Weekend Athlete: 2008 Scion xD

Oh, the poor Scion xD. I took it for a test because two co-workers (who don't ride bikes) guilt-tripped me by saying it would "totally" hold my athlete stuff and I should "totally" drive it. Sadly, it does not measure up.

Now, I hate trashing a car, especially if it's one someone out there loves, but if you want to buy a Scion, spend the extra $1,000 and buy the xB. Normally I'm all for saving money, but this would be cash well spent to get room to carry your stuff.

It's not just the xD's small size that was the problem. To get a flat load floor (which some people have to have), you have to move the rear seat as far forward as it will go, flop the seatback over, lift the cloth mat that covers the rear cargo floor and flip over two flaps to cover a narrow, useless gap. With other cars, I can walk up with my cooler in one hand and — bam, bam, bam, voila — the seats are folded and I'm ready to party.

Once the seats are flat, you really have to plan where you're going to put stuff, and even then you probably won't have quite enough room. Both wheels have to come off to get a bike in all by itself. I've driven sedans that do better, so a hatchback loses major points for this.

Rating: 3 out of 10

I'd guess this was designed to be an affordable, fun hatchback, good for carrying things other than bikes. On that level, the car is acceptable. But on the Weekend Athlete scale, it's just not the right tool for the job. If there's a lesson to be learned, it's this: Never, ever trust anyone who doesn't ride a bike.

Comments

[Anon]

What a toyota product do wrong? What is the world coming to?

[LM]

Wrong because it can't fit a bike with wheels on? Someone who needs this capability won't buy one, simple as that. Someone who wants to squeeze in a tight parking space or have a tight turning circle - they might buy it.

[Happymantis]

Anon, the car got low marks because it didn't have enough cargo space, in the real world, this car would kick the ass of any offering provided by GM, Ford or whatever domestic company you're a fanboy of...
Jeez, its cars like these that force domestics to step up their game... have you seen the new CTS?

[ziggy]

Get a bike rack!

[Dave T.]

Guys,
take the post from the right point of view. Bill sets it up really well in the story. Some staffers here thought the xD might be good for a weekend athlete and obviously they didn't realize what you need to be a great WA vehicle.
I'm plain impressed you can get all that crap int here tires or not.

[ziggy]

How can you say that it "loses points with us" because it won't fit a bike. You mean you can't tell from looking at it that it wouldn't fit one to begin with?

[Dave T.]

His scale is for weekend athletes not for the car overall. We have regular reviews to say how good the car is for its intended audience. This isn't that.

The Weekend Athlete isn't here to defend himself today so I'll do it but please take the context of the posts, series into consideration before judging the post.

[LM]

office coffee machine broken, Dave?

typos!

I get the WA. As I said, those who want a car where a bike with wheels on will fit won't buy this car. Does the Fit fit a bike with wheels on?

Also, what size bike? I'm 6'3 and my bike is big. It fits wheels-on in my 04 RAV but I have to lower the seat to get it in. It's not good!

[Ken L.]

The Weekend Athlete is judging the xD after using a minivan for his last evaluation. I bet that roominess of the van was still in his mind. Besides, I would've given this a 5.5 or 6 out of 10 since picture 4 shows that everything fits. Sometimes in life, you just have to be a little more resourceful with what you have.

[Dave T.]

Ken,
I'd agree except for the price of the xD there are better WA vehicles out there. Like the versa hatchback for example (not sure if he's tested that yet).
I do agree that it's a surprise everything fits. Maybe we need a Smart to establish the baseline of 1 out of 10!

[AJ]

I am a week-long athlete/bike-rider. With roof-mounted bike racks, my XD is perfect for hauling around 2 bikes, camping, and work gear all at once. Getting loaded-up and on the road is just as easy as any other hatchback, SUV, and sedan I have owned. Without the rack then yes, I would need to find a more creative way of packing.

[JM]

Anon,

you'd be surprised if you think all models from Toyota are absolutley perfect

[rich]

yeah, and it's butt ugly too.

The new xB has also evolved into an ugly blob, a great suburban mom's car not an edgy, cool youthful car anymore.

[bowrider]

I'd agree with Rich. But, that is just my opinion. I think this would be a great car for someone who disagrees with me and is a WA.

[Troy in Ft Walton Beach]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some said the xB was ugly but, boy was it popular. Let's face it... How many other current vehicles are ugly? Lots and lots of them. Personally, I prefer something that doesn't look like every other cookie cutter vehicle on the road.

[XD]

The Scion XD, fits everything well. The old XA probably couldn't handle it any better than the XD could. It could still fit everything. But in some cases Bill is right. If your having to go on a camping trip and all spots are taken. This is because you can't fit a whole bike? Simple, take a carrier or bring a bike rack. If you dont have one take time to get out the wheels. But Bill is experienced WA and he tested good cars and other choices of WA cars, he's saying compared to other WA cars it's not the Best thing for a WA. Face it im on both sides. But a rating 3/10 isn't right at least do a 3.7!

[Caleb]

I own an xD. I am also a cyclist. I love my car. It works great for me. I think a trained monkey could fold down the seat. I have never had problems with fitting my bike and I ride a 21" frame. From a cycling aspect if you still don't have quick release skewers you FAIL. As for the car I am 6' 2" and fit in it well. I also have a long torso. Great headroom. To sum it up if your a big person who needs a small car: Check out the xD.