2008 Scion xB

The 2008 Scion xB is still frugal at the pump, delivering about 23 mpg over its nearly 16,000-mile tenure. Before its 15,000-mile service-a $188.26 oil change, inspection, tire rotation, and cabin air-filter change-the Scion had racked up maintenance cost of just $24.99.

Still, its tab of $213.25 for over 15,000 miles of reliable, fun, practical use is nothing to harp on -- our long-term Sentra SE-R accrued a bill of $416.42 over that period. As for adjustment periods, copy editor James Dryden has a recurring one when hopping in the xB. "In most of the other long-termers, I simply adjust the seat, fix the mirrors, and off I go. But in the xB, I feel like my whole body is out of place. Maybe this is due to the high seating position and awkward dash layout. It takes about 10 minutes of driving until I feel at home."