2006 Scion xB

I went looking for a car to replace my vintage BMW sidecar outfit which I had just sold. The car had to cost about the same as the outfit sold for, be as much fun to drive, and take up not much more space in the crowded garage. Most important, for my bad back, it had to be just as easy to get in and out of as my 1991 Mazda truck. I homed in on the near-vertical A-pillar of the Scion xB.

The little "First Generation" Scion xB was imported by Toyota from 2004 through 2006. It is 13 feet long, weighs 2300 pounds and makes 103 HP from 1500cc. It came with an MP3 sound system, electric windows, remote locking, stability and traction control, and an incredible amount of leg and head room for my 6'-2" and several more people. It has twin-cam engine that redlines at 6,500 rpm, goes 0-60 in 9.6 seconds, cruises at 80 mph, and is drag-limited to 105 mph (not my picture) It is a blast to drive and corners like a sports car. With the manual transmission and gentle driving, the car can average 35 mpg in summers, and got 42 mpg on two tanks by holding a steady 60 for 300 miles.