Overview & Reviews

Can you be cool and practical? Skinny jeans and high-heeled shoes would indicate otherwise, but the Scion tC proves that it just might be possible. It certainly seems pretty cool, with a coupe body style, sharp looks and a variety of customization opportunities for younger buyers accustomed to getting things the way they want them. Scion has also frequently updated the tC's audio systems, which has given it a leg up as iPods and iPhones have gradually taken over the world.

At the same time, however, the tC's coupelike roof line masks hatchback utility with its impressive cargo capacity and a surprisingly spacious backseat. Moving dorm rooms or taking your friends out on the town is consequently much easier with the tC than it is with traditional coupes. This ability to be both cool and practical is indeed the tC's primary appeal, although sharing a reputation for reliability with Toyota (Scion's parent company) is also a compelling attraction.

Current Scion tC
The Scion tC is a five-seat compact hatchback coupe. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard, boasting 179 horsepower (1 less than before) and 173 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is the lone factory option. Although the tC's combined fuel economy estimate of 26 mpg is respectable, most rivals are more fuel-efficient.

The tC comes in two trim levels: base and the limited edition "10 Series." Standard features for the base tC include 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a touchscreen interface and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an iPod/USB interface and RCA output jacks. The 10 Series, which celebrates Scion's 10th birthday, adds unique silver paint, dark-finished wheels, illuminated badges, LED accent lighting, an illuminated center console and premium stitching on the seats and steering wheel. Dealer-installed options include a navigation system, upgraded audio units and multicolored interior mood lighting.

Although the Scion tC is classified as a compact car, its relatively long wheelbase provides ample legroom, especially for those riding in the back. Long doors and far-sliding seats make entry and exit relatively easy, and rear passengers will also enjoy the split-folding rear seats that recline up to 45 degrees. With its rear seats folded down, the tC has nearly as much cargo volume as a compact SUV. The tC's passenger-side front seat also folds flat, which allows the car to accommodate long items such as surfboards.

Though the tC isn't especially sporty to drive, the interior does its best to indicate otherwise. The thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel looks as if it was pulled from a racecar, while controls canted toward the driver further this impression. Unfortunately, the interior is filled with hard plastics that seem cheaper than those found in the tC's rivals. On the road, the Scion tC is responsive and involving enough to keep you entertained around town, but not so sporty that you'd relish driving it on a curvy back road. The steering has decent weighting and feel, but the stability control has a tendency to kick in frequently during aggressive driving.

Overall, the Scion tC is a respectable choice for a compact coupe. If driving fun is a priority, there are better choices, including Scion's own FR-S. But for those shoppers mainly wanting something stylish and practical, the tC will certainly satisfy.

Used Scion tC Models
The current-generation tC debuted for 2011. The following year brought standard Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, as well as the Release Series 7.0 that sported flashy yellow paint, a body kit, black wheels and keyless ignition and entry. For 2013 there was the similarly themed but very red Release Series 8.0, whose highlights also included a sport-tuned suspension, a center-exit exhaust and, for those fitted with the automatic transmission, paddle shifters. Although otherwise similar, note that these tCs lack the current version's updates that include revised styling with a much more aggressive face, an improved automatic transmission (with rev-matched downshifts) and slightly retuned suspension and steering systems.

The first-generation Scion tC was produced from 2005-'10. Like the current car, it was a two-door hatchback coupe with five seats and a single trim level. Standard equipment included 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, split-folding-and-reclining rear seats, keyless entry, full power accessories with one-touch power windows, a dual-pane sunroof, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a premium sound system. An iPod interface was added for 2008, making the tC one of the first vehicles to get such a feature.

A considerable number of optional features and accessories (from the factory or dealer-installed) were available on the Scion coupe. Most notable was the airbag package with side and head curtain airbags, so make sure to note whether a used tC is so equipped. Other mods included interior and exterior styling add-ons, 18-inch wheels, audio system head unit upgrades and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) performance parts.

Power came from a strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 161 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. Fuel economy was one of the tC's detriments, with an EPA combined rating of 24 mpg for the automatic -- about the same that most midsize sedans offer. There was a dealer-installed TRD supercharger available that raised engine output to 200 hp.

Inside, this tC's layout was very similar to that of the current car, with a roomy reclining backseat and generous hatchback trunk. There wasn't as much front seat legroom, however, and the steering wheel did not telescope. The tC's cabin had an upscale look and feel thanks to high-quality materials (for the time and class) and metallic-look trim pieces. An elegant "waterfall"-style center stack flowed into the center console, with a panel that covered up whichever of the many available stereo faceplates were affixed to the car.

In Scion tC reviews, our editors commented that this tC was enjoyable to drive, though hardly a sport coupe. Although its acceleration figures weren't stunning, the tC was quick enough for typical urban use. As with the current car, we were most impressed by its ability to be both stylish and practical, noting it was an ideal car for the youthful demographic for which it was intended.

This original tC changed very little during its run. However, there were minor exterior and interior updates made for 2008 -- including the addition of an iPod-specific interface. There were several updates made to the available stereo systems over the years as well, along with new items added to the extensive optional features list. A decontented, tuner-intended version known as the Spec was available for a few model years (ending in 2008) and could easily be picked out of a crowd by its unique paint colors and badge-less grille. The Release Series 6.0 for 2010 looked similar, but it actually had more equipment than the norm.

User Reviews:

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  Cheap Stylish Ride - 2006 Scion TC
  By Spectacularjax - September 12 - 5:23 pm

  Ok here is the deal. I always wanted a fast sporty car, which this car is. However it is basically a toy. It is kind of like the old honda civics that were made to play with. Parts easily pop off and on for accessorizing, which is lots of fun. The trunk is poorly made, if you live in New England like I do, and it snows it is very difficult to lift the trunk, so you need to clean all the snow off before even trying. Sometimes the trunk ( with no snow on it ) closes by itself and hits you right in the head. The handle to the trunk pops right off and unless you have package tape it will dangle and eventually fall off. Tires are thin and dont last too long, head room, not good for tall people.

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  I like it. Been good to me - 2005 Scion TC
  By since it came out - September 11 - 4:03 pm

  I read about this car and waited its arrival. When they became available I bought one. Its comfortable and reasonably sporty driving wise. I have fit so much stuff in this car at once its astounding. Flip all the seats down including the passenger by taking the head rest off and youll be amazed. It does hold the road and corner well and once you get used to the shifter it accelerates with more than enough oomph. I have changed the oil replaced the tires and that is it. I plan on driving it till the wheels fall off and given its performance to date I think that will be a long time coming.

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  Scion tc review - 2005 Scion TC
  By erin - September 3 - 1:20 pm

  This car is a nice looking car and fun to drive. For the price you get what you paid for. I have some problems with the body of the car. This car is horrible in the snow.

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  Great Car, Except for the Gas Mileage - 2005 Scion TC
  By cummr01 - July 19 - 5:00 pm

  My family loved our Scion tC until my daughter totaled it. It has a simple elegant style. The engine was plenty strong. The standard features that came with it were great. When we compared it to similarly equipped Honda Civics, VWs, Mazda3s, Toyota Corrolas none of them impressed us like the tC. Our big complaint was poor gas mileage. We may buy something else now due to the gas mileage. If a 6-speed transmission was put in, that might solve the problem. It tached at 3,000rpm at 65 mph. There wouldnt be reason not to buy the tC if the gas mileage was fixed.

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  Nice and Sweet - 2007 Scion TC
  By loo11188 - July 11 - 2:36 am

  I love this car. I have had it for 2 years. The only thing that I have found that I do NOT like is that I have had to replace 3 tires due to nails. The funny thing is that it came with Bridgestone tires and I have replaced them with Kelly tires and have had NO problems with the new tires what-so-ever. That can get a little pricey. But all in all i love this car and it doesnt do bad in the snow either.

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  Decent - 2007 Scion TC
  By Mike - July 9 - 6:20 pm

  Bought the 07 right when they first started hitting dealerships. Fun to drive, I4 is peppy, gas mileage is not so great. Highway driving is noisy and high RPM once you get over 60. The Z rated tires that come with the car are unnecessary and wear out instantly. Despite its weight and FWD, car handles snow & rain poorly. The double din radio is great for aftermarket head units. Huge sunroof is cool, but rattles like nobodys business. Doors rattle, rear hatch rattles. Buy the accessories online, far cheaper. 2-in-1 floor mats are nice. Seats scuff easily, not very comfortable. Car is a pain to clean because of body shape. Blind splots a plenty. No telescoping steering wheel. Long and heavy doors.

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  It Could Be a Whole Lot Better - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dan Philbeck - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had my Scion tC for three months. It has good power and torque, but since its COLD where Im at the car shows its weakness. The rear of the car RATTLES like there is no tommorrow. Its like the hatch is NOT shut. Toyota tells me that is just the way it is built. I told them to buy it back then. Of course, they laughed but Im not!

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  I absolutely loved and adored my tC but.... - 2005 Scion TC
  By morrisseygirl - June 24 - 12:57 pm

  Okay I bought my 2005 tC on May of 05 and I was way super ecstatic. I still was up until my engine blew. I was completely 110% satisfied with it and I still am, thats why I am considering getting another but before I do I really need some feedback on the engine. Im hoping what happened to my car was a fluke but any information would be great. What happened was the regulator valve or whatever it is that regulates the pressure of the engine apperantly went out. This caused too much pressure in the engine and blew off my oil filter (while driving) and naturally the oil came out while driving. I havent read anything about this happening but any help would be great.

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  Potential but lacks power! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Bulgdoom - June 20 - 2:10 am

  Has one of the best designs out there with a nice sport coupe. Quality is overall nice and good value for the money. Engine seems outdated and suited more for trucks with high torque maximized at 4,000 rpm and overall poor mpg for this type of car. Engine seems to run at high RPM for cruising speeds, could use a 6th gear and a more refined clutch.Weight is relatively low but there are some blind spots which may get in the way. Its very fun to drive but performance is a bit low for a 2.4L engine compared to other cars such as the Audi and VW which get over 200hp and torque with 2L engines while receiving same or better mpg.

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  Love It, but Its Killin My Wallet. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ScionRox - May 28 - 3:23 pm

  I love this car! It has been nothing but good to me. I have had it since new for nearly two years now. I bought this puppy before it was cool to have a tC! It is a nice car, but it is a little low on power for a supposed "sports coupe." I would love to supercharge it, but Im not a millionaire. It gets pretty poor gas mileage. Ive never gotten the 22 mpg they say you can get. I average about 18.5 - 19.5 mpg around town (about 21 on the highway). This car also easily skids in the rain. I think that is more the tires than anything. But when its barely raining and youre going about 40 mph, you start hydroplaning. That is a problem. The xB has really good cornering ability as well. I just wish I had bought a stick!