New Car Review of the 2006 Scion xB Compact Minivan

Base MSRP Range: $14,030 - $14,830

Base Invoice Range: $13,328 - $14,088

MSRP As Tested: Not available

Versions: xB

Vehicle Category: Compact Minivan

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Front-wheel Drive.

Standard Engine: 1.5-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 108- horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb-ft torque at 4,200 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic, Five-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Five-speed manual 30/33, Four-speed automatic 30/34.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, Anti-lock brakes, Antiskid system.

Competition: Chevrolet HHR, Ford Focus, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Kia Spectra, Mazda Protege5, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix.

Toyota might as well have called the Scion xB the "box." Or, rather, the "ugly box." The 2006 model has changed little since last year - meaning it still looks a little too funky for most drivers.

Traditionally, Toyota has appealed to reasonable, everyday folks who want a dependable, economical car. But the Scion xB goes against the Toyota grain, appealing to a completely new demographic: the younger generation who want a cheap vehicle that's distinctive. It appeals to their parents' checkbooks because of the reputation of Scion's parent company - and because of its great gas mileage (30 MPG in the city, 33 on the highway). It is truly a car for the visual generation; few would purchase an xB because of what's under the hood. Which isn't much.

The XB is definitely a love-it or hate-it kind of car, but nevertheless, its sales speak for themselves. You'd be hard-pressed to drive down the freeway and not see at least one of these weird little cubes tooling past you as fast as its 1.5-liter, four-banger can carry it.

But even without all the trendy commercials, it would still attract the same demographic - the funkier among us.

SAFETY

Despite the side-impact door beams that are supposed to lessen the likelihood of injury in an accident, the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) still gave the XB a crash-test rating of 3 (out of a possible 5) on a driver's side collision. Translation? In the event of a driver's side collision, there is an 11 to 20-percent chance of serious injury. It scored a 4 in every other category (both front and side impact for driver and passengers), but let's just say you better be on the lookout for would-be T-boners.

However, other than that, the xB seems to have taken lots of safety precautions - many more than other comparably-priced vehicles. The four-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) works with lots of other safety goodies to reduce the risk of a collision or loss-of-control situation. ABS includes electronic brake distribution (EBD), which helps each wheel brake evenly to keep the car going in one direction during the stop. If the left-hand wheels were spinning slower than the other two, it would almost certainly mean a spin-out. EBD helps prevent this. Also contributing in an emergency situation is the anti-skid system, traction control (helping the wheels stay connected to the pavement so the brakes are effective), and Brake Assist (BA), which does just what it sounds like. It senses an emergency braking situation, and helps the driver to stop the car as soon as possible by using braking power efficiently and effectively.

Inside, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as safety belt pretensioners and force limiters. These help keep you in position in a quick stop or collision, but also prevent the belts from tightening so much that it becomes dangerous. All safety belts are three-point restraints, and all five passengers have a headrest.

And if all else fails, break out the first-aid kit, which comes standard on the XB (and most other Toyota vehicles.)

PERFORMANCE

Before you read any further, remember: you don’t buy an xB for what’s under the hood. Keep this (and the price-range) in mind as you consider that the xB barely breaks the 100 mark with 103 horses (at 6,000 RPM) and 101 lb-ft or torque (at 4,200 RPM). The 16-valve 1.5-liter inline-4 engine is run off a 5-speed manual transmission. Upgrade your stick shift to a four-speed automatic for about $1,000 more than the MSRP of $13,880.

Coming standard are power-vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Suspension is adequate: sport-tuned McPhersons in the front, and torsion beam in the rear.

The front-wheel-drive xB sits on the same platform that the very-compact xA, which seems a little odd at first thought. But both of them seat five - the xB is just a little taller and slightly wider.

RIDE/HANDLING

While the anti-skid system is a definite help, the xB's small tires have a limited contact patch. Scion should definitely look into adding some wider tires. While turning radius is great thanks to the xB's compact size, going around corners feels a little uncomfortable with a little too much lean and way too much jump when hitting bumps at high speeds.

But though you might expect to hear the wind howling in your ears on the freeway due to the xB’s shape, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that it’s remarkably quiet inside. You’ll also enjoy a lot of headroom, and you’ll have great visibility thanks to the seat height.

INTERIOR

This is one car you can store stuff in. With 43.4 cubic inches of cargo space, stash all sorts of junk in the trunk, which includes an under-floor storage bin. The rear seats fold down 60/40 to provide even more cargo room.

Don't be discouraged or turned off the xB by its instrument panel, which can be found in the center of the dash. It seems as though it would be incredibly annoying, or even dangerous, but you'll quickly adjust. In fact, it's really much safer - your eyes naturally drift to the center of the road, so checking your speed on the freeway is as easy as vertically lowering your gaze. And get used to this set-up from Toyota - the 2007 Yaris also boasts centered dials.

Those dials, which are circular along with the air vents, emphasize the geometric features of the xB's exterior, making for a well-integrated (if a little ugly) look that carries from the inside out. All control are easy to reach from the driver's seat, and lots of little cubbies and pockets around the front seats are helpful for those who can't leave the house without all their "stuff." Silver accents update the interior and give it a splash of sophistication.

All passengers sit higher up than you'd expect in comfy cloth seats. Scion would do well to extend the thigh support, but you can't have everything in a car that retails for under $15K. Convenience features like a digital clock, power windows, doors and locks and remote keyless further appeal to Gen. X-ers, as do the privacy glass windows in the rear and dual vanity mirrors.

But Scion proves it knows its demographic inside-out with the excellent Pioneer sound system. It boasts a 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with six speakers and Scion Sound Processing (SSP), which enhances your tunes’ clarity.

EXTERIOR

This is truly a car for the youth - or, appropriately, Generation X. Its front bumper, which sticks out jauntily, gives the car a "Who you lookin" at? - attitude that has been very popular with this same demographic. Young fathers will be happy with the space the xB provides, without being too minivan-ish.

When it comes to the wheels, thank goodness for upgrades. Improving the look of your xB's 15-inch covered rims with bigger alloys is a must - they help keep the car in the "cool" category. This adds about $700 to the price, and vastly improves the look for the P185/60R15 standard tires.

A chrome exhaust tip enhances the cool factor, as do the multi-reflector halogen headlamps and one-piece hatchback. Add a rear spoiler, door-sill enhancements and fog lights to further individualize your xB. Rear window wiper and rear window-integrated antenna add to the convenience factor.

CONCLUSION

For most of the population, the 2006 Scion xB is a bizarre little wonder of the car world. But to its target audience, this is one vehicle that feels "pimped out" before it even leaves the lot. That sound system will draw them in like flies, since they won't have to worry about adding a new, expensive system in - or about tinting the windows. This car is all about appearance and how it personifies the driver.

Pros: It's affordable, gas miserly, and roomy daily transportation.

Cons: It's ugly as can be, and the engine can barely power a wheel chair. Didn't grasp top safety ratings, despite being jam packed with gear.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style:
• Performance:
• Price:
• Handling:
• Ride:
• Comfort:
• Quality:
• Overall:

More Data

Where Built: Japan

Major Options: Preferred Accessory Package with AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, fog lights, rear spoiler, unique wheel covers. Bazooka tube subwoofer, Sport pedal covers, LED interior lights, Front strut tie bar, Security system, Alloy wheels, Wheel locks.

Seating: 5

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 155.3

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 5 years/ 60,000 Corrosion miles protection, 5 years/unlimited miles Roadside assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 2415 lbs.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 11.9

Destination Charge: $540.