by Cindy Stagg
www.car-data.com

A few years ago, when Toyota launched the Scion brand, they hoped to stake a claim on a very large, very young, car-buying audience. They marketed on the down-low. They offered a huge array of customizable options. A buyer could build his car on-line and pick it up at the dealership with a no-haggle price. Those first generation Scions were a big hit and the xB was a grand slam. Four years later, I have to ask the question: is it still hip to be square?

If anything, the xB is a beefier square. It’s bigger both inside and out. It’s got more power. It has chiseled fender bulges that give it a more significant road presence. And now it stands on the road with a reputation all its own. If that weren’t enough, it’s got the reliability of Toyota engineering backing it up.

Let’s start with its new look. As I drove it, people either loved it or hated it, but everybody looked. People too old for it, but familiar with it nonetheless, liked the remake better than the original. Someone commented, “They Americanized it. It looks much better now.” Most people also agreed that the single reverse lamp was a bit odd, but at least it gave them something to talk about.

Inside, the xB is roomier. The back seat is almost cavernous ? my eight-year-old was too short to see out of the window. My four-year-old in a booster seat couldn’t see out the window. But I have to keep in mind that the xB isn’t meant for a thirty-something suburban mom, no matter how hip she thinks she is. I took it on a four-hour road trip, and after the first hour I started feeling it in my back. Either I’m definitely too old for this car or the seats could use a little more lumbar support. Scion means cool gadgets and my favorite is the iPod hook-up that links your iPod via an included cable directly to an incredible touch-screen Pioneer sound system. While there is a small learning curve to controlling the iPod on the touch screen, it is just plain fun. It sounds great and charges it for you while it’s plugged in.

The improved power is instantly recognizable in the new xB. Freeway merging is a lot less teeth gritting and much more normal. This comes thanks to tC’s 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower engine. It’s got a lot of zip and if you care at all about the law, you’ll find yourself easing off the gas pedal quite often. The five-speed manual gearbox is user-friendly, especially living in hilly terrain like I do. One feature of note is that the new xB is easier to see out of than the previous model. This is especially important to us hip people who happen to also be short.

Perhaps the best feature of all is the price. Starting in the mid-teens, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Combine that with excellent fuel economy and the xB becomes downright practical. Saving money is definitely a hip thing to do, no matter how old you are; but let’s keep that on the down low.

Phone: 720-897-7446
Web site: http://www.fisherkia.net

More Information About Fisher Kia
Fisher Kia Family owned and operated in Boulder Colorado. Serving Denver, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Broonfield, and all the Denver Metro area. We offer great values on new Kias. We also offer fully inspected and certified pre-owned vehicles at value prices. Visit Fisher  Kia today.

After more than 40 years as a Chevrolet dealer, the family-run Fisher auto dealership in Boulder is transitioning from the iconic American brand to Kia, a decision triggered by General Motors’ bankruptcy earlier this year.

“We think it’ll be a good deal,” said Craig Fisher, owner of Fisher Auto Inc., which runs Fisher Honda and, now, Fisher Kia.

Fisher said he received the “emotional and disappointing” news in June from the beleaguered GM that its Chevrolet business was one of thousands to be cut nationwide. The local operation wasn’t given a reason why or given a chance to appeal, he added.

“We decided we’ve got to move on,” he said.

GM did not disclose which dealers were cut and left it to them whether to make that information public.

Fisher’s officials spent the summer looking at various brands and settled on Kia Motors because its vehicles appear to be going more upscale and also offer “a lot of car for the money,” he said.

Fisher said he is optimistic about the transition, noting that his dealership has a wide coverage area and that traffic at his dealership has improved during the summer — thanks in part to 110 “Cash for Clunkers” deals.

“Since October of ’08 through April of ’09, it was a difficult business climate, but it seemed like when May came along, the business has picked up considerably.”

On Thursday, the transition was complete — it was Fisher’s final day as a Chevrolet dealer and first as a Kia dealer. Fisher said he expects to have the Kia vehicles on the lot off 60th and Arapahoe as soon as next week.

Fisher was not the only Boulder County auto dealer affected by GM’s decision to thin out its ranks for its financial health.

Longmont’s Hajek Chevrolet received word in May that its dealership was on the chopping block. Manager Brett Hajek said his family continues to talk with GM about reversing the decision and has received some positive comments from the manufacturer.

“We’re plugging along business as normal and business has actually been good for us,” he said.

Officials for Longmont-based King Auto Group, the other local dealership to reportedly receive a letter from GM, could not be reached for comment.

Other local dealerships appear to have been spared from the cuts. Broomfield-based Century Chevrolet did not receive a letter from GM, officials said. Mark McCaddon, owner of Boulder’s McCaddon Cadillac Buick Pontiac GMC, has told the Camera that he also did not receive notification from GM.

Phone: 888-245-3032
Web site: http://www.valleysubaru.com

More Information About Valley Subaru
Valley Subaru has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Customers appreciate the way they do business, and you will too. Valley Subaru’s motto is “We are big enough to serve you but small enough to know you.” Whether you live in Boulder, Greeley, Fort Collins or beyond they are your one stop dealer for anything Subaru.

Valley Subaru Business hours

* Mondays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Fridays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Phone: 800-851-1686
303-776-0443
Web site: http://valleynissan.com/

More Information About Valley Nissan
Valley Nissan has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Customers appreciate the way they do business, and you will too. Valley Nissan has been family owned and operated in Longmont for over 30 years. Valley Nissan’s motto is “We are big enough to serve you but small enough to know you.” Whether you live in Boulder, Greeley, Fort Collins or beyond they are your one stop dealer for anything automotive.

Valley Nissan Business hours

* Mondays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Fridays: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Phone: 800-830-5321
Web site: http://flatironssubaru.com

More Information About Flatirons Subaru
Located near Denver and Greeley, Flatirons Subaru features a large selection of New Subaru Cars and SUVs. Their knowledgeable, friendly sales team is ready to assist you with anything you may need to purchase your next new car. Flatirons Subaru’s goal is to provide you with a hassle-free experience that has you driving off the lot in the perfect car for your lifestyle. Serving the communities surrounding Boulder, Flatirons Subaru is your regional Greeley Subaru dealer and Denver Subaru dealer. Whether from Loveland, Longmont, Denver, or Greeley, Boulder’s Flatirons Subaru has the right vehicle for you!

Flatirons Subaru Business hours

* Mondays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
* Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
* Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
* Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
* Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
* Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

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Phone: 888-373-8283
Web site: http://www.flatironsimports.com

More Information About Flatirons Imports
Flatirons Imports has been providing residents from Denver to Boulder with the widest selection of new and used Subaru and Acura vehicles for more than 20 years, such as the Subaru Impreza, Legacy and the Forester to the Acura MDX and RL. Experience the difference from your Boulder Subaru dealer and Boulder Acura dealer serving also as a Denver Subaru dealer and Denver Acura dealer .

Phone: 888-718-4679
Web site: http://www.fisherauto.com

More Information About Fisher Honda
Fisher Honda Family owned and operated in Boulder Colorado. Serving Denver, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Broonfield, and all the Denver Metro area. We offer great values on new Chevrolets and Hondas. We also offer fully inspected and certified pre-owned vehicles at value prices. Visit Fisher Honda today.

Boulder Toyota Scion – Serving Denver, Longmont, Lafayette, Broomfield & Boulder, Colorado

For a new or used Toyota in greater Boulder, visit Boulder Toyota Scion! We carry all the latest models, and our expert sales staff will help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle. Boulder Toyota Scion is one of the leading Toyota dealerships in the region, offering excellent customer service, a friendly environment, attractive financing options, and, of course, great cars! Pick up the phone and call 303-443-3250, or stop in to say ‘Hi’ and see our inventory! We regularly serve shoppers from Denver, Longmont, Lafayette and Broomfield.

If you’re looking for a vehicle to drive in style around Denver, check out our large inventory featuring the Toyota Prius, Yaris, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Matrix, Tundra and more. You’ll find that we have a vehicle for every need, from getting around town without having to fill the gas tank, to hauling equipment or kids! The service you’ll get at our Boulder car dealership will be 2nd to none! Call 303-443-3250 to speak to a friendly salesperson, or stop in and see us at 2465 48th Court, Boulder, CO.

We also have many used cars from the top auto manufacturers of today, fully inspected and ready to go. So for a quality used car in Boulder, visit Boulder Toyota Scion! Select from pre-owned cars, convertibles, trucks, mini-vans, SUV’s, sports cars and more all at one location.

Boulder Toyota-Scion Business hours

* Mondays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Boulder Toyota-Scion’s Contact Information:
2465 48th Court
Boulder, CO 80301
Yahoo! Map & Directions

Phone: 303-443-3250
Web site: http://www.bouldertoyota.com

At Stapp Interstate Toyota, our goal is simple. We want to be the best Denver Toyota dealer in Colorado. We know that car shoppers want low prices and superior service when searching for Toyota cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans in Denver.

Our no-nonsense way of selling vehicles is what our customers want. Whether you are looking for Frederick Prius, Boulder Highlander, or Loveland Tundra, we want to be your first option amongst all of the Denver Toyota dealers.

There are hundreds of Colorado new car dealerships. Today’s automotive marketplace offers more choices than ever before. Denver new Toyota dealers like Stapp Interstate Toyota want you to consider a new Toyota for one reason – they offer the best new car value in Colorado. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, nothing stacks up to a Denver Toyota.

We are one amongst many Colorado Toyota dealers, but we are the only one you need.

Stapp Interstate Toyota Business hours

* Mondays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Fridays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stapp Interstate Toyota’s Contact Information:
8019 Raspberry Way
Frederick, CO 80504
Yahoo! Map & Directions

Phone: 303-776-1743
Web site: http://www.interstatetoyota.com