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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  A new tC - 2011 Scion TC
  By Vince - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2011 tC for about two weeks and there are some significant changes from the two previous tCs Ive owned. The 2011 is a bit larger with more interior room and the six speed automatic transmission makes it more fun to drive in the sport mode. However, it does not seem as responsive as the previous tCs, perhaps because of its larger size. One big improvement is the gas mileage. Ive been averaging between 30 to 31 miles per gallon around town. On my other tCs I never exceeded 30 MPG even on the highway.

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  Great for casual luxury - 2006 Scion TC
  By Sitnspin4lfe - May 25 - 7:06 pm

  I love my Scion tC. Its reliable and affordable. You cant go wrong with this car. There is so much you can to to it as well. It looks mostly like a girlie car though. Guys just dont look right in one of these. Replace the tiers. I blew one out and it set me back about $250.

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  Happy with My Tc - 2006 Scion TC
  By DAD - May 23 - 5:50 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive, I have had it for about six months and now even my wife (who swears by her F-350 diesel) likes driving it. The car handles very well and while it isnt race ready it moves very well. I am not sure I would buy this in an automatic but I sure like the 5-speed. The sound system is good and there are a lot of nice features. More importantly, there are very few options - the car came with everything I wanted and more.

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  Sweet Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By Mike - May 19 - 11:20 am

  Ive been thorougly impressed with my tC so far. With its peppy engine, great build quality, sweet standard rims, long list of stock features, and more room at every seat (including all 3 backseats) than a 4-door Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, the tCs been great. I love the sport seats that standard, and the ability to tune this thing out like crazy. Theres decent trunk room for a coupe, and the car looks amazing in black when its clean and the rims are shined up. Cant even say how many great comments Ive gotten on it, and how many people asking what kind of car it is, and then going on to say how cool it is, especially for under 18 grand. A 5 star car at a bargain price.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Scion TC
  By Kerry - May 12 - 5:26 pm

  I just recently purchased a Scion tC. It is an unbelievable car. I love the very simple interior design. I love how it drives so smoothly, gets incredible gas mileage, and how the geers shift so easily along with the clutch being so easy. The car handles great. The car is such a good deal for the price you pay. Dont let the outside fool you there inside is roomier than it looks.

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  First Scion - 2014 Scion TC
  By galaxica - May 12 - 4:02 pm

  I just bought my very first Scion Tc (2014) and love it! I never even considered this brand until I saw the car at the lot. And when I was told that Scion is made by Toyota, I was sold. The design is very impressive, a head turner! Its so much fun to drive and I dont like driving that much, but this car gives you back the fun of driving :)

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  More than you might expect - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dtemple - May 5 - 10:00 am

  When reviewing this car one must be realistic. I feel that for the price sold this car delivers magnificantly. Beginning with the exterior, a quick walkaround will elicit several head turns with sexy yet subtle curves. The interior is intuitively designed. Quality was not sacraficed in order to preserve low costs, and this is apparent with just one quick upon the snug sport bucket seats. The engine is extremely smooth with firm acceleration (0-60 in 7.7 w/AT) while the steering is tight arounf corners and in the city. Zipping for spots on the expressway is no problem. All things considered, the tC is a soild investment that will return huge smiles.

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  Very Happy with purchase - 2005 Scion TC
  By Erik in Denver - May 4 - 5:46 am

  As the owner of a Toyota Corrola, I was very happy with the quality of my vehicle. When I went to the dealership for scheduled maintenance there it was, a 2005 Scion TC. The sporty style and chrome wheels caught my eye, I had to test drive. Sitting inside I instantly noticed the large glass roof and stylish gauges, once I hit the open road I felt a kick of power and the fact that it was raining made this even better. The tires gripped the road like velcro, I was able to change lanes and turn as if the pavement was dry. Stopping was effortless with the abs system and the sound system blasted with ease with no distortion. The trunk space was large and the cover can be easily removed. A++

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  Pros far outweigh the cons - 2005 Scion TC
  By fairlady03 - May 4 - 12:02 am

  Bought mine as a demo with 2900 miles on it, and well be celebrating our 7 year anniversary in February. Ive put 155k (not easy miles either - I beat on my cars pretty soundly) and I have to say it has withstood everything I put it through with class and style. Its like the little Scion that could. Most problems have been wear and tear, otherwise VERY minimal maintenance and still runs like a top. Overall a solid investment, fun to tune (have TRD exhaust, K&N Typhoon intake, B&M short throw), easy to work on/troubleshoot, respectably quick. I bought a 350Z this past February and kept the tC for winter and shopping trips - shes still got a lot of life left in her :)

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  2007 Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By Midnight XII - May 1 - 12:50 pm

  After trading in my 2005 Scion xA, I took my new 2007 tC out for a test drive on Bartlett Dam Rd. outside Phoenix, AZ. It handled the twisting, hilly roads with no problems. The cornering was almost flawless, due to sand on the road, but it handled wonderfully. The tC accelerates quickly and definitely shows it has power to spare. Fair warning, Its easy to spin the tires when power shifting into 2nd gear.