2008 Scion xD Review
2008 Scion xD Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive audio choices, long standard features list including safety items, Scion's dealer-installed customizing features.
Cons
- Comparatively small cargo space, bizarre gauges, short on front legroom.
What’s new
The 2008 Scion xD is an all-new model that replaces the xA at the bottom of Scion's lineup. This four-door hatchback features distinctive styling, peppy performance and an impressive list of standard features and personalization options.
Edmunds says
A stylized exterior and an impressive features list should attract buyers to this cool compact hatch, but some competing models offer more utility, driver comfort and fun.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$147/mo for xD Base
xD Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
No, that's not a rhinoceros, it's the 2008 Scion xD. Not exactly the ideal animal to be compared to (wide-mouth grille, Scion logo instead of horn), but at least the xD is distinctive. After all, being different is the raison d'etre at Scion, Toyota's spin-off brand known for its youth-oriented focus and long list of dealer-installed customizing features for the Pimp My Ride generation.
Just as the boxy xB captured a certain type of buyers' hearts when it first debuted, Scion hopes that the xD's interesting visage will collect its own cult following. All-new for 2008, the xD has been designed with American customers in mind. In both price and lineup positioning, it replaces the xA hatchback, a vehicle that never seemed quite cool enough for the Scion brand.
Heavier and more substantial-feeling than the xA, the new xD shares its basic underpinnings with the latest Toyota Yaris hatchback. One significant difference, however, is that the xD comes with a more powerful 128-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. In testing, we've found that this is enough to allow the xD to out-accelerate competing subcompacts from Honda and Nissan while also returning similar fuel economy.
In addition to its engine and National Geographic front end, the 2008 Scion xD distinguishes itself with a lengthy list of standard equipment and dealer-installed extras -- especially the audio options. While other automakers have made auxiliary input jacks standard equipment, Scion has gone one step further with a regular aux jack and a dedicated iPod port that provides power and stereo head unit control. We haven't had a chance to test the regular head unit, but the upgraded stereo provides a user-friendly interface and large screen to toggle through playlists, artists and songs. The xD is also one of the least expensive vehicles to currently offer an integrated navigation system.
There are some downsides to the 2008 Scion xD. Compared to popular choices in this segment like the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, it falls short in terms of maximum cargo space (with both the rear seats raised and lowered). Its interior is also hampered by odd-looking gauges and a lack of front legroom. Nor is the xD particularly engaging to drive. But it does have a clear advantage in the intangible X-factor category. Its "unique" styling, customizable features, impressive stereos and overall funky character are the types of things that will attract plenty of buyers in their teens and 20s. And for that reason, we think the new xD is certainly worth checking out.
Performance & mpg
Scion's new xD is motivated by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 128 hp and 125 pound-feet of torque. Estimated fuel economy is a very competitive 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the five-speed manual and 26/32 mpg with the four-speed automatic. In our testing, an xD with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, while stopping from 60 in a short 123 feet.
Safety
The 2008 Scion xD comes loaded with an impressive array of standard safety features including antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints.
Driving
In a comparison test of the xD and the Honda Fit, we found that the Scion feels like a more substantial car than the tiny Honda, despite being slightly smaller on the outside and significantly smaller inside. Credit the xD's high beltline, heavier curb weight and stronger engine for making it feel less like a toy -- particularly on the highway when large SUVs and big rigs can make compact hatch drivers feel like they're in a paddleboat stuck in the Norfolk Navy Yard. The xD's electric steering feels very much like the Yaris's -- extremely artificial at lower speeds -- but it does weight up nicely and offers decent feel at higher speeds. No one will ever confuse the 2008 Scion xD for a hot hatch (in looks or performance), but its comfortable ride, solid feel and reassuring stability control make it a good choice for those who don't put a premium on driving fun.
Interior
The new xD sports a functional, well-built and certainly hip interior design. Unlike the new xB and the outgoing xA, the gauges are where they belong -- in front of the driver instead of in the dash center -- but the speedometer and tachometer are placed in the same circular pod and run toward each other. Imagine a clock where the minute and hour hands move in opposite directions. The tach in particular is hard to read and we once again must say to Scion: "We understand being different is your thing, but just leave the gauges alone." Other controls are the model of simplicity.
The optional navigation system makes audio control even simpler (and safer) by utilizing the touchscreen to create crystal-clear functions that mirror those on the iPod itself. The standard speakers aren't fantastic, but Scion makes it simple to take them out and replace them with aftermarket units.
The xD has the same upright seating position as the Yaris and a driver seat that's short on legroom. Plus, the steering column adjusts only for rake, and when released, drops to its bottom-most position like an anchor. Headroom is quite good, though, and two rear passengers should find plenty of space with a seatback that reclines. Although not as voluminous as other compact hatches, the xD provides enough cargo room (35.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded) for the active lifestyles Scion envisions its customers leading.
2008 Scion xD models
The 2008 Scion xD is a four-door subcompact hatchback available in one trim level. Standard equipment is plentiful for this price range, with 16-inch steel wheels with a choice of three covers, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and a thumping six-speaker Pioneer stereo with single-CD/MP3 player and both an auxiliary MP3 jack and a dedicated iPod port that allows one to control iPod playback through the head unit controls.
Naturally, the xD is available with a long list of dealer-installed extras for those who want to personalize their car. These include multiple alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, LED taillights, a silver-leather-wrapped steering wheel, a variety of shift knobs, a security system and interior mood lighting in a choice of four colors. An optional premium audio system has a more user-friendly control interface that allows for downloading images and video onto the head unit display. Other options include TRD performance parts, a choice of satellite radio providers and a touchscreen navigation system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Scion xD.
5 star(86%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
164 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Scion xD!!!
Austin, 01/07/2016
2008 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I was in the market for a fuel efficient vehicle with a college student budget. I had looked at several popular cars (Corolla, Civic, Impreza, etc) and hadn't thought about Scion. I caught sight of it on a used car lot and before I knew it I was signing the papers. The xD is a reasonably priced car that has great fuel economy. I typically will get about 28-32 around town and 32-36 on the … highway. This car has excellent visibility and handles really well on the road. It doesn't accelerate as quickly as I would like, but it's not bad for a four cylinder. I love how much legroom/headroom there is inside-and not just in the front, but as well as the backseat. The back seats fold flat creating a large cargo space, but even with the seats up there is plenty of cargo space. Easy to park, low maintenance cost, extra compartments, plenty of cupholders, the list just goes on. For such an affordable price, it has a lot to offer. The driver seat does not rise/lower which could be an issue for some drivers but the steering wheel can be adjusted. The speedometer/tachometer takes some getting used to as it is sideways-it took me a little while to adjust. Overall I have been pleasantly surprised with my Scion xD and I think I might keep it around for awhile.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Loved This Car
mcgooey, 06/11/2012
2008 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
This was my first brand new car. I stumbled upon this car when it first came out. I think I just got lucky with it. didnt know anything about the car but i had been wonderfully happy with this car. it was fun, sporty. had some get up and go. and there were alot of customizable features that you could add to the car. radio was great. love the ipod hook up feature. I was able to get 40 … highway and high 20's city. this car was the love of my life. unfortunately it got squished in between a ford f150 and a ford E150. The car actually held up alot better in the accident then I would have expected from the impact, but the car was a total loss. RIP scion XD
5 out of 5 stars
Very safe car
Alan, 02/20/2010
2008 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
This is a great car, ive had it a year and a half now and usually average 33 city, nearly 40 highway. The car drives great, and has enough get up and go for interstate traveling. Its also a very safe car, someone has rear ended me three times now in this car, once just a fender bender, another time on the interstate the guy hit me at about 30 in a suv, just a broken bumper, and most … recent i was stopped on the interstate and the ford F150 truck behind me didn't...hit me at about 65-70 mph..i walked away fine and so would anyone in the back seat, the car only dented in a few inches, but about 11,000 in damages...overall its a great safe car. i would highly recommend
4 out of 5 stars
Compact, fuel efficient and great value.
agalcowa, 01/24/2011
2008 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I stumbled upon the Scion Xd while looking for a Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The Scion is most different from the Mazda, but is similar to the Civic in the following ways: reliability, fuel efficiency, and compact size. The car is decently built for a compact car. It shares many components from the Toyota Corolla (engine, tranny, etc) and knobs and other items from the Rav4. For any … 4-cylinder car that doesn't have a turbo, I recommend the manual for better control and performance, especially when merging onto the freeway. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my Scion and glad that I found it.
2008 xD Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $147/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the xD include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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