If you're looking for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient ride for the daily commute, and are thinking about enhancing its look or comfort with aftermarket equipment, the xD is perfect. But if you're looking for performance, look somewhere else. The xD is slow; 128 hp doesn't exactly move 2,625 pounds in a hurry. Its drive-by-wire throttle isn't related 1:1 with pedal inflection, meaning flooring the pedal doesn't immediately result in a wide-open throttle. Its delay between pedal input and throttle position also makes rev-matching unpredictable, which, combined with generous spacing between the xD's brake and throttle pedal, coupled with an overall lack of leg room, makes heel-toe shifting nearly impossible. In stock form, the xD's suspension is tight and responsive, but its rear torsion beam severely limits its potential to be improved upon.
Even with select TRD enhancements, our xD couldn't hang with a stock `08 xB in cornering, acceleration, or style. We dig larger alloy wheels... but without a lowered suspension, TRD's 18-inch rollers only made our xD look more like an off-road vehicle than anything else, and their added weight seemed to take more away from performance than the TRD drop-in filter and axle-back exhaust could add. An upper strut tower bar was also thrown into the mix, but we noticed no difference when driving with it installed than with it not.
The xD was designed to do many things well, all of which, had little to do with performance. The cost of our TRD upgrades could've been better spent on aesthetic mods, in our opinion, like lowering springs, aero components, deep dish wheels, and maybe some foreign bits from one of the other cars from its litter. The xD carries the lowest MSRP of all the Scion vehicles, offers the best fuel economy, and makes no sacrifice on safety or quality construction. It's a rewarding investment, when kept as a daily driver, and its unique styling makes a bold statement when modified in ways complementary to its attributes. Could buying and modifying one turn out to be a rewarding venture? Yes, as long you're not out to win any races.
Specifications: 2008 Scion xD
Engine: 1.8 L, DOHC 16-valve I4
Drivetrain: 5-speed manual, FWD
Horsepower: 128 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 125 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
1/4 mile (as tested): 16.8 sec @ 85 mph
Est. mpg: 27 city / 33 hwy
Curb Weight: 2,625 lbs
Ground Clearance: 6.5 inches
Height: 60.0 inches
Lengt: 154.7 inches
Wheelbase: 96.9 inches
Width: 67.9 inches
Doors: 4+1
Base MSRP: $15,350.00
TRD Sport Muffler: $469.00
TRD Performance Air Filter: $80.00
TRD Strut Brace: $245.00
TRD 18-inch Black Alloys
-Toyo Proxes 4 tires
-TRD Wheel Locks: $1,999.00
Pioneer AM/FM/CD/iPod: $389.00
Price as Tested: $18,532.00