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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  More for the Money - 2006 Scion TC
  By Sean Carroll - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  Like the title says, the Scion tC offers a lot for the money. I have owned my car for about a year and a half now and I couldnt ask for more. The Scion community is amazing and the products and support they offer as upgrades are top of the line. The ease and ability to customize the tC has to be my favorite selling point. I have since added an xB to the family as well as quite a few modifications. Please take the time to test drive this model, you wont regret it.

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  So much for so little - 2005 Scion TC
  By JoeJoeAZ - May 29 - 9:03 pm

  I cant beleive what an amazing value the TC is. I cant think of anything that I could possibly want that this car doesnt have.

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By scionlvr - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its awesome engine is perfect with the 6 speed manual trans and gives pretty good acceleration and handling. I put on a superchip and the borla cat back exaust, which sounds perfect.

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  Fun! - 2006 Scion TC
  By susan - May 24 - 5:21 pm

  You wont regret buying this car!

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  Drove It And Gifted It - 2006 Scion TC
  By jayadler1 - May 6 - 12:00 am

  June 22, 2008 Let me preface my remarks by clearly indicating that I am very high on Toyota and at my age cannot remember how many Corollas and Camrys I have owned and enjoyed as being totally reliable and satisfying in every aspect of design and and engineering. The chronicle of events with my Scion purchase I think was unique to say the least. I really only had one solitary reason for giving it away after about 1 year of driving it and I am suggesting that the logic was personal and not applicable to all Scion drivers I never sat in the car before purchase. I am a man who is 190 lbs and wears a 44 Suit. Nobody has ever suggested a need for weight loss.That means I need a lot of room. jayadler1

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  Good one for the money - 2007 Scion TC
  By Joe - May 4 - 12:00 pm

  One of the best cars for the price. I didnt expect a car like this for under 20k. Ive been driving this car for 6 months. Extremely reliable and even my father who owns 2003 BMW, was amazed with overall performance and handling. Even at speed of 125 mph, car doesnt have any vibration. 4 cyl camry engine beats 07 Civic ex at drag strip. A good car on the snow also. The car doesnt want to spin 360 easily even though E-brake was engaged. This car shouldve priced around $22,000. I like the way its steering wheel gets heavy on high speed cornering. Good 4th gear acceleration on high speed.

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  For the money... - 2007 Scion TC
  By Tankery - May 2 - 12:50 am

  I couldnt find a half way sporty car for under 20 grand until this came along. Its bland yet cute and has some nice amenities like the glass roof and MP3 output, mp3 CD player - woo hoo!

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  LOVIN IT !!!!!!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By RaeBeez - May 2 - 12:26 am

  Love my car so much! Really easy and fun to drive! My friends were all like "Why dont get a truck?" When I told them I was getting a scion, but now they think my car is hot!I think so too. I get people asking questions about the car all the time,and people wanting to drive it. Pictures dont do the car justice, it is really cute and sporty. I got the rear pedestal spoiler and it really nails the look!

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  My Baby! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Brittany - April 28 - 11:00 pm

  Before I got my 2006 Scion tC i drove a 96 Cavalier! What a huge difference difference! I love how smooth it drives and its so quiet! It is my first new car, and my first purchase. Im only 18, and Im nervous about the payments for the next 6 years - but I know Toyotas warranty will take care of me!

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  Hes a Champ...He Sure Knows It! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Andrea T - April 20 - 6:36 pm

  I am proud to admit out loud that my Classic Silver Mica tC already has 85,000 miles on it. I know it seems crazy but its too much of a fun car to drive. What makes it even more encouraging to drive it is the extra money to buy aftermarket parts. Im averaging 29 mpg (combined) with the Cold Air Intake even with my heavy lead-foot. My downs about it aren’t serious defaults to not turn anyone away from test driving it and buying one. But its expensive to do dealer warranty maintenance like 30k or 60k; my dealer cost me $485.00 each time. My other down is I wish Toyota spent little more production money on better paint job. My final statement; This car is steal for what you pay! & its Toyota