Before you get the xB, take a look at the Honda Fit. I have been hearing *wonderful* things about it from many people, though I haven't driven it myself, but it has tons of cargo room (alot more than the xB, though maybe with a less roomy 'feel'), good fuel efficiency, and it's supposed to have surprisingly sporty handling. The Fit Sport is the better of the two, and sells for $15k. Plus it doesn't have Toyota's weird center-mounted dashboard... I think you should at least try one.