2013 Scion xD

The Scion brand started as a youth-oriented division of Toyota, offering smaller, less-expensive coupes and hatchbacks with sportier designs. Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020. The rear-drive Scion FR-S lives on as the Toyota GR86.

With impressive interior space, including an exceptionally roomy rear seat (for such a small car), Scion's xD offers a lot of standard features for its low price. An excellent urban runabout, things get a bit sketchy on the highway with short, jumpy motions and a jittery ride. Further, the cabin is noisy and the driving position is awkward. While the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers only adequate performance, it is remarkably miserly with fuel. We averaged 29 mpg overall with the automatic transmission and 34 with the manual. Although some taller drivers found the seat cushion too short, the front seats are comfortable enough for people who fit and cabin access is easy; 2014 was its last year.