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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  2010 Scion TC - 2010 Scion TC
  By Loretta - December 22 - 5:56 pm

  This is a great car. Not only for youngsters but seniors too. I just love this car! It performs well, handles even better and the Scion folk are wonderful people to interact with. This car pops! Got it in January and broke my drivers foot two days later and couldnt wait for it to heal so I could get back in my car!

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  Awesome Car with an Affordable Price - 2007 Scion TC
  By Kevin - December 17 - 1:33 am

  I just exchanged Sienna van for this coupe. It is really fun to drive, I test drove it three times before I bought it. The coupe is perfect for what I need with its great handling and speed. It also has great build quality. I dont need to upgrade much because most of the things I need come standard. I love the sunroof, it looks cool. This car also has a nice stereo. I cannot complain about the price. It comes with 17 inch alloy wheels! Its awesome. Thanks again for the Toyota build quality.

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  great car, for a great price - 2006 Scion TC
  By Rashed - December 14 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it like a child. We cant expect a lot with a price tag of $17,000, but we get a lot. The exterior design is beautiful, with a mix of the BMW 5-Series and a Volvo. I think Toyota hit the jackpot with this one. I am not the only one who is in love with the car, anyone who drives or rides in the tC thinks about auto theft, and in fact I have had someone try to steal the car... It was a bad day. The sound system is amazing, interior is beautiful, with very comfortable seats, and great gas mileage, I would deffinently advise you to consider buying this beauty.

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  Love my tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By K Salvi - December 8 - 4:43 am

  I was looking for a reliable fun-to-drive car that didnt cost a ton. My options were down to the civic and the eclipse. When researching these on Edmunds, I learnt about the tC and instantly fell in love. After checking it out, I bought it and I have to say ITS AWESOME!!!. Toyota reliability, 160hp engine, looks cool and comes with almost all the bells and whistles. Plus the no-haggle pricing experience is much better than the traditional dealership approach.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By ozonetaco - December 4 - 12:10 pm

  The tC, I believe, is the best bang for your buck that is out there. I am 61" and I fit PERFECTLY in the car. The drive of the vehicle is unmatched by ANY competitors in its class. Sure, there may be "stronger" motors as way of horsepower, but bang for your buck, you cant go wrong.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By scionist - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been waiting for this car to arrive since Winter, and I bought the first one in my city. Ive put 600 miles on it so far, and havent regretted my purchase for a minute. Nice power, great handling, eye-catching looks and Lexus-like build quality... What more could one ask for? More importantly, what more could one buy for under $18K?

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  Scion Warranty is Worthless - 2006 Scion TC
  By PIssed Off - December 2 - 1:43 am

  2006 Scion TC, normal usage, 23k miles and clutch goes out. Scion claims "wear & tear" and totally walks away from their warranty. I will never buy another Toyota/Scion product again!

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  08 tC - 2008 Scion TC
  By Kimy - November 30 - 10:03 am

  I wish it had come standard with the spoiler. Other than that, I love it. The back is very roomy and there is a lot of storage space!

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  Geat Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Herb - November 22 - 8:56 am

  I bought this car new in 2004 and still think its great! I have taken six trips to Tennessee in it 540 miles one way and always get 30 miles per gallon doing 75-80 mph. I have yet to drive it in the winter though. I really like the looks of the car, the only complaint, is that when I first drive it sometimes the sunroof rattles, oh and I traded my new Honda Civic EX for it, now that was a really slow car. You cant get a better car for the money than the TC.

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  My Scion experience - 2007 Scion TC
  By ScionIsLife - November 19 - 11:33 am

  The handling is exceptional in corners, and the feel of the road you get in the wheel is exciting. The inner design of the vehicle when you look out immerses you in its whole driving experience. Though Im usually distracted with all the buttons and plentiful doo-dads, sometimes I do realize that I am driving, and possibly should stop playing around with it. The car is so much fun to drive, what I described to you is a day-to-day occurance. I dont think I could have picked a more tailored-fit car to my needs and get more than I expected for a very fair price.