While we don’t usually look to MSN Autos as an authority on the car, we have to applaud their recently published list of top ten automotive Game Changers. The list of cars from the last couple decades highlights those that changed the game in their given segments, if not started new ones on their own.
This list includes the likes of the Mazda Miata, Honda Civic Si, Ford Explorer among others. It also includes the Scion xB.
MSN says that the Scion xB carved out a new niche offering a small, efficient and reliable vehicle that is not only versatile but appeals to younger hip buyers. The funky vibe of the xB indeed set it apart from other similarly sized vehicles like the Pintiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix.
The first generation based on the Japan home market bB came with a mild mannered 1.5 liter four that puts down 108hp. It did not offer sports car handling or acceleration. But you can make it more fun to drive with TRD suspension and wheels such as on our own 2004 xB RS1 here at Scioclonic.com
While the second generation Scion xB based on the Japan market Corolla Rumion lost a lot of the funky vibe and zip the original xB had, it is roomier, safer and more powerful. And today it has competitors in the market like the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and soon GMC.
Check out the MSN story here: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/game-changers
