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2008 Scion xB - Ride and Handling

Handling
Scions are meant to be a blank slate, and that applies to handling, too. In its bone stock form the xB’s ride motions are controlled, and it’s a good commuter. But push it and it pushes back. We blame the tires and soft springs, and suspect that if you tick the box for the TRD lowering kit and 19-inch wheel and tire package, handling would improve exponentially. The brakes on our car started to smell after hard use, but we didn’t detect any actual fade.

Fun to Drive
There is a lot of potential here, and in its base form the xB practically begs for extra attention. Tweak the suspension for better handling. Throw on some aftermarket wheels and tires for better stick. Enliven the engine with better breathing. All of which is another way of saying that the basic xB isn’t a lot of fun right off the showroom floor. Strip away the Scion mystique and you’re left with a well-equipped but otherwise basic transportation box. The fun is all in the accessorizing.