Scion xD History
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The Scion xD is a five-door hatchback that's marketed, as with Scion's other models, toward younger drivers who want a well-equipped, well-accessorized small car on a rather tight budget. Top rivals to consider include the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and Kia Soul.
With a slightly taller body and stance and front styling that's slightly more menacing than cute (many have likened it to a bulldog), along with big-for-its-class standard 16-inch wheels (and 18s available), the xD, which was first introduced for 2008, has a different look altogether than other small hatches its size.
The xD is related to the Toyota Yaris hatchback but is slightly longer. With the Toyota Corolla's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, making 128 horsepower, the xD can move plenty quick with either the four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission and even does alright with a full load. Fuel economy is only at the middle of the pack, however, at 27 mpg city, 33 highway; Consumer Reports has also consistently rated the xD and its predecessor, the xA, to be among the most reliable new cars.
Considering the xD's very affordable price, the interior appointments are quite impressive. The instrument panel is nicely styled and, even if it does heap on the hard plastic, switchgear and controls have a good, tactile feel. Plenty of bins and cubbies are included, along with a dual-compartment glovebox.
Although the xD isn't quite as lean and fuel-efficient as its predecessor, the Scion xA, the xD is more settled at highway speeds as well as more surefooted on a curvy road. Low points of the package for many model years included the base Pioneer sound system, which though considered an upgrade from Toyota's own systems in sound quality is a confusing mess with respect to function and display.
Although much of what you get mechanically with the xD is standard-issue, the features list is where it gets interesting. Air conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, a trip computer, power windows, and a first aid kit were all standard, as were a USB input (for 2010). The Alpine premium audio option also had an odd interface but added HD radio and a touch-panel display. About the only surprise on the Scion's feature list was that even by 2010 and 2011, when electronic stability control was standard on the less-expensive Toyota Yaris, it remained optional on the xD (it was included for 2012). The 2012 model year also brought Bluetooth plus much-improved sound systems with improved interfaces and impressive integrated displays.
Accessorization is part of the Scion sales process, with more than 40 dealer-installed accessories possible on the Scion xD, including special wheels, trims, and air dams, along with serious performance enhancements like a sport exhaust, quick shifter kit, and brake upgrade. Special Release Series models of the xD—including the RS 1.0 and RS 2.0—have been offered each model year; they combine special colors with a few other extras and have been available in a limited run of 2,000 or less.
