2008 Scion xB Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Scion xB has undergone a significant change for 2008. The distinctively boxy vehicle, from Toyota, has grown in length by a foot, and...
The Scion xB has undergone a significant change for 2008. The distinctively boxy vehicle, from Toyota, has grown in length by a foot, and its uniquely sharp edges have been rounded just a bit, giving it a more contemporary appearance. It still retains its unmistakable front end, however, and that unique profile that makes it easy to spot around town or on the highway.
Power for the 2008 Scion xB is provided by a light, compact 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed sequential automatic transmission is available as an option. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as is electric rack-and-pinion steering.
In keeping with its status as a unique, slightly out-of-the-ordinary vehicle, the 2008 xB comes with a lot of nice, even unexpected features as standard equipment. A first aid kit, for instance, is standard, as is a direct tire pressure monitoring system.
Drivers have a choice of three wheel cover designs. Chrome exhaust tips, projector headlamps, and turn signals mounted on the exterior mirrors are also part of the package.
Also included with the xB are such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power doorlocks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel column, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player and iPod connector.
Reviewers have responded well to the xB's makeover, calling it a more stable and more functional vehicle, though they note that the xB still has a high center of gravity, requiring some caution around tight corners at speed. But it also maintains the unique characteristics that made it popular with many young drivers.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Scion xB appreciate its spaciousness, unique design, and economical performance, especially in terms of fuel efficiency. Many drivers love the roomy interior and the vehicle's reliability, making it a great option for families. However, some dislike the lack of acceleration power and the unusual dashboard design. Additionally, the car's appearance can be divisive, with some finding it attractive and others feeling it is not appealing."
I got my car a few months ago and I couldnt be happier with it! The only thing is the passenger armrest, there isnt one. My boyfriend steals mine! But i love that it can go up when not in use! It it so much roomier then you would think. Go sit in one! its HUGE!
April 8, 2009This model is an evolution of 1st generation version...bigger, heavier, rounder, significantly more powerful (Camry-asset), and a quality build entrusting longevity of Toyotas over-engineering Remarkably versatile: cargo-swallower, comfortable for full-grown persons, not boring in driveabilty or design ( but not pretending to get cudos in either department) Its a unique twist on a modern ride.
March 30, 2023Very dependable, but expected to get higher MPGs, especially with manual transmission. Great for everyday commuting, and surprisingly large inside for a compact car. Acceleration is slow, but it's not a sports car. Braking is very good, handling is good for a high center of gravity car. Outstanding headroom and cargo room, and excellent road vision seating position. Fit and finish have been perfect. Maintenance has been relatively inexpensive. Can be fun to drive, but annoying in bumper-to-bumper traffic due to stick shift.
March 26, 2010What owners say
I got my car a few months ago and I couldnt be happier with it! The only thing is the passenger armrest, there isnt one. My boyfriend steals mine! But i love that it can go up when not in use! It it so much roomier then you would think. Go sit in one! its HUGE!
April 8, 2009This model is an evolution of 1st generation version...bigger, heavier, rounder, significantly more powerful (Camry-asset), and a quality build entrusting longevity of Toyotas over-engineering Remarkably versatile: cargo-swallower, comfortable for full-grown persons, not boring in driveabilty or design ( but not pretending to get cudos in either department) Its a unique twist on a modern ride.
March 30, 2023Very dependable, but expected to get higher MPGs, especially with manual transmission. Great for everyday commuting, and surprisingly large inside for a compact car. Acceleration is slow, but it's not a sports car. Braking is very good, handling is good for a high center of gravity car. Outstanding headroom and cargo room, and excellent road vision seating position. Fit and finish have been perfect. Maintenance has been relatively inexpensive. Can be fun to drive, but annoying in bumper-to-bumper traffic due to stick shift.
March 26, 2010I dislike that it doesn't have four or all wheel drive option. Other than that, this is the most reliable and comfortable car I could imagine. I recommend this vehicle for anyone, including families that need lots of room in the back for children and cargo!
March 19, 2014Pros: Quick, efficient, FUN 4 cylinder- that is very rare that i would say that. There is enough room in this car for you to move into. I am 6 foot 3 and i can stretch out very nicely, even with my hair spiked i have a ton of headroom. It isn't as outlandish as the old XB. If you are not a first-gen XB enthusiast, you agree that this is a decent looking car-van-thing. Blackberry Crush color is gorgeous. More standard options on this 16,500 dollar car than on any toyota w/ options 21,000 dollars or less. A similarly loaded camry would cost a little more, and it'd be alot less functional. You could use this car as a family car, or as a tuner car... Scion sells an aftermarket SC setup for it!! OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP!!! Its a trooper in snow. ABS and VSC kick ass. Gas milage is alot better than the EPA numbers. 14 gallon tank is sufficient for around 300 miles in stop and go traffic. Cons: The dash is made of some plastic carbon fiber looking stuff, it gets dirty veeeery easily. Backed up into a poll going like 1 foot an hour and put a nasty 2.5 inch crack in my bumper.. i suppose thats a safety feature though When you tell people you own a XB, they think you're talking about the old square with 4 wheels, and you always have to explain it's different. No option for leather... I would have liked that. A few blind spots that take a while to get used to. The 08 XB is perfect for pretty much anyone.
January 4, 2009Although not as boxy as the first generation Scion xB (Or Toyota bB in Japan), the second generation xB (Based on the JDM Corolla Rumion) is larger and more powerful. The 2.4L engine gives the new xB a lot more power over the 1.5L equipped first generation xB, at the expense of slightly worse fuel economy (31 vs 36 MPG), but the extra horsepower is worth it, especially on models equipped with an automatic transmission. Head and foot room is plentiful, even in the back seat.
May 3, 2008It is no Lexux but it is a Toyota. All the safety features you may want. Good power/economy ratio. It is not a 4.3 V8 but a 2.4 4L. It would be nice if it had a 5 or 6 spd automatic but the 4 auto stick is adequate. For the price you can't beat it and did I say it is a Toyota.
April 3, 2008I own an 06 xB which i love to death. I wouldn't trade it for the world because i made it my own by customizing it the way i want it. But i drove an 08 xB this past summer at a couple of scion backstage events and it was just awesome to be able to feel the difference between the two. I was able to test the power and handling in one track and i just couldn't have been happier with both. It was nice to have more power in my hands because the 06 models only have 103 hp. If there was one reason that would keep me from getting an 08 though, it would be because it's not boxy enough. xB's are known for their shape and the 08 model just lost a lot of it in my mind. But overall i just love the 08 and would recommend it to someone thinking about getting a scion.
October 10, 2007The model has features I am interested in. As a Toyota family member it has a great reputation. I did find through research some of the years have had up to 11 recall issues. Just have to research and see it the vehicle meets ones needs.
January 2, 2023I love this car! It's the right color, shape and size for me. I love love love it! The seats are comfy to sit in and there's plenty of storage for just about anything. The slight tint on the windows really helps out with the heat as well.
June 24, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $15,650 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
