A tale of 2 butt-ugly cars.

[tnpartsguy]

http://www.thecarconnection.co....htmlDiscuss.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Bottom line here is price. You've got to get people in the driver's seat and that xB is around $17,000. Just the right price for some new drivers who don't want a used car.It's still fugly; but I've learned not to wretch when I see one now.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi »It's still fugly; but I've learned not to wretch when I see one now.I still dry heave sometimes when I see the xB.

[jimincalif]

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »I still dry heave sometimes when I see the xB.My neighbors bought 2 of them, and they always park on the street! Still hard to get used to them, but I've gotten pretty good at ignoring them.

[northvibe]

Yea that xB is horrid looking, at least the Tc looks ok, I was actually looking at getting one but the vibe just has mroe room and is cheaper. Whats up with the vibe being so expensive now?! thats gonna turn some good customers away, college kids like me could really use the vibe.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »Whats up with the vibe being so expensive now?! thats gonna turn some good customers away, college kids like me could really use the vibe.Is is really more expensive, or does it just "look" more expensive? MSRP on GM vehicles is a joke, or at least it has been.

[cohocarl]

Sorry guys, but I still think the Xb is a hell of a neat looking car. Too bad they didn't put a 2zz in them.

[millster]

Yeah, me too. You guys are brutal. Actually, I hated them for a long time. For some strange reason, they've grown on me.Coho, I have to agree. I want to see one with a 2zz.

[Smokin' Rubber]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »Sorry guys, but I still think the Xb is a hell of a neat looking car. Too bad they didn't put a 2zz in them. Did hit your head really hard under the hood recently?

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »Sorry guys, but I still think the Xb is a hell of a neat looking car. EEWWWWWWW!!!!!!

[jeffgtx]

the aztek would have wokred if it was true to its concept car origin.

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by Smokin’ Rubber »Did hit your head...Nope. And I don't drink either if that was your next guess..

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »Nope. And I don't drink either if that was your next guess.. Maybe your exhaust is leaking fumes into the cabin....

[Mavrik]

Scion xB look very good when they are modified IMO *ducks for cover*

[soldierguy]

I think it comes down to two basic things...looks and price. But there's a third thing...Pontiac totally missed the mark in identifying the correct platform to use on the Aztec concept to meet the needs of their target audience.Niether one is pretty by any stretch of the imagination. But the Aztec comes off looking worried, constipated, and hump-backed...not exactly images that the youth Pontiac was trying to lure are interested in projecting. The XB isn't pretty, but at least it's clean...simple, clean lines. It avoids being dull because it's proportioned well for its size, and it comes off more as a blank canvas...something that is begging to be customized. Now THAT'S something that younger people like to do...customize their rides.The price....that's a no-brainer. Pontiac used a minivan platform that's more expensive to produce than the economy car platform that the XB used.They really aren't comparable cars though...the XB is shooting for the younger person who wants to drop their vehicle, put some graphics on it, have a great stereo in it, and still have room for taking laundry home on the weekends from the college dorms. Toyota/Scion totally hit the mark. If I remember correctly, the Aztec was supposed to shoot for the XTerra crowd...people wanting a quirky, unconventional SUV for their active lifestyle (camping, biking, hiking, etc), without getting something that a soccer mom would be comfortable driving. If that was the case, then Pontiac should have used the old S10 Blazer platform as a base, or maybe a shortened Trailblazer platform. Effectively Pontiac was trying to lure a crowd who wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan into a vehicle that was based on a minivan. It's no wonder the Aztec hasn't sold well...the target market recognizes that it doesn't meet their needs/wants, and other markets look at the styling and are turned off. The Aztec was doomed before it ever rolled a wheel...not even enormous discounts and rebates could change that.

[soldierguy]

Along the same lines as what I was talking about above...Pontiac could have had a success with the Aztec, even if it was still based on a minivan platform. But they would have had to go a completely different direction with the styling of it. The Aztec as it stands could arguably be competing with Subaru Outback buyers. Both have AWD unibody platforms, both have sticker prices in the same ballpark, and both target people who have an active lifestyle. Unlike the comparison I made to the XTerra above, this comparison comes down to styling, plain and simple. The Outback isn't exactly pretty, but it's functional. The Aztec actually has it all over the Subaru in terms of functionality for the target audience (more room, similar AWD capability, cool accessories and features to encourage the active lifestyle)...but the styling is just all wrong. Again...worried, constipated, and hump-backed. Cleaner styling (especially up front), a straighter roofline, and cleaner looking rear bumpers would go a long way to making the Aztec a viable alternative to something like the Outback, or any of the other crossovers in the $25K-$30K range.Hello, Pontiac? Anyone listening?

[Vibe_dude]

ok i think i threw up in my mouth a lil when i see that xb ....ok i know the aztek is not a sweet lookin as a vette but, it does look alot like the vibe.smae guy designed both cars...and it was the look of the aztek that got me into a vibe.vibe alot less $$$.....i think they should ship the xb back to japan.....at least it is already a box..opps i mean in a box.lol

[soldierguy]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe_dude »ok i think i threw up in my mouth a lil when i see that xb LOL!!! That's such a lovely image burned into my mind now...LOL!

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »Scion xB look very good when they are modified IMO Yeah - modified to look like a different car...

[cohocarl]

Even it makes some of you sick, I'll keep my head up and politely disagree with most of you.....I think it's an elegant design. Would love to have one to mod up.Let the hurlin' begin.

Attached files

[cohocarl]

Here.....for all you Xb haters, print out this attached jpg so you can cut out your own xb and put it on your computer monitor, or where ever you will see it a lot. It will be good therapy for you.

Attached files

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe_dude »ok i think i threw up in my mouth a lil when i see that xb Tastes like chicken! I get the same reaction when I see the xb.... Not surprising, but I also get a similar gastrointestinal disorder when i see the Element. (hey honda, pontiac called - they need their cladding back! )I'd take the Aztek before the xb anyday... The economy car roots of the xb scare me, since i'm not impressed at all with the vibe's overall refinement, and our cars are built on something a step up from the echo that the xb is based on... The Aztek, while a bit ugly, is much more attractive to me, and will probably offer a lot more peace and quiet, which is one thing that's a must after owning this way-too-loud-on-the-inside loud vibe! Shame to see the Aztek go, and even more of a shame to see the xb bread truck take off. lol!

[Luna]

My husband loves the xB. I'm more of an xA fan, which he hates. He really loves the Element and I have to admit, if it sat 5 instead of 4, we might have one instead of a CRV. I love the easy to clean flooring and it would be very practical for our (more his) lifestyle. There is something about the Element that really appeals to us. Maybe part of it is because we are in the target demographic. It's practical, boxy, but has some style.The xB is a little too boxy for me, but with some customizing might be cool. I think it's one of those things that is so square it's cool. (And hubby can't get one unless he wins the lottery!)The Aztec just never seemed to fit into a category or find the right niche market. We're surprised it lasted as long as it did.

[ColonelPanic]

I do sorta find the xa interesting, although people often wonder why. I'd never buy one, but still I think it's kinda cool.....

[Vibe_dude]

cant say i would EVER buy a x anything.....dont car for that market in the toyota.seems to much for the ricer.or younger modding crowd....now i would jump all over the HHR.now there is a car that can do everything.talk about fit ur lifestyle.....and 180hp with the 2.4.........sweet.

[tangerine]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »Is is really more expensive, or does it just "look" more expensive? MSRP on GM vehicles is a joke, or at least it has been.Its more expensive the GT I'm purchasing is $27,300 before the GM Discount. I only payed $22,000 for my 04 model that was loaded out.

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »Even it makes some of you sick, I'll keep my head up and politely disagree with most of you.....I think it's an elegant design. Would love to have one to mod up.Let the hurlin' begin. It looks like they forgot to take it out of the shipping crate...

[Vibe_dude]

Quote, originally posted by scott_h »It looks like they forgot to take it out of the shipping crate...LOL oh man that is just gravey..it really does look like that.

[soldierguy]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »Even it makes some of you sick, I'll keep my head up and politely disagree with most of you.....I think it's an elegant design. Would love to have one to mod up.Let the hurlin' begin. I dunno...I kinda like it. I like a little more tire with my rims...not into the rubber-band look. But I can appreciate the simplicity of its lines. I don't really care for the front bumper...it sticks too far out there. I understand that it has to be that way to give some crush space ahead of the front tires since it's got such a short hood, but I still don't much care for that part of it...makes any bumper on it look like it's an oversized aftermarket bumper.But overall though it's not bad.

[Kamikaze]

SO... Have Opinions changed on the XB since 7/14/2005?I think the XB is great... I like the look, especially when not stock.I still like the Vibe better.

[Whelan]

I wasn't to fond of the first one, but the new one is much better looking. More rounded and that big bumper nose fits better than before.I saw a dark grey '08 Xb the other day at the Toyota dealer. It had 18" TRD wheels, TRD big brake kit, TRD exhaust, tinted, TRD Suspension (lowered a little bit), 5 speed and a nice stereo that was stock inside. It actually looked just like this, wheels and all except it was dark gray.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze »SO... Have Opinions changed on the XB since 7/14/2005?I think the XB is great... I like the look, especially when not stock.I still like the Vibe better.mine is still the same. (removed) ugly but when modified (riced out) they can look decent.

[Kamikaze]

The new XB is slowly growing on me.. I hated it when it first came out...

[northvibe]

the new xb is better, i still wouldnt buy it though :/

[chevelle_lover]

I still cannot get arount the fact that the Xb is boxier than that of my truck. I am not a fan of it. The Aztek in the story though -- great idea but (removed) poor execution. Funny though the Xb looks alot like the Honda Element -- the wife calls it the Crapium