New Car Joy Ride - 2003 Scion xA And xB

On the road, a stock xB is no comparison to our GReddy turbocharged behemoth, but it is just as fun to drive as the xA. With a manual version under my control, the xB accelerated much quicker than the auto xA and I felt much braver driving this as it would power through situations I originally thought it wouldn't move through at all. It's still no 360 Modena, but it did move hastily out of the Bay Bridge toll booth. The handling of the xB is very impressive, with a suspension package stiff enough to remind me of a full coilover system-tres bon. This box-on-wheels will also get you plenty of attention as I was repeatedly asked, "What kind of car is that? Is it an ice cream truck? That must be an ice cream truck. Can I get a Choco-Taco?" You're going to get the looks because there is simply no other vehicle quite like it in the marketplace, and that's why it rocks.

Overall, both Scion models are just a lot of fun-more so than a fist full of dollars or a barrel of monkeys. Either model is the perfect automobile for those who aren't really into cars, but want to save themselves from the embarrassment of driving around in an '87 Yugo, or worse yet, a '73 Maverick. But it's also perfect for those of you who are into cars, because when modified, they actually look pretty damn decent. However, the cars alone aren't the best part of this whole deal; just wait until you walk into a Scion dealership. You aren't going to be hassled because you'll be the one negotiating the deal. Scion knows you don't want to be inundated with a barrage of BS, so when you're ready to sign on that dotted line, you can let them know that when, and only when you're ready. California will be the first state to carry the Scion brand, which will eventually spread out across the rest of the nation by June 2004. And guess what? You can forget about having to eat mac 'n' cheese for the rest of your natural life, 'cuz the price of a Scion will start at roughly $12,480 for the xA and $13,680 for the xB. You can also expect a third model to join the xA and xB in the near future. Fun, affordable, and best of all, a no-hassle bargain for you. We wouldn't want it any other way.

When Stock Just Isn't Good EnoughFor those of you who cannot leave stock alone, Scion is ready and willing to meet your expectations with a variety of optional performance upgrades, like a cold-air intake or a front strut tower brace. Additionally, you can upgrade the head unit to a different Pioneer unit, which will incorporate a six-disc CD changer and 10-color change illumination, or activate the satellite radio feature with the preexisting satellite equipment. Every single upgrade can be seen in person at your local Scion dealer or online at www.scion.com, where you can mock up a custom version of your xA/xB and have it sent electronically to your dealer so your Scion will be modified upon its arrival, if you choose to do so.

That New Car Smell

The Ride Scion XA

The Sticker Starting at $12,480

Under The Hood DOHC 1.5L, four-cylinder VVT-i LEV engine

The Power 108 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 105 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm

Scale Tipping 2,340 (mt)/2,380 (at) lbs

Layout Front engine, front wheel drive

Gearbox Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Stiff Stuff MacPherson struts with coil springs (front) and torsion beams (rear)

Rollers 15x6 steel and/or alloy wheels, P185/60R15 low-profile tires

Stoppers Standard antilock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution

At The Pump 31/37 city/highway mpg