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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  Scion Owner - 2005 Scion TC
  By laredo - November 13 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking at all coupes including Audi TT, 350Z, G35, etc. Needed combination of reasonable cargo, fun drive, fuel economy, style, and traction. The tc was lowest on style and traction, but won....., and I could have bought two for the price of the other cars. The car is loaded with goodies and fun to drive. The stick is fun, but the automatic would be boring and render the car to "just like any other compact". My fuel economy is 23 in town and 30 on the highway. Its basically hard to complain about the car, but there are some annoying flaws. The double press "all unlock" key feature is poorly designed. The roof posts badly obstruct critical vision, front and back(a surprise to me

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  Great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By jose rodriguez - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is perect for the next generation

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  Scion TC: Best Value For a car period - 2005 Scion TC
  By tmh357 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I did not believe the car was going to be so well put together. I heard about all the features and looked at the car and wondered why the price was so low. What the catch was. Well,I bought it and I love it. I still dont understand why it is so under priced but Im not complaining. Bottom line, if you want a car with the same looks and features as the TC, it will set you back at least 22K. Everyone that has seen my car and driven in it thinks I paid Lexus prices for it. I dont blame them. It truly feels like a luxury car.

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  tC-mama - 2005 Scion TC
  By ms-stlouis - November 5 - 10:00 am

  One of the first to own one in St Louis, feels really good to have people looking and ask what it is. The Flint Mica is awesome! It has suprising response although a little slower than Id like changing from first to second when getting on the highway, but makes up for it when it does shift. (Still learning how to play with my metallic baby!) Put over 500 hundred miles on it the first week! Really fun to drive, GOOD PRICE!!! GREAT PACKAGE!!!

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  Recently Purchased - 2005 Scion TC
  By Fred Kleckner - October 26 - 3:53 am

  Great Fun Sporty Little Rocket

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  Still Feels New! - 2008 Scion TC
  By jst4kix - October 24 - 1:03 am

  I purchased my tC in October of 07, so almost 2 years ago. I traded in my 00 Ford Focus for this and lets just say it was a huge upgrade! I feel so confident when I drive my tC, especially when its perfect weather to open the sunroof and go cruising with the iPOD on shuffle. Its always fun to play around a little bit and floor it when the light turns green...great acceleration! You get so much for the reasonable, no-haggle price. Love it!

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  Not your average little car... - 2008 Scion TC
  By Tim Searson - October 20 - 9:53 pm

  Being close to 60, I felt odd looking at a car thats the favorite of tweakers. I traded in a 2002 Toyota Solara because I wanted better gas mileage and Id heard that 2008 was the last for the Solara, so it was out. I wanted a coupe, but the Yaris was too small so I looked at the Scion tC. I was surprised to find there wasnt any haggling about the price - what you see is what you get, but the dealer was very generous on my trade-in. I was amazed at the big interior; even bigger than the Solara. I miss the Solaras leather seats and the cushy interior, but the tC is comfortable and the ride is smooth. And I love the upgraded Pioneer sound system! Wish Id opted for the navigation system.

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  2008 Scion tC - A REAL Head Turner! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Bradhere - October 4 - 12:46 pm

  Every place I drive my Scion tC: I find people stopping to look and ask questions, making comments on how GREAT! the car looks. I am over 50 and have 3 other automobiles. Of all these, this is the most fun to drive. Feels like I am in my second childhood.

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  2007 Scion - 2007 Scion TC
  By Tayda - September 30 - 1:10 am

  I recently purchased my 2007 Scion tC, and have been pleasantly surprised. It is not as luxurious as the 2007 Civic, however, it is roomier, and gives the sense of being more "open." I loooove the cabin space, and pick up that this car has. It you drive slowly, you actually average 25-26 mpg on the city. For what I paid, I got a VERY good car! I highly recommend it!

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  Too Many Visits to the Service Shop... - 2007 Scion TC
  By toyota_luva - September 29 - 8:13 pm

  When I bought this car, I was thinking, cool, I dont have to worry about taking any trips to the shop, because Im quite busy. Yeah right, this car saw the shop more in its three months life than my Acura Integra did in its 11 year lifetime! Rattle this, rattle that, clutch disengaging when cold, bad engineering on the glass wind deflector/sunroof. Its like sitting under an exquisite chandelier during an earthquake. Its beautiful to look at, but deadly when things goes wrong. The coolest thing about this is, Toyota isnt really doing anything to fix it. I have an 07 tC and still had a hail of shattered glass fall into the cabin. Other than that, its a decent car with OK gas mileage