My wife and I drive a 2009 Scion xB -- you know, the boxy one. I must say, I love it. It's a great car, IMHO. Here are 10 reasons I love the xB -- a.k.a. "The Toaster".

1. It's not too small.

Ah, headroom. If you're tall (and a little wide) like me, a compact car just won't do. (It took me 20 years of cramped driving to realize this.)

2. It's not too big.

Most of us don't need to be driving behemoths, pointless hybrid SUVs included.

3. The seating position.

After a recent drive of over 1,000 miles, my wife and I were not at all sore. Blood flow to extremities was good. We were smiling.

4. Space.

The Scion xB treads a smaller footprint than most rigs on the American road, but inside it feels expansive. We have more than enough space for our cargo on trips. (Once we have two children, we'll probably have to add a roof rack with a box.)

5. Giddy up!

Our toaster likes to boogie.

6. The new "Boxy but safe".

Volvo used to own the market on square, safe cars. The xB comes standard with front, side, and side curtain airbags (for the rear, too).

7. Traction control.

I've previously owned a car with traction control. The front wheels "hopped" when the traction control was in use. The Scion xB has far better traction control. It smoothly keeps us on the road and moving forward through the snow.

8. Electronic stability control.

Research has shown ESC to be a live-saving feature, second only to airbags and seat belts. All I know is I'm glad it's there.

9. The price is right.

The Scion xB comes loaded with standard features. We only added satellite radio and still paid well under $20,000.

10. It's fun to drive.

We simply love driving our toaster.