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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  07 tC = Great Value - 2007 Scion TC
  By Javed Uddin - June 22 - 2:33 am

  Im 18 years old and this is my first new car. I was been driving a white 98 Ford Explorer for six months before I got this car. So obviously I dont have an enthusiasts experience with cars. I can still say though that this car isnt a Mercedez-Benz, nor an Infiniti G35, nor a BMW Z4 or whatever its called. The quality isnt even close. However, its a great car for the price. All the features are nice and the fact that it has a nice list of standard features is what made me get the car. Just dont get it in the black...or else Ill have to start a crazy rumor like the paint corrodes if you get a black tC. =-)

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  I Love My Scallion - 2007 Scion TC
  By drew06371 - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Its powerful enough and it handles very well. I love the style and theres plenty of room for four adults.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By fbraz19 - May 30 - 11:48 am

  I bought this car new in July of 2006. Its been a nice little car for me. I opted for the manual as a personal preference. I also opted for the iPod stereo upgrade, was not standard in this model year. Its been a great little car with the exception of a few items. The rear hatch latch came completely off on this car just before the 30k mile warranty was up and the dealer replaced it. The struts for said hatch have worn out and I had to buy new ones, I opted for ordering these from out of state due to cost. Keep in mind that I open the hatch at least 2 times a day 5 days a week for the last 4 years. Other then these two items mechanically the car has been great. Brakes/Rotors replaced once.

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  I Love my car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Deanna - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy i bought this car. Its so much fun to drive gotta watch my heavy foot. The car has spunk. The look is stylish but the paint seemed to fade after a few months! My sharp black turned dull. It had a sparkle to start that not so much anymore. Even the dealer told me right off the bat which was much appreciated that the tires will need to be changed ASAP. I was sliding when it was a light rain!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Matt - April 25 - 3:06 pm

  There is no better deal out there. For all of the standard features you get and the power, this car should cost $20,000. The standard transmission is tons of fun and sporty. It has lots of power and a sporty feel when driving while maintaining a comfortable drive. I dont know how Scion is making any money on these with all of the bells and toys that they have in there.

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  Great car for the price - 2009 Scion TC
  By Jakers - April 20 - 11:10 pm

  I used to valet so Ive driven everything from a Honda Del Sol to a Maserati Quattroporte, and I tried to be as fair as possible when rating the Tc. Here are my pros and cons: I have already logged over 10k miles on my car without a single problem. The back moonroof shade will rattle if you drive on the hgwy w/ the windows down (to be expected) Scion cut costs on the frame, but if you can do that and still score 5 star safety ratings, who wouldnt? my tires tread is already getting low. Ill be lucky if they last 10K more miles its not very quick.. at least not with a manual. 1st is done early compared to other light-weight cars interior could use a quality boost

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  My first 2005 Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nadeem - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is very responsive on handling corners and great for upgrading to enhance the speed and looks!

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  Fun to Drive, but Lots of Problems - 2005 Scion TC
  By mully - April 15 - 7:20 am

  I see everyone loves this car, and I do too except for all of the problems! Rattles, rattles everywhere. My sunroof doesnt close, front brakes make a clicking noise constantly, hatch rattles, dashboard rattles and squeeks. it also doesnt help that my dealership is terrible. I probably have the most mileage of anyone I have talked to (24,000), but the car just doesnt seem to be holding up well. The paint is very cheap, the front of the car has so many scratches and chips you cant even see the color of the car (indigo ink). Overall I love the car, I just hate all the issues it has. I will be returning to Honda now that the new Civic is out.

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  Quick Hatchback for the money! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Hondaman - March 19 - 6:46 am

  This is a nice 3 door car for the cash. The standard goodies are a really nice surprize for under $17,000. So far the gas mileage is better than the EPA estimate of of 22/29. Its more like 24/31, which is not bad for a 2.4 liter! The fit and finish are great for any car in this segment. Honda is all I have ever owned and now Im a Toyota believer! A test drive is the only way to see for yourself.

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  pretty good overall - 2005 Scion TC
  By andrea - March 17 - 3:40 am

  I have had this car for over three years and I feel I can make an adequate assessment of the vehicle. The car is not made of the best quality parts. The pain chips and the body dents easily. The gas mileage is OK, and I find it hard to believe the manual trans gets worse mileage than the auto. I take the car in every 5k for oil changes/maintenance and have treated it well. The hatchback rattles like crazy in 40 or below weather and the hatchback struts gave out on me after about a year of having the car (not covered in the extended warranty). You feel every bump on the road, but I guess that is due to low pro tires. It is slippery in the snow, but handles well in rain. Great CA car!