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2008 Scion xD Performance Review

August 19, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

more boring than its predecessor
Car and Driver

more frugal and sophisticated
Automobile

engine feels perky and frenetic
New York Times

Somewhat floppy suspension tuning
ConsumerGuide

More curb weight and a less frisky demeanor (compared to the xA) mark the road behavior of the 2008 Scion xD.

“The xD's new 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is Toyota's first application of dual variable valve timing in a compact car,” remarks Automobile, who find the newly developed engine “more frugal and sophisticated.” Reviewers appreciate its improved power, with Car and Driver posting a “7.9-second 0-to-60 time,” a big improvement over the xA’s mill. The engine develops 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, but this is mitigated somewhat by “a car nearly 300-pounds heavier,” comments Kelley Blue Book, “so the difference isn't very noticeable.” The New York Times proclaims the “engine feels perky and frenetic.”

The 1.8 may be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. “Like the xB, the 5-speed is crisp,” notes Road & Track. “Those who want ample acceleration from stop lights and on freeway on- and-off ramps,” warns Kelley Blue Book, might want to eschew the optional four speed automatic, which ConsumerGuide finds “can be slow to downshift.”

“We just wish Toyota would remember that cars can be fun,” laments Car and Driver when discussing the xD’s general verve and chassis dynamics. “The steering, for example, is more isolated, lacking feel to the point of numbness,” they continue, and Automobile warns, “Above 65 mph, the suspension is floaty.” ConsumerGuide notes the “somewhat floppy suspension tuning.” Still, if driven appropriately, Road & Track finds “it’s a nimble car with a strong emphasis on daily usability.”

“Fuel economy with both the manual and automatic transmissions is similar to the Nissan Versa and slightly poorer than that of the Honda Fit,” points out Kelley Blue Book. The EPA rates the Scion xD at 27/33 mpg with the manual transmission, and 26/32 mpg with the automatic.

Conclusion

The 2008 Scion xD’s performance is mostly middle-of-the-road, with handling and economy slightly below class leader Honda Fit.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:more boring than its predecessorCar and Drivermore frugal and sophisticatedAutomobileengine feels perky and freneticNew York TimesSomewhat floppy suspension tuningConsumerGuide More curb weight and a less frisky demeanor (compared to the xA) mark the road behavior of the 2008 Scion xD. “The xD's new 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is Toyota's first application of dual variable valve timing in a compact car,” remarks Automobile, who find the newly developed engine “more frugal and sophisticated.” Reviewers appreciate its improved power, with Car and Driver posting a “7.9-second 0-to-60 time,” a big improvement over the xA’s mill. The engine develops 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, but this is mitigated somewhat by “a car nearly 300-pounds heavier,” comments Kelley Blue Book, “so the difference isn't very noticeable.” The New York Times proclaims the “engine feels perky and frenetic.” The 1.8 may be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. “Like the xB, the 5-speed is crisp,” notes Road & Track. “Those who want ample acceleration from stop lights and on freeway on- and-off ramps,” warns Kelley Blue Book, might want to eschew the optional four speed automatic, which ConsumerGuide finds “can be slow to downshift.” “We just wish Toyota would remember that cars can be fun,” laments Car and Driver when discussing the xD’s general verve and chassis dynamics. “The steering, for example, is more isolated, lacking feel to the point of numbness,” they continue, and Automobile warns, “Above 65 mph, the suspension is floaty.” ConsumerGuide notes the “somewhat floppy suspension tuning.” Still, if driven appropriately, Road & Track finds “it’s a nimble car with a strong emphasis on daily usability.” “Fuel economy with both the manual and automatic transmissions is similar to the Nissan Versa and slightly poorer than that of the Honda Fit,” points out Kelley Blue Book. The EPA rates the Scion xD at 27/33 mpg with the manual transmission, and 26/32 mpg with the automatic. ConclusionThe 2008 Scion xD’s performance is mostly middle-of-the-road, with handling and economy slightly below class leader Honda Fit.  2008 SCION XD STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “aggressive short, squat stance” Car and Driver: “a polarizing design” Automobile: “more traditional driver centered dash” Kelley Blue Book: “dash is simple and easy to navigate” A unique exterior and a functional interior mesh ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Compared to the 2008 Scion xD, the Aveo5 has a more spacious, comfortable interior, but it lags in nearly all other areas, with a shorter features list, sluggish performance, and questionable safety. The Kia Rio5 is a better alternative, with a sportier driving feel and spacious interior, but it doesn’t match the xD either in terms of features for the money. The Nissan Versa feels like a bigger car, with the poise and a settled ride that’s a step above, but it doesn’t feel especially sporty from behind the wheel. Finally, the Honda Fit is probably the most practical choice of this group, while still feeling quite sporty to drive. Its plentiful headroom and a backseat large enough for adults, along with the Magic Seat design that expands to an impressive amount of cargo space, are unbeatable.

Next Steps:

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See the Scion xD in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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