Used 2011 Scion xD Hatchback Review & Ratings

The Scion xD hatchback is one of the smaller four-door models on the market. Immensely efficient and relatively budget friendly, the xD is packed with style and individuality. With plenty of room and enough options to keep any driver happy, the xD hatchback is available with a wide range of custom options.

For a small car, the Scion xD hatchback is surprisingly roomy, however, those needing more leg room may feel a bit cramped, this goes for the driver and front seat passengers as well. . The rear seat is especially nifty, as it reclines and slides back and forth to make the most of the space whether you are hauling cargo or passengers. It also folds totally flat, offering as much as 35.7 cubic feet of space.

The xD seems to be a big car wrapped in a small package. The overhangs in its outside areas give it a fashionable appearance that makes it appear more agile than it actually is. It is available in a Base and Release Series 4.0, both equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that features VVT-i variable valve timing for strong power and especially good fuel economy. It can accelerate zero to 60 mph in 8.4 second, which most find surprising for this engine. The Scion xD hatchback is rated at 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, returning 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is also available.

On the road, the xD is a pleasure to drive. It may not be the sportiest car in its class, but it is fun, comfortable and has more safety options standard than many of its competitors. In fact, when tested by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it was given a "Good" rating for side-impact crash tests. However, it was only rated at "Acceptable" for frontal-offset. When braking power was tested, it was found to be able to brake from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is respectable.

The Scion xD hatchback has decent ride quality, with the rather bumpy ride you might expect from such a small car, but not bumpy enough to cause concern. The manual transmission produces a far smoother ride and better overall driving experience, due to the automatic version having only four gears. There is a common complaint that the electric controlled power steering does tend to feel a little superficial at low speeds, but it weights up nicely while cornering.