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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  At least it looks sporty... - 2005 Scion TC
  By big Dog Davidson - May 31 - 9:10 pm

  Ok, here goes. Ive had this car for 3 years. I live in the southwest and it gets hot. The air in this car doesnt get cold, I guess its too much Glass to effectively cool also my sun-visor broke 3 months ago. I agree the skin is too weak to absorb any impact. You will find within weeks that the acres of smooth well fitted sheet metal are too much temptation for rude parking neighbors to resist. I have so many dents and dings I lost count, and I park far away from the doors! The engine is good for the price. But its def not a sports car. Then handling is "so, so". Biggest complaint is Toyotas "debilitating" maintenance schedule. Unless your name is Rockefeller dont plan on keeping up.

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  Bad paint - 2008 Scion TC
  By Terry - May 20 - 8:23 am

  I have only put 5,000 miles on the car. I do 90% highway driving and at 65 mph get 32-34 mpg. Its a good looking car, comfortable, has decent performance with good mileage for performance level. The biggest problem is the paint is thin and gets a lot of chips and this is in summer time driving. I have noted this chip comment from several reviews dating back to the orginal car and would think that Toyota would fix the problem by 2008!

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  Good for a Small Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By Mike - April 29 - 9:33 am

  Overall the Scion tC is a good car, although it is not the best car for me. At first I loved everything about the car but the more I used it the more I realized how little space was actually available in it. It has a great 4-cylinder engine that is quicker than you would expect. The ride is a little rough and the seats are not very comfortable. However, the interior visually is very appealing. One note: I got the Scion Sirius installation when I bought the car--big mistake! The radio flashed the antenna and neither the dealer or Scion could help. I eventually I re-routed the antenna and installed a plug and play Sirius tuner and quit using the Scion installed one.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By Oz - April 27 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased my tC a year and a half ago, it now has 32,xxx miles. Stepping down to this economy car from my 1990 LS 400 with 200,xxx miles was a wise decision, especially with skyrocketing gas prices. I average around 26-28 mpg mostly highway, my highest on single tank was 32 mpg. I once fit 3 adult friends + me + mountain bike in it. I replaced the hatch struts at 30,000 miles =( . Also, it has spongy brakes. The large tire / fender gap makes it feel like I am driving an SUV. Please remember that the tC is an economy car and in stock form is a nice daily driver. It has a soft suspension and seat belt buzzer. Many of the tCs pitfalls can be remedied with upgrades. The tC is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and sportiness (or lack thereof). I am happy with my purchase.

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  Lovin my TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Loving it! - April 3 - 12:53 pm

  I purchased my car brand new in 10/06. Its been almost 2 years and I have over 60k miles on it. I drive it mostly on the highway and I dont care for the amount of noise from the sunroof (event when its closed). I have also had a problem with the molding between the windshield and the sunroof. It has blown off twice! The drivers seat broke about a month after I had the vehicle and the dealership had to replace the entire thing! My tc is great in any driving condition and I love the speed I get from it. I always feel safe driving it and I love the way it handles! Except for the few minor things I absolutely love the car! I just wish it came with a better warranty.

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  Rattles and Rattles but Good Reliability - 2007 Scion TC
  By Tib - March 17 - 6:53 am

  This car is a poorly made car but reliable as all can be. After the first month my radio door started squeaking. The first day that it was below 25 degrees you could hear what sounds to be a bolt snapping against the windshield...3 warranty claims later and still does it. The drivers mirror vibrated like you wouldnt believe so that was replaced under warranty. The trunk rattles so much it will make you go mad. The gears are too small, with a different 5th gear this car would easily get 40+mpg. At 70mph in fifth Im at 3700rpm. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone with my experience without corrections to these areas.

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  Better Than Expected - 2007 Scion TC
  By Drifter123 - February 7 - 9:43 am

  This is the best car out there for such a low price. Its fun to drive. It accelerates very quickly. Its reliability is questionable though. The engine should last a long time because its a Toyota Camry engine. The body seems a little too plastic. Overall, its a great valued car. I recommend it to anyone on a tight budget or who likes to tune cars.

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  Items to be aware of... - 2006 Scion TC
  By Anjanette - February 5 - 3:26 am

  We bought our tC new. We do love it but there are some build quality issues that need to be dealt with. The back panel, at the trunk release, broke off. The C-pillar air bag covers have popped off. The vent fan squeals and sometimes has stopped (thats fun in the blazing summer). Our breaks needed to be replaced at 33k miles and we dont drive hard or jam our foot into them. The tires are low profile and develop breaks in the sidewall radials easily if a hole or other bump is hit just right. The tires are also expensive and dont gain traction well on wet pavement and easily break loose. With continued use the seats dont stay in place when slid forward when accessing the back seat.

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  Scion tC 2008 vs 2009 - 2009 Scion TC
  By Chris - January 29 - 2:23 am

  They pretty much look the same but I did notice some slight differences. For one, the seats are darker. When you put the A/C to the coldest position, it says “A/C Max.” If you have a manual transmission, the shifting is a lot easier in the 2009 than the 2008. I think the gears also rev higher in the 2009. Other than that, they are pretty much the same.

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  great car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Im - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I am more happy than Lexus RX330 I had for a year. Lexus is a great car but it was just too pampering that I felt old in that car. This little tC has some stuff young people will enjoy and the design that even snobby architects (my coworkers) will love.