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 Idea... - 2005 Scion TC
  By SDMCDERM - January 26 - 10:46 pm

  Coming straight out of college, this inexpensive coupe was at the top of my list. The tC has great features and standard options. I love the moonroof, interior finish, etc. It has a great power band, I love the torque. Its 17" wheels with Potenzas, cant beat that for $17,000. Having said this now that Ive driven it for a year and a half, I wish I could sell this thing back to Toyota. Mine sounds like a baby rattle inside. The hatch, dash, and moonroof rattle even on smooth roads. I shouldve waited for the 06 Civic Si. This car was such a great idea, too bad. I will never buy a Lexus thanks to this thing.

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  Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke - 2005 Scion TC
  By sciontc05 - January 24 - 11:56 am

  Our 05 Toyota Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke of a few years ago, shortly after the hydraulic shocks went out that hold the hatch (after 3 years/20,000mile). The dealer wanted $800 to replace them but suggested we buy after market, which we did but the after markets aren’t hydraulic so the hatch needs more strength to open/lift. Consequently, the trunk handle broke off and trunk release just hangs there. We keep taping it over and over with packing tape but now we have all this layers of ghetto tape. We have noticed a lot of taped Scion tcs and xbs on the road! We’d like to sell the car but would have to invest over $1500 to make it right. Scion won’t take responsibility for the cheap inferior design and plastic parts. We have spoke to them on the phone many times but they wont help us. We will NEVER buy another Toyota! We found a Facebook PAGE with helpful info and class action suit. [HTML removed]

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  Sweet Bang for Buyers of ALL KINDS Bucks - 2005 Scion TC
  By Fixtion - January 23 - 10:00 am

  The Scion tC comes from the highly reputable Lexus and Toyota Family, which makes it the entry level line for the newer aggressive driving generation that expects butt loads of goodies for as little money as possible. How can you go wrong with Scions new approach of pure pricing and no corners cut with butt loads of standard features. The car is absoultely amazing on the road and screams to be taken to the race track. 15.8 on regular octance is pretty damn sweet for a four banger that comes from the company that makes the cars your parents and grandparents drive. For the quality and reliablity you purchase the tC is hands down the best buy of the Year.

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  i love this car - 2005 Scion TC
  By __EviL_cLoNe__ - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. The power is good. This car is way way way better then my nissan sentra 1992. The space inside the car is HUGE. The inside is well designed. I got a different shift knob and silver pedals and the sub. i plan to get tinted windows and black rims.

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  Worth It - 2005 Scion TC
  By magna145 - January 20 - 6:13 am

  Good value for the money. Reliable, stylish, and good fuel economy.

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  Its a "Sport-ish" Car - 2011 Scion TC
  By cowa11ski - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this car used after a leasee returned it to the dealer. My initial impressions of the car were favorable. The seats are supportive and the 6spd is smooth. This achieves exactly what I think Toyota set out to achieve with this car being a "my first sports car" type car. After putting some long highway miles on it there are a number of things that started to creep up on me that wouldnt have been apparent to me in the test drive. The first is the quality of the interior build. The bass from the radio rattles the panels around the window control buttons. Im not sure Ib a big fan of the vinyl sunroof cover either. The exhaust note may or may not be your thing during a long drive.

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  my scion tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By she11ry - January 18 - 4:10 pm

  I really love my car. I have purchased a different spoiler because I wanted a larger one that what scion offered. the experience has been way worth the money.

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  Besides fuel economy a great buy - 2008 Scion TC
  By orlando - January 18 - 12:13 pm

  Besides the fuel economy being a little low ex. Honda civic 35 mpg. This car has a nice size engine, great ride, great sound system, and overall a great car

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Filmnews - January 12 - 8:40 am

  I really like the Scion tC. I average 26 miles a gallon. Also, the car is pretty quick for a 4-cylinder. I ran a 1/4 mile time of 15.6. That is pretty good for it being totally stock. I also enjoy the interior on this car. The moonroof is great. The people in the back seat even have their own moonroof. Also, the back seats recline 5 inchs, which is cool. I think that the car is totally worth the cheap price tag. I think that you could easily slap a Lexus tag on the front, and it would fit in. The stock radio in the car is also really good. There are also a ton of aftermarket parts for the tC, which is really good.

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  Good Mix of Sporty, Practical, and Fun - 2007 Scion TC
  By Harper - January 12 - 1:03 am

  Driving of the tC is firm and there is plenty acceleration through the entire power band. Its styling is great. It gets good gas mileage even though you are having too much fun in the passing lane. It has an original look about it since not everyone and their mother is driving one.