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:

• 

  Highly Recommended - 2006 Scion TC
  By TPM - April 29 - 1:00 am

  The Scion tC is a great buy for the money. The car is well built, looks great, drives well, and is loaded with standard features. The azure blue color looks great in the day and brilliant at night. I waited three long months for this color with side airbags but it was worth it. The car does need more headroom if you are over six feet tall, and I am only getting 20 MPG with mostly local driving though.

• 

  Toyotas New Prodigy - 2006 Scion TC
  By tbbaot - April 23 - 11:50 am

  I took delivery of the new 06 Scion TC two weeks ago. I have owned other sporty cars from Toyota and Honda. For the money this is the best car I have ever owned. It comes standard with a long list of premium features and screams Toyota quality. If you compare the TC with sporty cars from Honda, Mazda and even Toyotas, you cant beat the value.

• 

  Excelent!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By bayoan - April 21 - 12:39 am

  The car is really comfortable up front and at the back, except in the middle. The steering feels great but the ride is stiff. Still, that is great for higher speeds. Peppy engine and tranny with 167000 miles still responds beautifully. Everything seems to fit nicely. The mpg is not great could be better.

• 

  review - 2006 Scion TC
  By Jessica - April 18 - 8:06 pm

  I think the Scion tC is great, comfortable, and very spacious.

• 

  not your fathers toyota - 2007 Scion TC
  By not-a-kid - April 16 - 7:03 am

  Read previous reviews. I have experienced some of the problems, poor clutch feel out of first, radio door cover squeak, road noise with sunroof open but overall a good looking fun car with good economy and reliability. One feature no one has mentioned is easy access to the oil filter. I can change the oil without lifting the car. Try that on your civic/rsx! Could use a rear wiper and more LEDs on the high mount tailight.

• 

  Great car for fair price - 2008 Scion TC
  By Zed1003 - April 14 - 3:53 am

  This is a great car for a young person. Not a lot of head room so anyone of 62 this aint the car for you. All the available options are awesome and cheap compared to other places. Good handling and well built. The paint is very thin, I would put a coat of wax on the car as soon as I bought it Toyota is famous for thin paint. But this is an awesome car, I would recommend it to anyone. It is an eye catcher on the road and girls love them guys. I would suggest that they add a rear windsheild wiper. I love this car though and I would buy another one tommorow just not in black again. Fun car to drive.

• 

  i love this car.. - 2005 Scion TC
  By shane miller - April 13 - 3:53 am

  i love this car... and how can you go wrong with a toyota. i have been waiting to get this car for a while and i love that i am one of the few owners that i know who own a scion. everyone asks, what kind of car is that.? and i tell them and they have never heard of it.. i like being different and having a car that i never see on the road. i love the whole line up of scions, but the tc is the best looking of the three. i would reccomend to any one to test drive this car and they are gauranteed to love it. its very smooth and quick.. toyota has done it again..and you cant beat the price unless you drive a kia... no thanks. i love my scion tc and i will stick with toyota forever.

• 

  Amazing !! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sabrina - April 10 - 10:46 am

  This is my first brand new car and it is awesome. The standard features are not what most companies would consider standrad. As Ive driven my car Ive noticed all the little things that make this car so cool. All you need to do is shift into a different gear, step on the gas, and you will know that this car has power! I couldnt be happier. And the "pure pricing" that Scion uses makes getting your Scion they way you want it very easy.

• 

  If Youre thinking of Buying...Buy NEW! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Brandi - April 9 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my tC about a week ago. When I went out on the lot I didnt even give the car a second look because it looked too expensive for my budget, but when the representative told me he thought he could get me in it, I was amazed. However, the next day I realized how dumb I was, we bought the car with 14,000 miles on it, and we could have gotten a brand new one for close to the same price. So, basically, if youre looking to buy one, buy it brand new, order it off the computer yourself so that you get the options you want.

• 

  So far has been a great ride!!! - 2007 Scion TC
  By sizzletyme06 - April 8 - 5:38 am

  I just bought my 2007 TC about a month and a half ago with 81,000 miles on it. Ive put a little over 4,000 on it with no problems as of yet and drive about 60 -70 miles a day round trip to work getting right around 30 mpg. Love the handling and acceleration, car looks great, constantly getting compliments and looks where ever I go. Im 65" and think that the car has plenty of room for the driver but is a bit tight in the back seat. Smoking in the car is nearly impossible though. The ashes come right back into the car and is nearly unavoidable so am finding myself cleaning the interior quite a bit which isnt very fun but all cars have there down fall and not everyone smokes! lol