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2008 Scion xD - Ride and Handling

Handling
The xD is nimble at low to moderate speeds, but the electric power steering is a bit vague, and needed input to stay on track through sweeping turns. On the plus side, it didn’t wallow and it mostly went where you expected it. On the negative side, it had plenty of front-wheel drive understeer at freeway speeds. The front disc, rear drum brakes provided good stopping power, and the system was easy to modulate and worked well in panic situations thanks to the anti-lock and electronic brake distribution setup.

Fun to Drive
The xD doesn’t peg the fun meter, but it does move the needle. As economy cars go, this one has enough spirit to not be boring and isn’t a chore to drive. It registered pretty good gas mileage in mixed city, freeway and back roads driving, 27.7 mpg. However, most of the fun with the xD will depend on the destination. It will take the driver and three friends in comfort for short trips, but limited cargo space would make a long trip in the xD more challenging.