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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  Nice Car, Some Problems - 2005 Scion TC
  By Blake - November 21 - 10:56 am

  I like my 05 tC, for the options you couldnt beat the price. However there are some issues that irk me. I have driven six tCs, two on a regular basis for about a year now. I find that each one is different in terms of performance, shifting, handling, etc. Some to the extent they feel like a completely different car. This inconsitency along with several interior and exterior flaws in workmanship/craftmanship (poor seams on seats, thin paint, rattles, whistiling sunroof) lead me to believe that Toyota has lost a lot in terms of quality control compared to my previous 93 Camry and 85 Celica.

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  Scion tC, if your taller than 5 5" - 2005 Scion TC
  By dave burge - November 19 - 8:30 am

  If your taller than 5 5", this car is probably not for you. Im 5 10" tall and I have had the seats in every position. There is no position that I am comfortable in. The steering wheel is too far forward for the average height of a man. When the steering wheel is in a comfortable position my legs are in the birthing position and very cramped. When my legs are comfortable, my arms are fully extended. Dont even think about being able to recline the drivers seat, youll never reach the steering wheel. Toyota needs to take men who are taller than 5 5" into consideration when designing vehicles. Otherwise the car is excellent in all other aspects, but the lack of comfort ruins the whole car for me.

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  Faster than a Supra! - 2005 Scion TC
  By hachiroku - November 18 - 3:16 pm

  I have an 05 tC and an 88 Supra. R&T tested both cars in the year they were produced, the tC was 7.8 to 60, the Supra 7.9. The car handles like its on rails, the stock tires are very good. The build quality is very good, but there is a rattle in the dash when its cold (surprise...). Driveability is extremely good. Except for being a little taller and being FWD this car is as much a blast as my 85 Corolla GTS was. The stock sound system is good, better speakers like Quarts make it excellent.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Julie - November 2 - 11:00 am

  This little car handles so well and has plenty of pick up when you need it. It does have 2 blindspots but if you adjust your mirrors well you should be fine. It is a fun car to drive and great stereo sound. A lot of car for your money.

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  I love my Scion TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Shelley - October 28 - 10:30 pm

  Other than the air-conditioner needing a bit more "kick", and the color of the interior / nylon seats, I love my Scion tC! I drive it all the time, and it is economical and really fun to drive. I am 52 years old..and feel like the LIttle Ol Lady from Pasedena! I love the pickup speed and the versatility of the whole car.

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  Great car but not for all - 2007 Scion TC
  By buckeyedrifter - October 15 - 2:33 am

  I had to get rid of my TC 2.5 years because of an accident so I figured now would be a good time to write a review. Things I liked: Fun car to drive Great car to learn/relearn manual Very flexible so easy to haul big things Things I didnt like: Not very good in rain/snow Tires wore out too quickly Mileage would go down unless driven on perfect road Bottom line: This is a great car for a small commute and if you want to learn manual. But there are better cars IMO. I bought this car after having a 97 Civic for 9 years and the Civic would drive no differently rain or shine and I always got the same mileage even with my foot all the way down. Tuner parts are expensive too.

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  Fun 2 Drive - 2007 Scion TC
  By andyhaines - October 12 - 10:06 pm

  This is my first time with Scion. I love the car more every day. I cant wait for it to warm up so that I can open up the sunroof.

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  Good For the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Peter - October 12 - 8:40 pm

  Im 17 years old and my mom just bought me this car. The car is very good in all of its aspects, it can go fast, beleive me, handles well and love the way you can modify it at the dealership. The car audio system is some what overrated because they are hyping it up because of its pioneer sound but the bass isnt realy there so dont expect the best sound in the world but it is good. The car suits me very well and have had no problems with it so i would recomend it for people.

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  Bazooka Problems - 2005 Scion TC
  By PhantomsSgt - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I like almost everything about the car minus the Bazooka speaker installed in the rear. Discovered a problem on one rainy Guam night. The spare tire and accessories are impossible to reach unless you disassemble the bazooka and remove it. Remove the speaker grill, take six screws out around the speaker, search for two bolts in the interior of the box and remove, disconnect the wiring harness. I reinstalled mine loose with a cargo strap over it. Ugly but effective. Duhhhh Bazooka, Quick Disconnects maybe?

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  Great Car for the Money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Scot - August 21 - 9:10 am

  One of the happiest days for me was when I drove away with a new 05 Scion tC. Its an all around great car and when it comes to durability, the fact that its a Toyota speaks for itself. It has some pretty good power thanks to Toyotas modifying the Camry engine to boost the torque. The only complaint that I have are the following: the sunroof rattles (Toyota mechanics were baffled and couldnt fix it), it has loud engine noise, the seat material is cheap and uncomfortable, it has ultra-cheap side mirrors and sunroof cover, and finally... the paint and interior plastic scratches easily. Still, these were minor problems and for the money, you get all the goodies for the biggest bang for your buck!