Top 10 Cars That Need An Extra Gear (or two)

Scion xD (4AT)

Save for the FR-S, it’s clear that Scion’s lineup is a little stale in both looks and engineering. The small xD subcompact hatchback also gets a four-speed automatic transmission. Isn’t Scion supposed to be a youth-oriented brand, one that wants to ignite passion through cars? Why then, is it offering ancient transmissions in its cars?

Pair that geriatric gearbox with the lethargic 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and you have a vehicle that earns 29 MPG combined, or two MPG behind of the Hyundai Accent. If it used a CVT or a six-speed, like its rivals – the xD could not just rely on its quirky looks to get customers, it’d have some tangible value too.