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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  Good all around car - 2009 Scion TC
  By Bootlyus - August 23 - 1:06 pm

  All around a good car. If you are all about TOKYO DRIFTU then this is not the car for you. I think this car has a bad reputation in some circles because there are too many Tc owners that think this is a sports car. Its not. Test drove an auto but bought the manual for price reasons. Auto was a little slow to shift but other than that it was fine. The car handling is excellent, it feels like you are driving the car not the other way around. A lot of the electronic assist stuff Toyota loves to put in their cars now is pleasantly absent in the TC give you the feeling of having more control over your driving experience. Fuel economy, torque and HP is what you would expect from a 2.4 L 4 cylinder.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By great car - August 22 - 3:20 pm

  The Scion tC is a great car. It is very fun to drive. I highly recommend it to everyone!

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  My Scion tC....a Dream Come True! - 2006 Scion TC
  By streaknzac - August 22 - 11:13 am

  I absolutely fell in love with this car the moment I laid eyes on it! Its basically an all around great sports car for the modern society we live in today. Its a very affordable new car with excellent fuel economy. Its sleek, yet simple design is very captivating just knowing that how you buy it stock is still satisfying because you know people"s heads turn when they see this car driving through the city. Also knowing that the amount of customization is practically endless. It is a wonderful feeling because you can have a one of a kind vehicle. The performance is just another area that ceased to amaze me! I love this car so much and am proud to be the owner of one.

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  It is what it is - 2007 Scion TC
  By Jacob - August 21 - 8:16 pm

  Now, first off, I am sick of people complaining on here about the mileage, yes, it is a small car, and the Corolla does get better mileage, but this car has a 2.4L engine, and the Corolla has a 1.8L on 95% of them. And, most people complaining are driving it to hard, thats the problem. Secondly, complaining about rattles? Well, when you buy a cheap compact car....that is what you get, thats why Mercedes cost a lot. This car gives you what you need, a GREAT sound system, PHENOMENAL Wheels, DAZZLING looks, SURPRISING Space and Comfort, and 60 cubic feet of space when the rear seats fold down flat....it is practical and sporty. This car DESTROYS the Civic Si, because the Si is more expensive..

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  Peppy Performance, Sticky Cornering - 2007 Scion TC
  By Trin1 - August 21 - 3:30 am

  I purchased my tC on Sep 11th, and I regret nothing. This car looks good, goes like a rocket (3rd gear to 5,200 RPM - WOW!), and corners like its on a rail. I added the window tint, pedestal spoiler, TRD lowering springs, strut tower bar, BORLA exhaust and cold air intake to the deal, although Im still waiting for the intake. It seems the bore for the MAP sensor is too big for the 07 sensor and the dealer estimates a two week to two month wait while Toyota corrects the problem. I intend to get it and Im saving up for the supercharger too! All in all, this is a great ride.

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  My Favorite Car Ever - 2006 Scion TC
  By Nawlins Guy - August 19 - 3:06 am

  I have only had it for 100 miles, but I am already in love with it. The handling, the power, the long list of standard features. This car feels like $30m000, not the $17.500 I paid. The only option that we have is the sidecurtain airbags. We almost wrecked it with only 70 miles on the odometer! Some jerk tried to dart through three lanes of heavy traffic, then stopped. This was my first experience with 4 wheel ABS disc brakes. We managed to stop just inches from this fools door. The tC is a major bargain. It has lots of safety features. It is 100% Toyota with a Camry engine. I was looking for basic, reliable transportation, I ended up with all of that in cool little rocket!

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  I love my Tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Maria - August 12 - 9:00 am

  What I like about the Scion Tc is that you can customize it how you want it. Its also a great car to drive, it handles great.

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  Fun car but NOT worth it! READ. - 2006 Scion TC
  By shehob11 - August 8 - 2:35 am

  After one year of purchase I am selling for another Honda. My accord was totaled so I bought this. Bad mistake. This car is built very cheap and if you look hard enough you will very clearly see it. Driving it overtime you will see many things you hate. The moon-roof whistles so loud and there is no fix, embarrassing to have friends point out how annoying it is. But the worst thing yet is the MPG. averages between 22-26 and thats it! The rating is 19mpg for city! Just awful. Seriously look into another car before buying. Just test drive a Honda and you will immediately notice how bad the TC quality is.

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  my car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Art - July 31 - 10:46 pm

  Have one and love it!!!!!!

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  The Dual Sunroofs Are Sick - 2007 Scion TC
  By lively_crab - July 23 - 4:23 am

  I did not intend to buy this car. I stopped at a Toyota dealer after test driving a Subaru Outback and a Mazda3 and I liked them both. Well, the smoking black 2007 tC was just sitting there waiting for me. My son was chanting in my ear to test drive it (I think as a dare). It is a simply beautiful car with plenty of room for what I needed at a rock bottom price for a fully loaded sporty car. I bought it and now I just have to try to keep my 20 year old away from it. I love the handling, fit and finish, Pioneer stereo, easy controls, etc, etc.