Companies have an annoying habit of developing a good product, then changing or discarding it. You or I could think of a dozen examples, but one comes immediately to mind.

Last year we decided we needed a new car. Gas prices were in the mid $3 range, making fuel economy important. We also wanted a car that was comfortable, enjoyable to drive, have a good stereo and air conditioner and inexpensive enough to buy outright. A half dozen models fit the scenario.

After checking them out, we decided on a Scion xA, made by Toyota. Great decision. The car handles like a sports car, is seriously comfortable to ride in, gets very good mileage for a non hybrid and it came in a thousand under our limit. Best car I’ve ever owned.

This year Scion made changes. The box...