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Newest little Scion comes up short

Beyond its funky looks, the xD is a rather ordinary little economy car but not much more.

Controls the xD's optional Pioneer stereo are annoying. But you get your choice of animated wallpaper.
In Scion's market space, the stereo is a big deal and it has to be something special. My test car had a Pioneer stereo that's sure to be a popular item in the xD's long list of options.

It features customizable digital wallpaper on the information screen. You can choose from an array of black-and-white images and animations, some of which move to the beat of the music. You can also add your own.

Even the equalizer settings have cool names: You choose from "Hear," "Feel," and "Neutral." (Well, they could've been a little more clever with "Neutral." How about "Whatever?")

The radio is controlled using an irritating little recessed knob that can be turned for volume or pushed side-to-side and up-and-down for other other things. Working it with normal adult sized fingers is a pain.

Climate control knobs are clear and placed within easy reach and they have a nice feel to them.


DNA

Dash

Seats

Storage

Controls

Drive
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No kidding: New Ford Taurus is really good The rebirth of the Taurus name was greeted by laughs but, it turns out, Ford has made a good car out of what was the Five Hundred. (more)
The new xB: Scion's icon loses rough edges The new xB, on sale now, is more powerful and smoother-riding. But Scion was known for not appealing to everyone. (more)
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