Wedged amidst out of state trips to drive much more expensive cars and trucks was seat time in Scion’s second-gen xB. Hooray, thought I. Especially as it was a bone-stock unit, with none of the cool dealer-installed options that give the brand’s vehicles such individuality.

But durned if my tepid response didn’t grow to grudging admiration and then respect by the end of my week in the Box. First was the inherent simplicity of its Toyota heritage. At the end of a long, screaming infant-infested flight, the last thing I wanted was to suss out the latest overcomplicated control interface or be pummeled by a brittle, over-sprung ride.

What I wanted on that evening drive home from the airport, the xB delivered: a relaxed and quite ambiance, supportive seating, and logical, clean controls. The next day, I grew enamored of the Scion’s groovy vibe as suggested by the interesting textures of the high-quality plastic dash moldings and turret-like view out, reminiscent of Toyota’s funky FJ Cruiser. The Scion’s four speed automatic may lack a gear (or two) that would make it both sprightlier and more efficient, but at least it was smooth and refined, and its shifter was placed right where I’d want it to be. The 158hp, 2.4-liter four was willing and torquey enough to move the Box along, and the chassis combined excellent bump absorbency (for an economy car, especially) with enough tenacity to be entertaining. The only real blights on the dynamic portrait were somewhat artificial feeling electric steering assist, and over-exuberant stability control sensors that cut power when I was attempting to have fun—or just trying to merge into traffic from a T-junction.

Of course it was well shaped and practical inside (it is a box, after all), but that such a relatively small exterior footprint could combine with such roomy interior is a lesson in the virtues of five-door hatchdom. While its average fuel consumption of 24mpg might not be too important at the moment, once the economy recovers—and fuel prices increase—people will again be pining for thrifty transport.

Finally, reminding myself that Scion intends owners to customize their cars themselves made me realize that some of my frustrations weren’t the xB’s fault. They were more an indication of how much I liked this blank, box-shaped canvas for its potential as inexpensive, practical, and fun automotive enjoyment.

PRICE AS TESTED: $17,994

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