Several consumer blog sites claim that the xD out-performs and looks more appealing than its comparables on the market. A 1.8L 2ZR-FE inline 4-cylinder engine produces up to 128 horsepower. This level of power simply fails to beat the competition. Nevertheless, the xD has been flying off of sales lots. The reason could easily be the impressive gas mileage with 26 city MPG and 32 highway MPG. Those numbers are equal or better than some hybrid models on the market.

Scion, a division of Toyota, is fairly happy with the popularity of their vehicle. Of course, Toyota has its own adaptation of the xD - the Yaris. Critics claim that the xD is merely a longer version of the Yaris. However, Scion refutes that; saying that the xD is an individual and not a replica of another model. The Scion brand is marketed to a younger consumer, and the xD is at the forefront in 2008. Extensive customization is available on the xD, and Scion knows that younger buyers can never have enough options.

Some consumers adore the manufacturer’s distinctive design choices, while others absolutely abhor the maker’s signature boxy style. Either way, Scion has certainly made its mark on the automobile industry, and the release of the Scion xD was no exception. Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 2007, the xD replaced Scion’s earlier xA. The five-door hatchback has an unusual squared-off style that is completely unique to Scion.

Rounding out the available product line is the Scion xA, a well-built, quiet-running, gas-sipping, sedan. The xA may not have the street creds of the xB or tC, but it is still a nice looking machine, and it gets 32mpg city, 38mpg highway. Toyota believes it has addressed some of the desires of gen x and y with its Scion line of cars. Judging by the number of Scions we see on the street these days, one believes Toyota got it right.

Owning a Scion is a way for an individual to separate himself from the conservative, establishment image of Toyota while feeling he has made a quality purchase. Scion allows its owners to “personalize” their Scion xB by ordering an Exterior Ground Effects Kit which includes a front air dam, rocker panel extensions, and a chrome exhaust extension to be installed at the dealership or authorized shop.

Scion has the sports coupe segment covered with its tC 2-door, with a respectable 2.4 liter engine that rips up the asphalt with 160 hp. Personalize your tC with over 35 optional features including iPod controls mounted in the steering wheel. We think it was generous of Scion to offer on the Scion tC, a standard Panoramic moonroof - Ah-Oooo.

Shanghai Auto Show is the Florid hatchback from China’s Great Wall Motors. What’s surprising about the Florid is the fact that it actually copies the design of two vehicles, bonding in a uniquely Chinese way, the body of a Scion xA to the front end of a current generation Toyota Yaris. Inside, the Chinese automaker preferred to keep things simple, maintaining the original Scion xA’s dashboard layout.

Toyota’s seemingly youthful Scion brand has cranked out more limited/special edition models than we can remember, but it all it comes to an end for this year with the market launch of the new xD Release Series 2.0 that’s due to arrive at dealer showrooms later this month. Scion said that it will only build 1,600 units of the xD RS 2.0 that is offered exclusively in what the firm calls ‘Electric Wasabi’ green exterior paint. More like ‘washed out green’ if you ask us, but whatev.