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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  Best in its class but... - 2010 Scion XD
  By brandonwardell - June 29 - 2:08 am

  I bought my 2010 xD in August and have already put 9000 miles on it. I get 40 mpg hwy, its comfortable, and so far has handled well in its first Chicago winter. That being said, there are some serious rattles that are driving me crazy. Theres a cold-weather rattle in the radio, a rough-road rattle in the dash, and a seatbelt rattle at high speeds. Also certain NPR voices cause the speakers to buzz. Its a frustrating car to spend 5 hours in per day, and the dealer cant seem to fix it. Cant beat the value, though, and having driven every car in its class I cant recommend anything better. I only wish someone would make a quality 5 door with a pricetage and mileage like the xD

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  1200 miles so far... - 2008 Scion XD
  By CBDBRP - June 14 - 4:40 am

  Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase. With the xD, I am consistently getting 33 miles per gallon in a mix of city/highway driving. Good stuff! When I set out to purchase a new car, I wanted a four door hatch-back that would provide the ultimate in reliability and excellent gas mileage. I find the xD delivers these things and more. If one is considering a Honda Fit or a Nissan Versa, I would suggest that person take a serious look at the Scion xD. I considered the Honda and Nissan for months before stumbling across the xD by accident. I was blown away and made the decision to buy the Scion almost immediately. I have not regretted the purchase in the least!

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  Peppy Little XD - 2010 Scion XD
  By Otis - June 5 - 10:10 pm

  After owning a RAV4 since 2003 we "downsized" to the XD. Car is really peppy and fun to drive. Just got gas today and am already getting a little over 37 mpg. Husband has a herniated disc but is comfortable when riding in the car. I have only one "complaint", that being there is no height adjustment for the driver seat. (After driving a RAV for so long I do miss not having the birds eye view of the road you have in a RAV). I think they should be made with a driver seat height adjustment, even if it has to be an option.

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  Great small car - 2008 Scion XD
  By rob4668 - May 6 - 1:33 am

  I bought the manual transmission which took some getting used too. The clutch has a low contact point so it was easy to kill the engine on start. Shifting is a bit stiff also. Otherwise the car is very solid feeling and drives like a sports car. With seats down in back I can carry same amount as our Subaru Forester-quite a lot.

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  Nice for the Price - 2008 Scion XD
  By ke_parks - April 20 - 1:20 pm

  I like the car so far, I have only had it a couple of days. I traded in my 05 civic for it, I think it has better pickup than the civic, Has a lot a neat features inside, like Ipod jack and mp3 player jack, The mpg is Ok, not as good as the civic but I think it is fun to drive. I like how it sets up higher kind of like a small suv with a lot better mpg

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  I love it too - 2009 Scion XD
  By formerHondaowner - April 18 - 6:30 am

  Ive had this car for a year now, bought no extras except the pioneer radio. I had wanted to stick with Honda, but their options were limited. This ended up being the whole package for me ... looks nice, fun to drive, and great for growing into when we start our family. I was extremely surprised by its pep and how roomy it was inside. Best of all, it gets WAY better MPG than sticker shows ... I get between 33 and 37 mpg Hwy depending on how I drive (and 75mph is my minimum). Ive had 3 Hondas previously and wanted to another, but this car beat out anything Honda had to offer in my book!

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  Lot better then honda - 2008 Scion XD
  By Cal - April 16 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car a couple of weeks ago. My first choice was a Honda Fit, but after dealing with Honda they would not compete with the price of the Scion XD. The Xd is a lot better than the Honda fit, more options, better ride, better price. I would highly recommend this car. Excellent gas mileage, Toyota "SCION" cannot be beat...

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  What a nice little rig! - 2009 Scion XD
  By Aggie*86 - March 26 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased for my 21 year old daughter after we looked at many other cars. She instantly fell in love. Excellent service from the sales personnel. This thing gets much better fuel mileage than her previous Focus and better than posted on the window sticker. 40 mpg (no kidding) on trip from Las Vegas to San Diego. Very nice interior. Lots of standard features. Power everything. This is a very attractive all around vehicle for the youth market.

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  xD 2.0: tons of features, fun - 2009 Scion XD
  By ArmywifeMo - February 7 - 10:26 am

  New owner but will try to post later with more info on performance, reliability, fuel economy. Long-legged passengers had ample room in the back seat, super fun to drive, much more spacious than it looks from the outside, still learning all the special features in the 2.0. Compared the Honda Fit base model (manual), the xD auto, & the xD manual; best handling & value by far with my car. A very style/brand conscious friend raved how my xD had more features than his recently purchased Lexus (but at the end of the day, he still has a "Lexus"...whatever I still have $6k to spend on other things!). Cross country road trip and baby on the way; the xD is read for the challenge!

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  One Word: Disappointed - 2012 Scion XD
  By 2012scionxd - January 22 - 4:09 am

  My first Toyota product, my first foreign-built car. I expected a well-built, well-designed car backed up by good service from the dealership. Wrong! Insanely noisy (Scions have no radio till dealer puts it in after you buy, so you test drive without one, thought radio would drowned out road noise but again- wrong!), uncomfortable driving position. Fuel-economy meter very inaccurate, speaker vibrates, clutch impossible to operate smoothly: dealer refuses to admit car has problems. 17,000 miles/ 18 months later and still no repairs- thank God I leased this thing, cant wait to turn it in. Best advice: dealer should let you take it for a day-long test drive with radio installed!