2008 Scion xB Review: A Low-Maintenance Compact That Feels Like a Small SUV

Jun 23, 2023

The 2008 Scion xB was one of the first cube-shaped cars to hit the market, opening up the interior space of the compact for a more SUV-like cabin. With pricing in the $6,500 range and a built-to-last Toyota powertrain, this one is easy to recommend.

The Good

It’s a compact car that feels like a small SUV. Interior space is legitimately impressive, and the car is built to last on a Toyota powertrain.

The Bad

It’s the furthest thing in the world from sporty. The cabin may feel like a small SUV, but the i4 engine feels like an i4 engine.

Is the 2008 Scion xB a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – The Scion xB is perfectly suited to daily driving. It’s not sporty, it’s not rugged, it’s not powerful, but docking points for that would be like criticizing a motorcycle for not having a spacious trunk.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s surprising how much space they were able to get out of the quaint boxy body style in the 2008 Scion xB.
Reliability 8/10 – Scions are built on Toyota parts, so repairs are cheap and breakdowns are few and far between.
Safety 8/10 – The car has a Top Safety Pick award with the IIHS, and anti-lock brakes come standard.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Expect to get around 22/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
Value 8/10 – Sticker prices are fair, in the $6,500 range, but the real savings come into play at the shop and at the pump.

Positive Owner Reviews

Aaron W

I Like my car and it gets me where I need to go. It doesn't look great but it runs fine.

Like size and price. Miss some of the modern features.

Cj J

Everybody finds the car extremely comfortable. I don't have to worry about passengers getting in and out of the car

Easy to get in and out of. Even my 98 year grandmother had no problem! Runs smoothly

Casey E

Great economical vehicle.

Been a great run around city car. No mechanical issues just normal oil and tire changes. At the time of purchase their wasn't anything comparable to its size and price ratio for the money it's been a great car. I would buy another one in a heartbeat if the Scion brand was still around.

Yolanda D

Scion xb great car to drive with plenty of room.

I love my car, although I have had some mechanical problems with it I still love to drive it and I would not know what car I would like if I had to buy a new one. I would have picked a different color though. Other than that I love the scion cars. My mechanical problems seem ongoing after having the car for 11 years which is not bad I guess. The big problem was thankfully covered by warranty if it wasn't I wouldn't have kept this car. I still would not know what car I would pick if I had to. I love the boxy kind of car that is not an SUV or minivan.

Daniel C

It's much more spacious on the inside than the outside may make it seem.

The vehicle is very simple and easy to handle. It is a nice compact car that's great for parking and mobility. I have no complaints, I love that is fulfills my basic needs.

Donna D

Nice, comfortable ride, non- claustrophobic!

What I like best about my xb is the height of the roof. It feels good to have space above your head. The xb would be perfect if it were up a little higher off the road. It is so hard to see with all the huge SUVs, trucks and vans. I wish they hadn't discontinued this model. I would purchase it again.

Vicki M

Although my xb I appears small, there is plenty of head space and cargo space.

My only complaint with the xb is that the front is lower than the back making backing up difficult. I cannot see the road or driveway behind me. Also, because the xb is small, it is sometimes difficult to see where I parked it because it is so much smaller than other cars.

Jo M

Would own forever, very reliable and great/comfortable drive.

Very comfortable and easy to drive. Low highway noise, has high miles but still in good condition. Never have had any issues with it, is very reliable. Very quick off the line has a lot of legroom. It is a great and spacious family car and fits us comfortably.

Negative Owner Reviews

Debbie H

Oil piston is bad. Engine is bad.

2008 is a lemon. This car has mechanical issues from factory. The oil piston is bad for these years. It was poorly made but the 2010 models were made with different pistons. The car gives about 500 miles to the gallon if that. This is the worst purchase I have ever made.

Derek G

The size of the engine, it is big and I like that.

Love the space. But do not like the exterior looks. It has a lot of room. But the look is too original.

Presley D

The Car, The Myth, The Legend: Scion

Overall, my scion is a great car. It is very spacious for a compact car. There is not much to make it special or anything extraordinary. Maybe in the newer models, but I own a 2008, so everything is pretty basic. The car is very fuel efficient. I have taken many long six hour road trips in it and usually only need to stop for gas once. There have been no problems performance wise. The car is very comfortable. The interior is a comfortable fabric that does not get too hot which is great in the Texas summer. The car is very reliable. It has been over ten years since we bought the car new, and it still runs fantastically

Monica A

Fix my car Toyota! It burns too much oil

I bought it used, it ran fine at first, now it really burns a lot of oil, I have to put in a quart of oil every week and constantly have to check the oil. Acceleration is extremely slow, on entering the freeway I have almost crashed because I was not able to accelerate fast enough

Jaramine W

Used car need love reliable over 200,000 miles but still run good

It's a nice car run really well reliable CD player auto windows and locks need new tires ac works good

Kalie L

Lunch box on wheels has great cargo space

The car runs well and is comfortable. The amount of usable cargo space in great. Having the seats fold down is a great benefit for my job.b

Kate S

Nothing fancy, just your basic car.

Before people get into my car they always assume it's going to be cramped. However, once inside, they realize how spacious it is! I bought this car in 2012 and it's been very reliable. Very easy to drive and fits in all compact parking spots. The only cons about this car is how thin the bumpers are. You can sit on it and it will dent. Also, when you want to merge into your right lane there is a huge blind spot in the back. I've almost gotten into quite a few accidents because of this. Lastly, the gas tank is very small and I feel I fill up more than necessary for such a small car. In the end, it's a reliable car that isn't too expensive and is easy to take care of.

Kate N

It is long lasting with regular maintenance.

It is reliable and comfortable. Lots of room on the inside. Not so big trunk. Performance is alright. But with consistent maintenance, there are very few problems.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Scion xB?

Consumer Reports liked the new cube-like Scion xB for its spacious interior and ease of access. They report that the car is hard to beat for sheer volume-to-size ratio, with the quaint boxy shape maximizing every cubic inch of available space.

Kelley Blue Book found the xB to be versatile, fairly priced, and perfect for small families. They note that the box-style design is love-it-or-hate-it, the car is far from performance driven, and it lacks even a basic V6 as an engine option.

Edmunds liked the generous list of standard features, they found the i4 engine strong enough for a lightweight car, and they note that the interior is among the most spacious in this size class. They agree with KBB on the acquired-taste box appearance, and they note some awkward design choices in the control layout.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Scion xB Have?

The 2008 Scion xB has generated just 11 user complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, despite selling more than 40,000 units. The biggest recurring problem appears to be excessive oil consumption, with a handful of complaints on the matter.

One driver reports the hood flying open while they were on the freeway.

A driver in Alaska experienced brake failure after the right front rotor disc broke apart.

The 2008 Scion xB has not been recalled, or even investigated, a single time. Most of the issues you have with this car will likely come down to simple wear and tear rather than any common mechanical problems affecting the vehicle.

How Long Will the 2008 Scion xB Last?

Drivers have reported the Scion xB lasting 300,000 miles or more. One driver reports 450,000 miles on the original transmission. To be safe, you’ll want to bet on 250,000 miles when deciding whether or not it’s worth the money, but don’t be surprised if it’s still humming 50,000 miles later.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $355, with new A/C expansion valves and airbag control modules making up the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $674 and $587, respectively.

Che B

Yes very reliable. No problems as long as regular maintenance is kept up on it such as oil change etc.

Elizabeth G

I have owned the car for 8 years and have never had any issues. Aside of routine maintenance, my scion xb has never needed any major repairs.

Halley B

I started having trouble with the fuel pump at around 117,000 miles. I have had the car for about 5 years.

Victoria B

No problems but does have some paint issues and it can go anywhere in the USA and it is good little vehicle.

Betsabe N

Yes it's a reliable car and has no problems. Everything works great and smooth when you drive park or even open the doors.

Samantha B

No it does not have problems. In the three years I have had it the only thing it's needed is oil changes.

Trish M

It's gotten through the years but it isn't great. Again, all the sensors don't work so they flash when nothing is broken so god knows if something is actually broken. It leaks all over, front to back,

Diane F

No problems. It has been very reliable. In fact, I often let my daughter and son-in-law borrow it while their Kids are being serviced.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2008 Scion xB is pretty good for the model year. You’ve got a CD/MP3 player with 6 Pioneer speakers, plus an auxiliary input jack and a customizable welcome screen.

Safety technology is up to par for a 2008 compact. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control all come standard.

Is the 2008 Scion xB a Good Value?

The 2008 Scion xB is a pretty good value. Fair market prices range from $4,694 to $6,615 in the Blue Book, with a typical listing price at around $6,405.

If you’re after a practical, dependable daily driver that sips fuel and seats five adults comfortably, the xB is pretty hard to beat in this model year, and at this price. It’s not the sportiest, the biggest, or the flashiest car on the road, but it’s a capable little low-maintenance compact.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Scion xB?

The 2008 Scion xB is available in just one trim level, in manual or automatic, featuring:

Cruise control
CD/MP3 player with 6 Pioneer speakers
Manual air conditioning
Fabric seating
Power mirrors
Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control

5dr Wgn Man

158 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

5dr Wgn Auto

158 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the 2008 Scion xB?

The 2008 Scion xB packs a 2.4L inline-four delivering 158 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, and it averages 22/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway.

What Colors Does the 2008 Scion xB Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Scion xB?

The 2008 Scion xB’s cabin is somewhat basic, but very spacious for its size class. It’s a compact car that feels more like a crossover SUV, offering 47 inches of rear hip room and riding smooth on suspension that manages to be steady without feeling rigid.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Scion xB Have?

The 2008 Scion xB is one of the roomier compact cars released in its model year. The back end holds 21 cubic feet of cargo, which is better than most full-size sedans, packing six medium suitcases. This can expand to a whopping 70 cubic feet, which makes it bigger than some crossover SUVs,

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the first model year in the Scion xB’s 2nd Generation, running until the nameplate’s retirement with the 2015 edition.

2006: A revised front bumper and some new exterior colors were the biggest changes for 2006.

2007: There were no big changes for the final edition of the 1st Gen xB.

2008: The 2008 Scion xB stood nearly 3 inches wider, 4 inches longer, and 600 pounds heavier than the initial model, with rounder edges.

2009: No major changes for 2009.

2010: The 2010 Scion xB received a new Pioneer sound system with satellite radio and USB input. The car is also available with an Alpine system with a 4.3 inch touchscreen.

How Does the 2008 Scion xB Compare to the Competition?

Comparing the Scion xB to the other cube compacts, it typically sells for a couple thousand dollars less than an entry level Honda Element, and it’s more efficient than the Honda by a few MPGs, but less powerful by 6 horsepower. Both are endlessly reliable, though.

The Kia Soul actually wouldn’t make its debut on the market until the 2010 model year, but a Soul with just 126,000 miles on the odometer typically lists for around $5,290. It technically lists as a subcompact, so it’s not quite as roomy as an xB, but it is more efficient, averaging up to 26/31 miles to the gallon, city/highway.

Who knows why the cube style suddenly came into fashion after people got bored of wagon-style PT Cruisers and Chevy HHRs, but the design does open up the interior, making compacts feel like SUVs. The Kia Soul is the most affordable of these three, but you’re arguably getting the best overall value with the xB.

Ranks #7 Compact SUV by Owners

2008 Subaru Forester

2008 Honda Element

4.54

2008 Scion xB

4.31

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Scion xB?

Che B

Yes, it is like a SUV and a compact car all in one. It is very unique in appearance, spacious trunk and back seat with plenty of leg room. It runs great in gas as well.

Elizabeth G

Yes, it is an excellent vehicle. I have loved every year, month, week, day I have had with this car and I am terribly upset at the idea that someday I will have to get a different car.

Halley B

Yes, it has a great turning radius, does not need a lot of pressure on the pedals, and has a lot of storage space for such a small car.

Victoria B

Yes it is and we love the space and it is got good gas mileage and enough space for all my kids and family.

Betsabe N

Yes great on miles and safes a lot of gas has a good amount of space for a family of 5. It is easy and comfortable to drive on street and freeway.

zane J

Yes it is. It works like a dream. I have had it for a long time and have not had any issues with it at all.

Robbie H

Not at all. The sensors are all broken and it leaks horribly. It's also a moving blind spot. It's like driving a box-kite

Hannah M

I love my xB! I especially like that I don't feel closed in because the roof is nice and high. Also, it runs well, as I've found with Toyota's.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Lora E on March 25, 2021

Great hauling capability and roomy interior!

I really like that it is roomy inside with enough headspace for my over 6ft tall boyfriend. It is also compact with great storage space. I like that the back seats fold down really flat. . I do not like that I feel that I cannot see very well behind and in my blind spots. I may have an internal leak that would be expensive to fix. I can get an oil change more often instead but that is annoying.

Victoria W on March 3, 2021

It is a very dependable vehicle.

I dislike it only has one reverse light. Also I dislike that it only has three windshield wiper settings. I like that it drives easy. It gets good gas mileage.

David R on March 3, 2021

It's reliability, how good of a car it has been for the price.

Never had to fix anything. It has been very reliable. It is a good riding car.

Jo M on February 27, 2021

Would own forever, very reliable and great/comfortable drive.

Terry T on February 20, 2021

Scion is for the function, fit and is fabulous!

No problems. The benefit of the car is that it is a lot bigger than what it looks like. It is very good on gas. If you cannot or do not want an SUV, this little hatchback is perfect.

Erikal L on February 18, 2021

A/C will not blow out cold air

When we first got the car back in 2009 it ran wonderful. The a/c was the best thing about it. For the past 2-3 months, the a/c won't blow out cold. No clue why either.

Lindsey S on February 10, 2021

My spacious little toaster car.

This vehicle is perfect. Although it looks very small it is incredibly roomy inside and allows for spacious cargo transportation. It also is a smaller car so great for big city travel with small parking spaces. Fabulous on gas as well and I only have to fill up my tank once a week.

Samantha P on January 23, 2021

It is really spacious even though it does not look like it from the outside.

I really do not like it is square shape but I do like that I can see out of it really well. It also has a great amount of space inside for being a small car.

Tipton K on January 13, 2021

It's very good on gas and has a long life span.

Very great performance and reliability spacious and up to date radio power windows locks and fabric cushioned sets.

Stephen L on December 31, 2020

Useful people and cargo carrying ability in an economical package.

I just have to do routine maintenance on the things that typically wear out. The armrest on the right side of the driver's seat is not really useful to me. I have had a brake job, and I am told the gasket on the valve cover needs to be replaced at some point. Tires. Other than those, no major repairs.

Billy L on December 22, 2020

Sleek body lines , that's one of the things I love about this car plus the roominess

What can I say I love my Scion XB ! It's great on gas mileage it's basically a Toyota Camry and it holds a lot of stuff, lots of equipment what's up everything is been nothing but a great car what can I say.

jen s on November 18, 2020

Compact car with lots of room.gets great gas mileage

I absolutely love my car. It has so much room and gets great mileage. The only thing I dislike is that they discontinued this make.

Michelle A on November 6, 2020

That's great on gas, very comfortable, and is the perfect size for a small family.

Very reliable vehicle. Great on gas mileage. No complaints. Love my car.

Lindsey H on October 29, 2020

It is a very reliable car that is good for a family.

I like my car because it is roomy. The car gets good gas mileage. My one complaint is that it is made out of very thin material that dents very easily.

Gail W on October 28, 2020

This car is sporty looking, roomy, good on gas and fun to drive.

I love my Scion XB. It is small but roomy. The back seats fold down to allow for larger items. It was recalled for a faulty airbag. This was corrected by Toyota at no cost to me. Otherwise I have had absolutely no problems with this car. I really enjoy driving it!

Nathaniel P on September 23, 2020

Reliable carrier of everything with small faults.

I am not sure why there is only one backup light. The space capacity is great though. It has been very reliable and I haven't been the best at keeping up with maintenance. The shocks are going a bit, but it has 120k miles on the odometer. The auxiliary port also has broken which makes it much more difficult to listen to music.

Stephanie R on September 1, 2020

Spacious and sturdy. Easy to clean. Comfortable seating.

It has a lot of space on the inside. Very comfortable. The radio works really well. The air conditioning gets nice and cool pretty quickly. The heat does the same. I have had issues with the power steering and the auxiliary cable input, both are annoying to deal with.

Monica A on July 31, 2020

Fix my car Toyota! It burns too much oil

Patricia S on July 29, 2020

It's a reliable little car that's really fun to drive.

I like how quick my car is. It has great pick up and it's fun to drive. Even though it is a small car, there is so much room to transport cargo. I have no complaints about my car!

Elizabeth Y on July 18, 2020

It has a badass turn radius. The gas mileage is really great.

I like the color and compactness of my car. I also like that repair parts are abundant and a little cheaper than other cars.

Bernice F on July 15, 2020

Great family car and fun to drive

The car looks small from the outside but very roomy inside. The seats are cozy the seats fold for easy access transporting things. The only downfall is the car burns a lot of oil. It had a recall but my car wasn't able to be fixed. Due to warranty issues. I would highly recommend this car.

DENISE P on July 12, 2020

It's nice and quiet plus looks good.

It doesn't have great gas mileage. It is easy for me to get in. It has a lot of room for a small vehicle, which was surprising. I just really like it a lot.

Michael M on June 22, 2020

Very good on gas and very economical.

A very good car. Very good on gas.. It looks small but it really roomy on the inside. Has great control. Comes with all the technical gadgets.

Beverly R on June 21, 2020

It's a good vehicle for rougher use and hauling stuff.

It is body is well made, sturdy. I think it could take a hit. Unusual repairs have been needed. Parts have fallen off. I do not like that it is really noisy.

Tricia M on June 4, 2020

Detail would be maybe 3 row seats.

I bought it used last year. Put in a new motor and love it. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Plenty of room. Cute car. Lots of compliments on it. Its black but very easy to keep clean. All of the dials are big and very easy for me to see. Kudos on the maker of this car.

John B on June 1, 2020

It is a very comfortable vehicle and gets excellent gas mileage.

We love it, because it is very easy to get in or out of. The cabin has more head and leg room than any vehicle we have ever owned. The rear storage compartment has enough space to handle several pieces of luggage.

CHRIS B on May 30, 2020

It is a good ride and dependable and very comfortable plus easy to get in and out and has a lot of storage room.

I actually like the vehicle a lot and I am completely shocked by that. It was bought because the company is very dependable.

Heather L on May 27, 2020

It's not made for the snow. It is a very light car.

It's very spacious. Though it is a bit loud with cutting the doors and the hollowness.

Anne M on May 23, 2020

Great space, smooth ride, awesome mileage

I love the folding seats. It holds quite a bit. Great gas mileage, recently goes through oil pretty quickly, otherwise very reliable. It is comfortable and holds up to 5 people. Quite a bit of road noise, but the ride is pretty smooth. I live in the south and the air conditioner works well. One drawback is the low clearance. I have to go really slow over certain driveways to avoid bumping the bottom and front of the vehicle.

Shawn D on May 22, 2020

Great car, great comfort and excellent driving experience!

The room you have in this car is amazing weather is the front or the back seat. It is very comfortable. The gas mileage could be better for such a smaller vehicle. It has very good get up and go at least for my five speed. I always disliked this vehicle but after sitting and driving in a friend's I had to get one of my own. I suggest this vehicle to everyone now!

J V on April 15, 2020

Beautiful, elegant, looks nice.

It is a good car, very comfort, I love it, it is spent, my job is very far, and my car its perfect for me, the Scion db. 2008 it's nice model, the trunk is comfortable, I am driving this car 4 years ago, and still looks like new, I do not change nothing, just the maintenance because every car need it.

Kathy L on March 17, 2020

I think they have quit making it. I don't know why, because it's a nice car.

It has been through a lot with us, including hitting a deer in the first month. Needs an armrest for the right side.

Lisa G on March 15, 2020

It is good on gas and Toyotas a very good car my family always buys Toyotas.

It's good on gas, I have a lot of room for all my shopping goods and I love to drive it has good seating I could 5 passengers and Toyota is a good car.

Hailey S on March 12, 2020

It has excellent gas mileage because it's a 4 cylinder and it doesn't break the bank when you have to work on it.

My car is very roomy despite its compact size. There are 3 of us in my small family so it is the perfect size for us.

Hanna L on March 7, 2020

Reliable car: foot for all types of people.

The oil tends to leak out but it is impossible to find where the leak is - apparently a common thing with these cars. . I like that it has a lot of legroom in the back and the trunk space is very large. Also good on gas. Maintenance is easy as well, only needs an oil change every 6000 miles.

joe C on March 3, 2020

It a very good vehicle wish they did discontinue them

I like the scion series. It's just too bad Toyota decided to end it. These were great vehicles designed by Maserati, these were great cars and a lot of fun to drive. They were long lasting and well made. It had a moon roof but no leather seats, the seats were made from polyester and they wear and tear easily

Marcy B on February 25, 2020

The trunk space is small and everything falls out.

My little car gets great gas mileage.it gets 30 miles to the gallon.

Jonathan G on February 16, 2020

Vehicle is small, compact but has good engine power for getting on the freeway.

Clear coat is chipping off after 10 years of direct sunlight. The interior is comfortable. Can be driven for long of periods of time without much discomfort. I have had not issues with engine or engine parts. Small gas tank is the only complaint I have, but is good on gas mileage.

Casey E on February 6, 2020

Great economical vehicle.

Vicki M on January 31, 2020

Although my xb I appears small, there is plenty of head space and cargo space.

Allen C on January 29, 2020

Don't just judge the vehicle by its looks. The vehicle has the room equal too many smaller SUVs but still drives like a compact car

Very roomy inside for a small vehicle. The vehicle is incredibly reliable. The vehicle is very good on gas. The vehicle has proven to be in expensive to maintain.

Joy H on January 27, 2020

It's a reliable car, with little maintenance. Fits a lot of stuff including furniture in the back with the seats down.

Like that it has not cost me much money at all in repairs and is good on gas. Really no complaints that I can think of at the moment.

Jennifer M on January 26, 2020

It's a very reliable car.

I love my car. It never gave me any issue it rides like a charm and it's cute

Deborah W on January 23, 2020

It's easy to park. It has great air and heat.

I love how it drives and handles. It has 110k miles and is still like new. Its very low maintenance.

Sean D on January 22, 2020

The most important thing about the car is that it is a smooth ride.

I like that it is Dependable and has Good gas mileage. I don't like that it is Not sporty looking.

Cameron W on January 14, 2020

The scion db. Is a smaller looking vehicle, but the interior does not disappoint.

I purchased my car used, but it was in very good shape. The only constant issue I have had so far is the car is leaking oil, which can be fixed. It is reliable and comfortable for long car rides, for its size I only wish it had a bit better of gas mileage. There are a few things that worry me when it comes to the lay out of my car and if I were to get into an accident. The shape of the front seat under the wheel comes very close the my knees. I worry that if I were to get into a car accident my legs would be crushed.

Cj J on January 14, 2020

Everybody finds the car extremely comfortable. I don't have to worry about passengers getting in and out of the car

Easy to get in and out of. Even my 98 year grandmother had no problem! Runs smoothly

Vicki M on January 12, 2020

Great little car with lots of storage space.

This is a great little car. Small on the outside, but lots of room inside. Plenty of headroom for my 6'2" husband. It is difficult for me to see the road behind me when backing up. And it is a great color - eggplant. I have driven it alone from SW Florida to Connecticut on several occasions. I feel safe and secure in this vehicle.

Ashley S on January 9, 2020

I love the fact that my car has back seats that fold down. Making the back compartment more square, it is easier to haul things

I have never had any issues with my 2008 Scion xB. There is currently a recall for an airbag malfunction, but other that that I absolutely love it.

Karen D on January 9, 2020

At the moment my car is currently under recall due to an airbag recall. This is will be repaired free of cost.

I live my car color. The only dislike and complaint is that this car is larger than my previous on the bright side it's newer.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.