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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  First New Car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Bill Brasky - September 9 - 7:16 am

  This is my first new car purchase. After looking for a quality sporty 2-door car. It was a easy decision after comparing the features, quality, performance, and price. Once you add the features the tC has to a car like a Civic, or Tiberon the tC is a much better value. One of the nicest things about buying this car is that the Scion dealerships do not add any unnecessary features, you get to choose was added features when you buy the car. They just give you a well appointed blank canvass to have fun expressing yourself with. My Scion dealership even drove over 300 miles to get the color car I wanted and in a short amount of time. Plus this car looks really cool and is fun to drive.

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  Awesome car..competition cant come close - 2008 Scion TC
  By CaptainJJg29 - September 1 - 3:36 pm

  I am a very satisfied new owner of the 2008 Scion TC. To start, I looked at several competitors before deciding on the Scion and found for the money, the scion could not be beat. I made several modifications to the car, but still kept it at a better price point than the others. It is very fun to drive with a great sporty look while maintaining great gas mileage. Well worth it with the 2008 changes. In each case, its a great new upgrade!

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  The worst car I have ever owned - 2008 Scion TC
  By William A. - August 15 - 1:16 am

  Although it has a nice interior that is comfortable, the driving experience is ruined by the car catching while shifting. I have had my transmission replaced twice as well as the engine replaced once. This car is under 30,000 miles and only almost a year old! The Toyota dealerships have been terrible about returning phone calls and it has been almost scary to drive. The gears have locked while shifting causing grinding, the car has felt as though it is sliding through corners. I would not recommend this car to anyone! Unless of course they were looking at wasting hours and hours frustrated at their local Toyota dealership. Buyers beware, she looks nice but is really a piece of junk.

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  Noisy - 2005 Scion TC
  By butterflyjones - August 12 - 4:10 am

  I took a test drive of about 10 miles in a 5-speed Scion tC today and felt it needs a lot more insulation for reduction of wind noise. The engine was fairly quiet at 3,000 rpms at about 70 mph. This cars rear cargo cover is not designed for use on a regular basis. It is very flimsy! Also, severely pulled to the right side when you took your hands off the steering wheel and when braking. I looked for the clutch reserivor and could not find it so a technician said it was included in with the brake reserivor so that eliminates having to put fluid in a seperate one. Changing my oil should be o.k. and the air cleaner is easy to get to. All the fluids were full and are easily accessible.

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  excellent - 2005 Scion TC
  By fernanda labree - August 4 - 4:36 am

  I just purchased the scion 3 weeks ago, and so far its fun to drive, very safe, performance its excellent and i love the looks of it.

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  Lots of fun and solid value - 2009 Scion TC
  By Devedander - August 1 - 12:50 pm

  After a rather long process I picked up my 09 TC and am very happy with pretty much everything about it. The basic stereo sounds quite decent and the tiny sub actually does a decent job of filling in the lows. Make sure to hold the SSP button for 5 seconds and change the mode from Tc (xB sounded best to me). The car feels plenty strong for normal driving and takes hills happily. Only cons I can think of so far are that the steering wheel sits a bit low (or the seat is high) and sits a bit too far forward so either its a bit far from you or the pedals are too close. The clutch also has unusually long travel which is a bit odd. Overall I am very happy, looks and drives great!

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  Awesome car! - 2007 Scion TC
  By kellyen - July 30 - 11:32 am

  Honestly, if you are thinking about getting this car, get it. I had it for 4 years, been through 4 accidents, then it finally got totaled last week when some woman on drugs hit me on the highway. The first response people thought I was dead or badly injured. I walked out w/o a scratch. The car took all of the damage. This car is VERY safe and Id recommend it to anyone. I just bought a 2009 Scion tC to replace it because I liked the 07 so much. **I would not recommend this car to a tall person. Im 54" and the car was perfect for me, but my taller friends were a little uncomfortable.**

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  Awesome Car, two notes - 2005 Scion TC
  By Glenn M. Rife - July 30 - 10:13 am

  Ive had my tC since November and have racked up the miles. Its performed wonderfully, was a huge bargain, and continues to delight. Two notes: some folks complain about the "cheap" sunroof shades. Hello! Theyre retractable/roll-up fabric b/c youre getting TWO sunroofs! Also, some say the exterior resembles a Tiburon crossed with a BMW. I urge folks to compare the rear profile of the tC with that of its predecessor, the celica. Its similar, at least to my eyes, though beefier!

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  Would be a perfect car for a teenager - 2006 Scion TC
  By Melissa - July 23 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my 2006 tc brand new. At first I loved it because of all the options. You really cant get as many for the price. The dual sunroof was really neat, steering wheel controls were nice. Good price and good deal, but too much plastic everywhere. Car is very cookie cutter. The weird cover over the radio always seemed annoying. I got plenty of looks and comments, but all from 16 year old kids when getting my car washed. Had to get rid of it and get an "adult" car. Nice, quick, but VERY TINY little car. Dont expect anyone to get in the back seat. Perfect for a teen, which is what Scion targets anyway...my bad...

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  best car for the dollar - 2005 Scion TC
  By malk - July 18 - 2:06 pm

  This is by far the most fun car Ive ever driven. The 160hp is more than ample power to handle everyday driving, not to mention beating Civics off the line. The center console is beautifully designed and well crafted without any dials that clash with the rest of the car, which is also with high quality materials. And with a laundry list of options, and aftermarket tuner parts by TRD and AEM, the fun with this car never stops. My only complaints are the blindspot in the driver side rear window and the gearshift. The shifter is loose. At a quick glance, first gear can look like third gear. A sinxth gear would be nice too. The engine revs a bit high travelling at highway speed.