2011 Scion xD

The Scion xD hatchback has a tall wagon-like stature with unique styling that may or may not suit everyone's taste -- but no one can fault it for looking generic. While the xD is a decent car, few reviewers choose it as a stand-out economy car because many of its competitors like the best-reviewed 2011 Honda Fit (Base MSRP: $15,100 to $16,860) and 2011 Hyundai Elantra (Base MSRP: $14,830 to $19,980) offer more for the same price. The xD is a reliable ride that doesn't stir reviewers' emotions and is eclipsed by competitors in most ways.

The only addition for the 2011 model year is the availability of the Release Series 3.0 option package that offers unique exterior and interior cosmetic upgrades. For a detailed discussion of this model, see our report on the 2009 Scion xD.

The 2011 Scion xD is fuel efficient, though newer competitors offer greater levels of efficiency. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine gets an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined rating with either the five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control and active front head restraints. Despite all the standard safety equipment, its mediocre crash-test results leave the 2011 Scion xD at the bottom of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of small cars. Side- and rear-impact protection is given the highest Good rating, while front-crash protection is considered only Acceptable. The Scion xD has not been crash tested by the government as of this writing.

Base MSRP for the Scion xD is $15,054 and the new Release Series 3.0 trim package rings in at $16,905.