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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  Awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Justin Samuel - March 16 - 4:50 pm

  This car is most amazing compared to the cars in its class. Nothing comes close. The exterior styling is original and you get nice looks in this car from other people. I have been asked my many people where I got the car from and how much I have spent on it; and they freak out when they find out that I have only spent 17,500 on this car. The interior is top notch, features provided are nothing but spectacular and never cease to amaze me (especialy the "to alert" gauges)...I would recommend this car to anyone who is into style and performance. And there is already a turbod version out on the streets in FL that is pushing 295 hp @10psi on STOCK internals...so the car has insane potential

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  my scion and me - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nicole - March 10 - 1:03 am

  I bought my scion exactly 6 months ago and I dont know how i lived without it before!! I love my scion. Its the style that I have been looking for and it has a smooth ride. I test drove other cars before settling on the scion- when i sat behind that seat and i looked up and saw the panaramic sunroof- i was sold on the spot!!!

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  Five star car, three star price. - 2008 Scion TC
  By SATXtC - March 5 - 4:53 am

  After almost two months of ownership, I am definitely glad I got the tC. I used to have a Versa, but it just wasnt the car for me. The tC, though, is. Some people complain about the mileage, but Im getting mileage comparable to what I got in the Versa. Cornering is a blast, and getting on the highway isnt really a problem. Im 6 4", so headroom is a bit tight, but not unbearably so. The ride quality is good for a sport coupe, and the interior is pretty nice; its well laid out, with all controls easily reachable, and all the gauges are easily read. All in all, for the money, great bang for the buck!

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  Scion Rules - 2007 Scion TC
  By scionrules - February 14 - 5:50 pm

  The Scion tC is amazing. for $5,000 you can get a 200 HP turbo kit from Turbonetics that gives you up to 361 HP, which can destroy any Acura RSX or Type-S no matter how much you soup them up.

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  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 2007 Scion TC
  By J - February 10 - 7:13 am

  Im a middle aged woman who fell in love w/the tC after an extensive amount of research. For the price, you cant beat it. 36,000 highway miles on mine. I just totaled it--dry roads, moderate speed. Impossible to correct and crumpled like a plastic cup. Hatchback shattered after impact. I was unhurt, but very surprised at how poorly it handled under a diverse situation that could have been corrected easily in my old Nissan. I came out w/compression fx but it could have been worse, especially if it had rolled. Next car will not be a tC.

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  Not bad - 2009 Scion TC
  By Breimann - February 7 - 12:03 am

  Dollar for dollar this is the most car for the money. Where else for 17k can you get a sun roof, ipod integration, alloy wheels and Toyota reliability? Let us not forget it has a Camry engine too! The fold flat rear seats are awesome too. Digital HVAC controls are nice too, most cars this cheap have lousy dials/knobs. If the "suggested improvements" things I listed are addressed it could possibly be a car with no compromise!

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  My first new car - 2014 Scion TC
  By jhurley2k6 - February 6 - 7:41 am

  This is my first new car and I love it so far. I was overpaying for a 2003 Toyota Celica which I did like but it was old and had a lot of miles, plus I still owed 9k for the car to JDB. I recently traded in the car and got 3k for it then they added the remaining 6k onto the sticker price. I couldnt be happier, Im not really paying more per month and I have a new car with a warranty! Its basically a Toyota so the thing should run forever and it looks awesome. Ive already turned some heads driving it around with the shiny blue paint job.

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  Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By jason - February 2 - 2:50 pm

  The Scion tC is a great car for the price. Put it side by side with an 07 Civic and its amazing how similar they look. It drives great for the money. You cant expect the car to handle corners like a BMW, but it is good. Its a spunky car. First and second gear are very quick. The aftermarket parts by TRD are reasonably priced and are locked in at that price for three years from the day you buy the car. I cant complain much about it for a vehicle that only cost $17,000.

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  Best Investment yet. - 2005 Scion TC
  By Todd - January 29 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had this car for a month now and I still cant believe the quality and features that went into this car. The engine has plenty of power and the suspension is terrific as long as your not trying to go canyon carving. All in all an ecxellent car at a great price!!

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  Robs tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Rob - January 27 - 12:56 pm

  For the price, the value is amazing. It has a great stereo. The sunroof system is very good with two glass panels to let in the light. The sunroof wind noise is far less than in my 2003 Mini Cooper. I drove nearly 900 miles in one day. The seat adjustments are excellent, especially when you consider that I believe the seats are more comfortable than those in my BMW M3. My friends compliment the brightness of the headlights, even with the fog lights off. It even has an arm rest with sweet sections to hide things so those outside cant see them!