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2011 Scion xD
Toyota’s entry-level brand is under fire. After seven years of relatively easy pickings, a combination of poor corporate decision making and increasingly laser-accurate competition, Scion is scrambling.

Perhaps the vehicle most under fire is the entry-level xD, a poor cousin replacement to the poor cousin xA hatchback that although mechanically identical, couldn’t hold a candle to the original square-box xB in terms of perception.

The xD is not an overt performer, especially with its 16-inch all-season tires on steel wheels, and relatively modest brakes (including rear drums).

Maybe Scion’s trying to attract all those old Honda Civic owners bouncing around on cut springs?Either way, the xD does nip through traffic quite well for its size.

While a starting price of $14,900 is middle of the pack, it’s certainly not a stripper model... there’s standard power windows and locks, air conditioning, a good Pioneer stereo, expensive side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, split-folding and reclining rear seats, and a full load of safety systems like ABS, traction and stability control, six airbags, and active front headrests. Everything from a rear spoiler and carbon-fiber B-pillar appliqués, to TRD-branded brake pads, shift-knobs, sway bars and exhausts can be had. There are too many smart, sharp, satisfying vehicles now on sale in the xD’s backyard to recommend it without serious consideration. Unlike the xB – or even the sexy 2011 tC coupe – the xD is not the emotional choice in the Scion showroom.

Scion designed the xD with a young audience in mind. It’s a hip box car that’s easily customized. The xD does falter in a few areas. First, its fuel economy ratings are some of the lowest in the class. Less expensive affordable small cars like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit have much better estimated fuel economy and are priced below the Scion xD’s $15,045 base price. Second, the xD’s seats are uncomfortable for the driver and passengers. This car really isn’t about performance or cargo capacities. If you’re looking for a car with unique exterior styling and don’t mind sacrificing fuel economy or space, you should consider the xD.

Still want a box car? The Kia Soul, Nissan Cube and Scion xB are your only options, but you’ll be stuck with some of the worst fuel economy ratings in the class and mediocre performance. As insurance industry “Top Safety Picks,” the Cube and the Soul are also the safest box cars. The xD starts at $15,045 for the manual transmission and $15,845 for the automatic transmission.
The Scion xD receives a few updates for 2011.

Just your regular subcompact car
The xD is sized like a Mazda2, give or take a few millimetres. This comparison stands until pricing enters the mix. The xD is even a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Fiesta, a supermini known for its high base price (which Ford justifies by its longer list of equipment).

In this regard, the xD and Fiesta are indeed alike. Both have inherited air conditioning, power windows, remote access, a rear windshield wiper, traction control and ABS right off the bat, as well as a full suite of airbags. The difference? The xD gets a tilting steering wheel, while the Fiesta’s is also telescopic.