1) There is no best year. They are all equally reliable. the Newer one is the bigger one.
2) It Handles very well. I live on gravel roads and I'll be the first to tell you, I've tried to get it to spin and it really doesn't want it to happen. I've beaten mine pretty bad and it really wont let you get to far out of whack.
3)The xB is a nice family car if you've got children in either front facing car seats or in boosters. It can be a little tight if you're using a rear facing seat but it can be done and in fact thats where I am right now. If you have to put the rear facing seat directly behind the driver or pasenger seat, it can be a little tough but is managable. as for leg room and head room. It seems to have plenty. (I'm 6'5")
4) Nothing major that I've seen. Some people will say that the windshield is a weak link but I believe it's all about where your at. You may take some rocks to the windshield and it may crack. Thats the life of glass. There is a TSB out for a creak noise but it's since been taken care of in the 09's and even late 08's and has been corrected via service departments for models with the problem.
5) There are 2 generations. 1st gens are 2004 to 2006. 2nd gens are 2008+. there was no 07 model.
6) They come with one engine. The 1st gen has a 1.5 liter engine. the 2nd gen has a 2.4 liter engine that is shares with the camry.
7) They have recently been declared by consumer reports as the least problematic brand in the world.
I hope this information has helped.
