Toyota Scion xD can't seem to get any respect

The Scion xD is a thrifty, nimble, small hatchback made by Toyota. It has more horsepower than its major competitors, and for 2010, it's a Consumer Reports recommended car with a strong reliability record.

But the five-door, five-passenger xD can't seem to shake the image as the Rodney Dangerfield of small hatchbacks. Sales are down 25.5 percent through the first seven months of 2010, and the xD is the slowest-selling of all non-luxury Toyota cars.

It's easy to overlook the xD at Toyota's youth-oriented car brand, Scion, where attention goes to the boxy-styled Scion xB and the sporty-looking Scion coupe, the tC. But the xD, with odd styling, also is no bargain.

The front-wheel drive, 2010 xD has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $15,620 with manual transmission and 128-hp., 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. With automatic transmission, the lowest-priced 2010 xD starts at $16,420, and the test model with stylish alloy wheels, rear spoiler, upgraded audio and other options topped out at nearly $20,000.

Introduced in 2007 as the replacement for the often overlooked Scion xA, the xD is a capable little car with some nifty features. The backseat slides forward and aft to help accommodate the needs of passengers and cargo. This is something not always found in this segment. Rear seat backs also recline.

Fuel economy in the test base xD with manual transmission was noteworthy at a combined 30 miles per gallon in city and highway driving, even though I didn't even think about maximizing fuel economy. The federal government rated the test car at 27 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg on the highway.

At just more than 2,600 pounds and shorter in length than the Versa hatchback and the Honda Fit, the xD often felt spunky in city driving as I worked the five-speed manual through the gears. The gearshifter felt a bit notchy, and the engine could get raucous when pressed.

But I mostly noticed inside the xD the near-deafening sounds of road noise on certain kinds of pavement. The ride was a bit rough, too, in large part because the low-profile tires had little sidewall to absorb bumps. Because of the short distance - less than 100 inches - between front and rear wheels, the xD had a tendency to bob up and down on some road surfaces, such as over bridge expansion joints. But I parked with ease in almost any parking spot.

This is the first year that electronic stability control is standard on the xD. Other standard safety items include curtain air bags, anti-whiplash front-seat head restraints and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist.

The xD earned four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal crash testing by the federal government. Side crash test results were five out of five stars for passenger protection.

The xD was among many Toyota models recalled in the 2010 model year because tire labels might not have had the correct load-carrying information.

2010 Scion xD

Vehicle tested

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger subcompact hatchback.

Engine: 1.8-liter, double overhead cam, four cylinder with VVT-i.

Fuel economy: 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway.

Length: 154.7 inches.

Wheelbase: 96.9 inches.

Curb weight: 2,624 pounds.

Base price/price as tested: $14,900/$19,815.

Options: TRD 18-inch wheels with black finish alloy $1,999; security system $469; Alpine premium audio $449; rear spoiler $385; Bluetooth connectivity $299; TRD rear sway bar $250; carbon fiber B-pillar appliqué $189; carpeted floor mats $155.

Where assembled: Japan.

Bottom line: A no-fuss urban car that can be a bit noisy.