, Celica, and Supra. Fattened, customer aged, and then finally died.
redliner says:
09:03 AM, 11/ 8/07
That color is..... not my favorite
estreka says:
01:52 PM, 11/ 8/07
I disagree about the Supra. But the rest, yes, they were ruined.
I also dislike this generation of xB.
xl562bx says:
02:51 PM, 11/ 8/07
For some reason, I really dislike this Teal color. It doesn't appeal or stand out for that matter. They have better color choices and the worst is this one. Yes, I too at first was pushed away from its 'evolutionary' styling and engine 'upgrade' for '08 but when I had the chance for real seat time, I really appreciated it for its purpose and its unbelievable size. Its way big on the inside, more spacious than many SUVs. The one flaw is the trip computer which constantly reads MPG and it suprised me to see 90+ MPG but another click away stated the average of 21 MPG. Not too flattering. But big on the inside with a customizable stereo and a shape all its own, plus the 2.4 four has decent pickup.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
07:46 PM, 11/ 8/07
Perhaps Toyota should bite the bullet and use more high-strength, lighter steel for the XB to get its weight back down?
redliner says:
11:19 PM, 11/ 8/07
If toyota "bite[s] the bullet," then you will too, becuse the consumer will be the one who pays for it.
destabr says:
06:11 PM, 11/12/07
I had this very same car, for about six weeks, until I got rear ended by a minivan. I have never been in a serious accident before, but I somehow expected a better result. The car did protect me fairly well. I do have some whiplash problems. After a month, the insurance company totaled the car. Based pretty much on my experience with this wreck, and the crash test ratings, I replaced this with a Subaru Impreza hatchback. The car is smaller in the rear seat, and has a less smooth engine, but handles better and is more comfortable to drive. And it has all wheel drive, no torque steer, and a much better instrument panel and guages, and a better stereo, plus a somewhat higher price tag. Fuel economy is about the same.