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:

• 

  "Think TWICE" - 2009 Scion TC
  By *LiLLiSSa* - October 13 - 5:23 pm

  First of off, this car is one of the best looking car out there. Driving experience, the shifter is kind of high and the armrest usually hits my elbow;shifting, "biggest complaint". The gauges could been a little bigger. The suspension is horrible! Other than that it is a pretty smooth and quiet car, plenty of torque. I would think that Toyota could have done more with the 09 model. Basically if you really want experience your tC, you would defenitely need TRD upgrades. The tc is really not up there with the civic SI or cobalt SS. Just because it is a coupe doesnt mean it is a sport car in my opinion. Its an OKAY car but I highly reccomend the Civic SI; Have you sat in an SIs seat? DO IT!!

• 

  Oil problems at 47000 miles - 2008 Scion TC
  By acguy2 - October 12 - 3:38 am

  I have completly enjoyed my TC, looks great, fun to drive. Bought it new in july of 07. At 4700 miles I noticed the oil light came on. Checked the oil, found it wasnt even touching the stick, but it was time for my warranty oil change and took it in. Told them what was going on. I was told to drive it for half of the normal oil change period and bring it back. It ran out before that time. I took it in, they kept it for about 3 weeks. Said it was the valve stem seals and replaced them. Picked it up ater repair now the car sounds like a little hot rod, and vibrates, took it back, the machines the head, picked it up still sounds like a hot rod, no vibration, took it back, installed new motor.

• 

  Thunder - 2005 Scion TC
  By thunder - September 18 - 6:13 am

  this car is awesome.. but it needs better interior functions... (A/C controls looks lame)... they need to have a convertable version of tC. and more horse-power/ torch-power... the exterior looks good except the back lights... thats all for NOW!!

• 

  I love it - 2005 Scion TC
  By Felicia Dixion - September 15 - 4:30 am

  For the price of the car and the standard features that it comes with, it just seems too good to be true. I would have expected to pay more. I also love the no haggel, no hassel, policy. You shouldnt feel like youve been raped when buying a car.

• 

  After 4,000 / 6 months later - 2006 Scion TC
  By frkkie - September 11 - 11:23 am

  Six months ago I traded in my Scion xB for a tC to satisfy for my need to speed. Im totally in love with this car. Its handling and looks are great. If I totaled it tomorrow I would get the exact same car. Its super fast, I never a problem passing anybody. Its hard not to burn rubber when taking off from a stop.

• 

  Happily Surprised - 2006 Scion TC
  By Scionnut - September 8 - 1:50 am

  I love this car. It is very easy to drive even in rush hour and normal driving. Its suspension allows you to manuever much easier and with more control than any other car I have driven. I love the exterior customization overall looks. I am of the older generation and I was very happily surprised when I test drove this vehicle.

• 

  Bought it 2.5 years ago. - 2007 Scion TC
  By Jonell - September 4 - 3:30 pm

  Wish Id gotten a manual, overall pretty happy with it because of all the extra power windows/locks/sunroof stuff. There seem to be some complaints echoed here that Ive been experiencing. When the tire psi is set to the manual specifications, the tire gauge light turns on; the only way to turn it off is by inflating the tires over manual specifications and I dont want to wear out my tires. Dont over fill your coin holder; a coin dropped into the lid reservoir and now the lid wont open the whole way. Went on a road trip with boyfriend and we were both comfortable. Wish radio were a bit more ipod/mp3 player compatible. As a woman, I like the panic button on the key.

• 

  Absoultely impressed with my tC! - 2005 Scion TC
  By jsmith - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Mine is Flint Mica (beautiful) & I could not be happier with the car! It has everything I wanted in a new car (except leather) - & most of it is standard equpiment. Unbeatable for the $$! Sun/moon roof is very cool, the cloth seats are sporty & comfortable (not made of that "plush crap" they sometimes use). Center console is really nice to look at and very easy to use. It has great pick up - super sporty look & solid feel. Radio/CD player sounds awesome. This car looks much more expensive than it is (most of my friends guess it cost over $25,000), and right now it gets stares (few out)! Wheels/tires kick butt! Not as luxurious or powerful,

• 

  not too happy with Toyota/Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By AndrewS. - August 31 - 6:36 pm

  I have had this car for over 3 years; I have grown to HATE it. It is so small. It is so cheap, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to Scion. The car makes noise, hit a bump and you will hear the car make noise for the rest of your life, it creeks and rattles over every bump. The front bumper scrapes on EVERYTHING. The sunroof whistles, the rear hatch does not stay up, a/c condensation leaked into the radio - I now have no radio/speakers, mpg should be better, tires (no matter what brand) slide/slip in rain/snow and need replacing fast, brakes don’t last the same of other cars. Poorly built car, very disappointing coming from Toyota.

• 

  just ok - 2006 Scion TC
  By cnby - August 27 - 10:47 pm

  We bought our silver TC in March 06 brand new. I will just list the pros then cons. Pros are it is fun and sporty to drive. It is a cheap sports car that is good on gas and reliable. We have replaced only the brakes thus far and normal maintenance. It currently has 120K miles. It is of average comfort. The cons are it is cheaply made. Any little thing that has touched it has left a dent. Also the paint on the side mirrors started chipping off in fall of 2007. The paint on the body is fine but the paint on the side mirrors is now 50 % gone. The rear handle to the hatchback broke completely off after 4 yrs. The sunroof button has to be tapped now to close the sunroof completely. Good overall.