2009 Scion xD Review

Name: 2009 Scion xD
Brand: Scion
Rating: 4.8 (60 reviews)

Price Range: $3,995 - $7,997

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Scion xD model years

Scion xD for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Good fuel economy, nice highway manners for a small car, Scion's dealer-installed customizing features.

Cons

Comparatively small cargo space, short on front legroom.

What’s new

All-new last year, the Scion xD carries on unchanged for 2009.

Edmunds says

A stylized exterior and an impressive features list should attract buyers to the 2009 Scion xD, but some competing models offer more utility and fun.

For sale near Gresham, OR

7 listings

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2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback
$7,997
- 139,118 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 26 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (148 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Bellevue, WA
CarFax 1-Owner,Rare Find,Brake Assist,Premium Sound,4 Cylinder Engine,4-Speed A/T,A/C,ABS,Adjustable Steering Wheel,AM/FM Stereo,Auxiliary Audio Input...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTKKU10419J036348
Stock: 9J036348A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback
$3,995
- 243,900 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 26 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Creative Credit and Auto Sales (47 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Salem, OR
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTKKU104X9J037367
Stock: TR-4242
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Vehicle overview

All three cars in the Scion lineup are sort of deceptive. From a distance, each seems like nothing more than an economy car with a little added exterior style. But look a little closer and it quickly becomes clear that each Scion is surprisingly comfortable, with a nicely assembled interior plus lots of standard and optional equipment.

The 2009 Scion xD is the perfect poster child for the whole lineup, as it's both inexpensive and reasonably refined. This subcompact hatchback distinguishes itself with a lengthy list of standard equipment and dealer-installed extras -- especially the audio options, proving Scion totally understands its customers.

While other automakers have made only 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. The xD is also one of the least expensive vehicles to currently offer an integrated navigation system.

As expected, the Scion xD delivers good fuel economy but still has adequate power. Even on the highway, the four-cylinder engine isn't excessively rev-happy. If you're about 6 feet tall or more, you might find the xD's interior a little cozy. Lack of legroom is the main problem, but the car can feel narrow, too.

Scion vehicles, with their gen-Y styling, are clearly aimed at younger buyers. However, you'll frequently find retirees driving Scions, as their value is undeniable -- the secret that they are basically low-priced Toyotas is out. Depending on use and personal preference, however, there are a few economy cars that come off a little better than the 2009 Scion xD. Nissan's Versa is roomier inside, the Honda Fit is a better all-around package and the often-overlooked Hyundai Accent has been a longtime favorite of ours.

On the other hand, the xD is a much better car than the Toyota Yaris, even though both cars are built by the same company. Ultimately, the Scion xD is a very good commuter car or first car. It's not the best economy car out there, but it's far from the worst. Anyone looking for an inexpensive, reliable and slightly sassy small car should add the Scion xD to their short list.

Performance & mpg

Motivated by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, the xD has adequate output for its class. Estimated fuel economy is a competitive 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined with the five-speed manual and 26/32/28 mpg with the four-speed automatic. In our testing, an xD with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Safety

The 2009 Scion xD comes loaded with an impressive array of standard safety features including antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints. Stability control is optional. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the xD received an "Acceptable" rating (the second-highest score) for its protection of occupants in frontal-offset collisions. In IIHS side-impact tests, the xD received a top rating of "Good."

Driving

The 2009 Scion xD is hardly 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. The xD's electric steering feels extremely artificial at lower speeds, but it does weight up nicely and offers decent feel at higher speeds.

Interior

The xD sports a functional, well-built and intentionally stylish interior design. Unlike those in the Scion xB, the xD's 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. Being different can be great, and we get that it's Scion's "thing" but we'd rather it leave the gauges alone. Thankfully, other controls are a 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 and curiously are not as good as the speakers that came in the original xA, but Scion makes it simple to take them out and replace them with aftermarket units if you want something better.

The xD's seating is upright, but taller drivers will likely find it lacking 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.

2009 Scion xD models

The 2009 Scion xD is a four-door subcompact hatchback available in one trim level. Standard equipment is plentiful and includes 16-inch steel wheels with a choice of three covers, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and a six-speaker Pioneer stereo with single-CD/MP3 player. The stereo also has an auxiliary MP3 jack and a dedicated iPod port that allows one to control iPod playback through the head unit controls.

Naturally, as a Scion, 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 of 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.

Compare 2009 Scion xD trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Oregon

$181/mo

$206/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Reliability

The 2009 Scion xD has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 15V689000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: C0M
Manufactured from:: 2006-01-01 to 2006-08-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 1814284
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Defect Consequence:: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Recall Number:: 14V169000
Manufactured from:: 2007-04-04 to 2010-05-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 472388
Defect Description:: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 22, 2005, through May 12, 2010, and 2008-2010 Scion xD vehicles manufactured April 4, 2007, through May 12, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the springs used for the seat rails on the driver's seat and the seat rails of the front passenger seat of three-door models may break.
Defect Consequence:: If the spring breaks, the seat may not lock in position. In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat could move increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat rail, and replace it with a new one, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall Number:: 12V491000
Manufactured from:: 2007-06-12 to 2008-07-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 2519424
Defect Description:: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Defect Consequence:: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

Recall Number:: 10V036000
Number of vehicles affected:: 153418
Defect Description:: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Defect Consequence:: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Recall Number:: 10V035000
Number of vehicles affected:: 271417
Defect Description:: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Defect Consequence:: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Recall Number:: 09V338000
Manufactured from:: 2007-06-13 to 2009-06-09
Number of vehicles affected:: 95705
Defect Description:: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 SCION XD AND MY 2009-2010 COROLLA, AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHEN DRIVING UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE CONDITIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SUCTION PORT FOR THE BRAKE VACUUM CAN BECOME BLOCKED DUE TO THE FREEZING OF CONDENSATION RESULTING FROM POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION.
Defect Consequence:: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED INTAKE AIR CONNECTOR WHICH WILL RELOCATE THE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM PORT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

Scion xD Owner Reviews

4.8

60 reviews

5(83%)

4(15%)

3(2%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 60 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great replacement for 14 mpg Jeep

Lancoman, 12/28/2009

2009 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Purchased this vehicle during "Cash for Clunkers" (Thank you to all tax payers). Inside space is excellent; I am 6'1" and my head does not hit the roof > amazing. Got the Release 2 model in Wasabi Green > nice. Radio w/GPS, accent lights are main adds. I get about 36 mpg at 70 mph most times. Looked at Honda Fit; decided not be yet another Honda sheep.

Seats hurt lower back

chadsurfer8, 07/12/2012

2009 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

The car is great over all. but ...... - major problem is the front seats hurt my lower back after 30 min or more drives. the lower back support has a hard bar that hurts. like a fold out couch sofa that has a bar going through the cushion in the middle. The lower cushion is not big enough and leaves my legs hanging. No adjustment for leg height. I am 5'9'' and 170 lbs girls may not have …

Xd save me lots of $$$

kmpennington, 11/15/2011

2009 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Tottally worth the money!!! I have the 2009 model, I drove to Kingsport TN from Hudson, NC...all mountain terrain and still got a whopping 33 mpg...I do have the 5speed though. I loved the way it drives and that it fills up for 40.00. I would drive my scion anywhere short distance or long distance.

Air Conditioner Drains into Vehicle

JRN, 11/04/2010

2009 Scion xD 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

The vehicle is made w/o a filter and debris clogged my air conditioner drain twice. $600 later times 2, I'm getting rid of it. I don't care to have the condensation from the air conditioner draining on my feet!

See all 60 reviews of the Scion xD

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2009 xD Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$14,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

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 Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

2009 Scion xD Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

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For sale near Gresham, OR

2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2009 Scion xD models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Scion xD Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Great replacement for 14 mpg Jeep

Seats hurt lower back

Xd save me lots of $$$

Air Conditioner Drains into Vehicle

2009 xD Highlights

Safety

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2009 Scion xD Review

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For sale near Gresham, OR

2009 Scion xDBase 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2009 Scion xDBase 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2009 Scion xD models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Scion xD Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great replacement for 14 mpg Jeep

Seats hurt lower back

Xd save me lots of $$$

Air Conditioner Drains into Vehicle

2009 xD Highlights

Safety

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2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback

2009 Scion xD
Base 4dr Hatchback