2011 scion xb review

2011 scion xb
Interested in buying a Scion xB? Don’t, however, expect any revolutionary changes. Cars.com says: “The most notable change is the jutting front bumper, which is similar to the original model’s chinlike protrusion. The headlights, taillights and front and rear bumpers also get restyled. Inside, the changes are also slight. “The cabin also receives a small amount of freshening, beginning with new front seats with larger bolsters,” reports Car and Driver. The 2011 Scion xB will feature the same 158-horspower, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine as this year’s model. If you're in the market for a new car, this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.

When a press release titled “Scion Announces Pricing for Restyled 2011 Scion xB hit our inbox, we thought to ourselves, what restyled Scion xB? Scion has revised the front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights, and the grille. The front of the xB now sports a newly shrunken grille and larger mouth-like lower opening, as well as different—and better integrated–headlights. The 2011 xB will also be available in two new paint colors: Army Rock Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic.

Scion changed some of the exterior features on the xB, but it’s still retaining its iconic boxy feel--The standard engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder--Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic--This four-door, wagon-style vehicle seats five.

Ease of entry and exit, alert close-quarters maneuvering capabilities, distinct looks, and loads of passenger and cargo space continue to characterize the 2011 Scion xB.
The 2011 xB's distinct looks aren’t for everyone, nor are its tepid mileage, poor rear visibility, bargain-basement interior materials, or still-confounding controls and gauges.

Still a refrigerator box on wheels, the 2011 Scion xB has, nonetheless, undergone a bit of modification inside and out. Only one trim level is available for the 2011 xB, with, therefore, the traditional single engine choice. Standing pat with its sprightly 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and standard five-speed manual transmission, the 2011 Scion xB puts out 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A four-speed auto-manual transmission is also available for an extra grand. To add insult to injury, one review claims only a 20 mpg average with the auto-manual transmission.

The 2011 Scion xB is noted as reasonably quick off the line, with one performance test claiming 0-60 in 8.6 seconds in an auto-manual-equipped version.

Additionally, 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels are available for the xB, though data on ride improvement with the larger tires is scarce.

At highway speeds, the xB feels tolerably stable and controlled, according to most reviews, with its MacPherson front struts often mitigating what several reviewers claim is a somewhat vague steering feel.

Unusually well equipped for its appealing base price, the "2011 Scion xB" boasts such standard cabin amenities as cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seats, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, new-for-2011 telescoping tilt-wheel steering with mounted audio and cruise controls, manual air conditioning, USB connection, and simulated alloy dash and steering-wheel accents. The focus of the updated xB’s cabin is, according to nearly all reviewers, its standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system with six premium speakers.

Not to be overlooked is the xB’s list of options, which includes the Scion touch-screen navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Furthermore, oversized rear roof pillars continue to plague drivers with visibility problems.

The 2011 Scion xB is no exception, and comes through with such standard passenger protection equipment as four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.

While no test data is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Scion xB its highest rating of Good across the board.

Apparently, the xB’s looks will always be subjective. Controversial looks aside, owners laud the xB’s passenger and cargo room, safety, and driving kick, with the improved cabin ambiance, including somewhat more comfy seats and armrests, also coming in for a share of guarded owner optimism.

One of the xB’s biggest draws is its amazingly customizable interior, which seats five and has plenty of cargo room. Among the included safety features on the "Scion xB" are antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and airbags.

It’s hard to pin down the "Scion xB", which is part crossover, part wagon, part hatchback--If you want a car that helps you express your individuality, the Scion xB might be the car for you. With its excellent interior space, the Scion xB gives you the flexibility you need for both passengers and cargo.