Overview & Reviews

Since its debut, the Scion brand has won over many young buyers thanks to its trendy image and Toyota-backed reputation. However, one of its debut models, the entry-level xA, was pretty much a dud. Looking and feeling too much like a typical economy car, it was neither hip nor cool, and seemed out of place in the Scion lineup. Hoping to improve its fortunes, Scion replaced the xA with the more appealing xD.

The xD has some typical Scion advantages, including a lengthy list of standard equipment and an abundance of dealer-installed extras -- especially the audio options. But in terms of fuel economy, driving excitement, versatility and even style, the xD has been outclassed by newer subcompacts. It still remains an acceptable choice, but overall we think you'll find other top competitors to be more appealing.

Current Scion xD
The Scion xD is a four-door subcompact hatchback that comes in one trim level. The sole engine offering is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing that produces 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic.

The generous standard features list includes full power accessories, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, stability control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Since the Scion xD caters to the youth market, it also comes with a six-speaker sound system with iPod/USB connectivity and a touchscreen interface. In lieu of factory options are plenty of dealer-installed options such as larger wheels and tires, quick-shift kits, bigger brakes, lowering springs, an exhaust system and a carbon-fiber engine cover. There are also a navigation system and a premium sound system.

On the road, the Scion xD's 128-hp engine provides fairly quick acceleration for this class. The xD also feels more substantial than one might expect, a result of the car's high beltline and heavier curb weight. However, fuel economy is only mediocre for this segment, and the interior is let down by odd center-mounted gauges, a non-telescoping steering wheel (which can make taller drivers uncomfortable) and a relatively meager amount of cargo space.

Used Scion xD
The current-generation Scion xD debuted for 2008. Stability control was optional until 2010, so used shoppers would be wise to note if an individual xD is so equipped. For 2012, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity became standard, while the following year brought a minor styling refresh. There were also various audio system upgrades made through the years (specifically in regards to radio control), but otherwise the xD has been mostly unchanged.

User Reviews:

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  Great buy!!! - 2008 Scion XD
  By CAnurse24 - November 7 - 9:10 pm

  I just bought the Scion xD last week, and I am so glad I didnt get a civic!! This car is much more stylish and sporty. My husband and I just moved to San Francisco and we quickly realized our 06 Accord was too large for much of the street parking around town. We did a lot of research and a lot of test driving before settling on the xD. The car has great handling and can tackle the citys hills with ease. We upgraded to leather, alloy wheels, and a moonroof from the dealer. This brought the price to just about what we would have paid for a fully loaded civic, but with much more of a "youthful" appearance. It is also great for my 70 mile a day commute to work. Great gas mileage!!

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  A fun, economical, and reliable car. (Stereo rocks too!) - 2012 Scion XD
  By bubba_hotep - October 4 - 5:53 pm

  My wifes 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe recently died (transmission) so we were in the market for a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. We took the Toyota Yaris (VERY small, no cargo room, lacking features) Honda Fit (Lots of cargo space but interior was *meh*, ugly exterior and overpriced) Nissan Versa (JUNK!) and Chevy Sonic (not bad, sporty but $20K was too much) for test drives. A co-worker suggested the xD. I took her 2009 for a spin and loved it. Went to the dealer the next day and bought a 2012 xD base (auto). Paid $15,500 out the door, exactly what I wanted to spend. A month later, this car has 1K miles on it and is sipping gas (avg. 33mpg) and the wife loves it. Handles well in the rain too!

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  Excellent value and fun to drive - 2011 Scion XD
  By shivas1 - September 8 - 9:45 pm

  I have owned a 2011 xD for approximately 6 months now. We are averaging 34mpg. with a variety of in town and over the road driving. I think that the passenger room is better than either the Fit or the Fiesta. Sitting in the rear is excellent, and better than either of these competitors. Those cars were cramped compared to the xD. I am 6 ft. and 185lbs. The front seat contours are sweet and hold you in place firmly during turns. The iPod feature runs seemlessly with the radio from the steering wheel controls. Suspension is a bit stiff, but it has a sport feel to it that way. We have the 5 spd manual and really like it. I am looking forward to how it drives in our Wisconsin winter.

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  Loved This Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By mcgooey - August 15 - 12:58 am

  This was my first brand new car. I stumbled upon this car when it first came out. I think I just got lucky with it. didnt know anything about the car but i had been wonderfully happy with this car. it was fun, sporty. had some get up and go. and there were alot of customizable features that you could add to the car. radio was great. love the ipod hook up feature. I was able to get 40 highway and high 20s city. this car was the love of my life. unfortunately it got squished in between a ford f150 and a ford E150. The car actually held up alot better in the accident then I would have expected from the impact, but the car was a total loss. RIP scion XD

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  Still Shaking - 2008 Scion XD
  By Sparkle - August 3 - 3:26 am

  I traded an o7 Camry that was paid for, at 18,000 miles, and another year on the 36,000 mile warranty for the Scion xD. The Camry was a sweet ride, and it had all the bells, and whistles, but the gas mileage was nada. Im still shaking just thinking about it, however it cost me no out of pocket money. It was one of the hardest things Ive ever done. I drove the xD home, and the first big truck that came by did not blow me off the road, I hardly felt it. I still have over half tank of gas, at 193 miles. I had two choices, I could look at the Camry in the drive way or I could ride the xD all over the place. Gas in not going down, and I made the adjustment. Im glad I did it. I like to ride.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Scion XD
  By GregSurratt - July 22 - 10:03 pm

  After test driving the Yaris and Honda Fit, the peppy engine, higher seating, amazing standard safety features and overall appearance sold me on the xD. My only real complaint is the road noise, but thats of pretty minor importance to me. Its a tight little, precise ride and the manufacturing tolerances are really impressive. Everything feels like quality on the Scion, unlike with the Ford Focus that its replacing. I also love the firmness of the seats. The toggle feature on the l.e.d. odometer which allows you to see your mpg at any current moment is really nifty (although Im a little suspicious of the accuracy of such a device). At any rate, this is an exciting little car.

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  To Xd or Not Xd? - 2010 Scion XD
  By 1ldhall - July 13 - 8:50 pm

  I commute the freeways of LA daily for +65 miles one-way. I have driven the Xd for over 6 months and +10k miles and find it both satisfying yet annoying causing classic cognitive dissonance. The power is ok, but not exceptional, gas-mileage is ok but not great, the radio is very annoying to use with so-so audio quality, in LA you need a radio to survive those long commutes. The AC can barely keep-up on warm days on the 101 fwy and its not even summer yet! Only one cigarette lighter that is on only with the ignition; annoying, no arm rest; annoying, road handling; noisy & annoying, cant see the cup-holders in the dark, annoying. There are better vehicles for the money available.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Dsimes - June 14 - 1:40 am

  I bought the xD in August of 08 to replace my 06 Cobalt. The xD is loads of fun! The car handles excellent and is quick for its engine size. Im tall and it fits me perfectly. Very roomy inside for its size. It will surprise you in that respect. The 5 speed manual shifts easy. The clutch is a bit tight and requires a few higher revs then my Cobalt did to get moving, but this is an engine that welcomes higher revs. Im very glad I chose the xD for my next car. I have put 10,000 miles onthe clock so far and look forward to putting many more on it! I average around 35 mpg at 69 mph.

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  Excellant Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By Salsa Red - May 1 - 8:26 pm

  I am the 2nd in my family to buy the Scion xD,3rd to buy a Scion! My parents got their white xD in January, I have a Salsa Red xD and my brother has a 2008 Scion xB, their second one! We are a Scion Family and loving every minute of it! Scions are The Best!!! This is also the very first time I have ever owned a brand new car. I couldnt have chosen a better car!

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  Fun little pocket rocket - 2010 Scion XD
  By LFGK - April 29 - 5:10 pm

  I started to looking at the Scion xD mainly because of price, after driving a Fit standard, Fit Auto, Civic Auto and Accord Auto. I was blown away at how much quieter the cabin was compared to the much larger (and pricier) Accord LX. Had always been a Honda fan, but the road noise is terrible, especially with a lot of "chip seal" roads that we have locally. The Scion was quiet, powerful and comfy with a long list of standard features. My biggest gripe was the dealer put a 2009 Pioneer stereo in the 2010 Scion, therefore, the USB/Aux jack didnt work. Additionally, they didnt have the correct unit in stock when I got there. SO, another visit to the dealer is required.