hotbox05

i want cruise control.

mikem53

That was one option I had to have. I wouldn't think of taking the xb on a trip without it. Even though the port installed unit is slow to engage, varies mph, can't see it in the dark, etc....
It's still better than nothing...

hotbox05

i wish i was offered that option. too bad i can't justify the price now.

I_dont_know

I once drove from ATL to Jacksonville FL in my B, er twice if you count it comin back. but it was great. Traveled in a pack at about 95-100 and drafting other larger cars helps too. a little more than a tank and a half for that 8 hour trip at 95-100mph. but right now, i do about 160 miles a week, and the gas mileage sucks. I have to drive through Atlanta from my school (University of West Georgia) and by the time i hit ATL, its a parking lot for as long as the eye can see. turns a 1.5 hour tip to a 2.5 or 3 hour trip

x_rayted711

I'm a traveling medical person and I'm constantly on the highway, but I'm really not getting that great gas mileage that was promoted? not really over 26 mpg ,wonder why???

frday13

I have a 5spd with cruise. I shelled the 450 for it aftermarket. But they warranty it and I drive 90 mi round trip per day for work 4x/wk. I can imagine a day without it now. I just went to tunerfest in okc and that's 11hr drive from mn. If i hadn't had cruise the trip woulda sucked. but hey that's just my 2 cents

JimmyFreedom

I Drive From Frederick to DC almost everyday (80 miles round trip). Can handles great on the highway and it gets good gas milage too. The only thing that drove me nuts was that piece of junk head unit. But I took care of that.......

signal600

My 5-speed lives its life on the highway. It's my commuter car. Cruising speed is 70-80ish for ~25 miles each way.

It's a great car for highway driving...but keep in mind that it's a short wheelbase car with comparatively stiff spring rates, so the ride can be a little "choppy" on poorly-surfaced highways.

The 5-speed is geared quite "short" so it spins up a bit at highway speeds...figure ~4000 RPM in 5th @ 80 MPH. This isn't an issue (the xB reminds me of a 600cc sportbike on the highway) in terms of ride quality/vibration/harshness but it can be a little intrusive noise-wise (I imagine an open intake would only make it louder)...if you don't cruise with the tunes cranked then it might seem a bit louder than another car on a long ride.

My wife has an 06 xB Auto. It is of course the same BUT it runs nearly 1000 RPM lower @ 80 MPH...quite a difference in engine speed (and a lot quieter ride).

Now for the good stuff:

Yes the xB is pushed around by crosswinds but really it's no worse than any other small SUV.

The factory stereo system is excellent and makes the commute a lot less stressful.

Seating and outward visibility is top-notch on the xB and it makes safe highway driving a breeze.

Both the auto and 5-speed flavors of this car have sufficient beans to overtake and merge with the best of 'em out on the highway.

Hope that helps you,
-Trevor