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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  A Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By billp3333 - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I shopped for a few months and tested quite a few coupes. The Scion tC sold me the first time I drove it. I like the sunroof, instrumentation, handling, and especially its quickness. I bought the standard shift and the clutch takes a little getting used to. I am quite concerned about the wheels. After six months, they appear to be pitting and the chrome finish is getting bumpy. It might be a warranty problem. I have to check with the dealership.

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  It could be better - 2005 Scion TC
  By RobLewiston - August 14 - 5:03 am

  The storage room in this car is great. I had four 16" wheels and tires from my truck in the back once - no problem! Love the reclining back seat. The front seats have good support, but the leg room in the front is cramped. The stereo sounds best when it is turned up loud. The power is amazing for a car of this type and it is fun to drive.

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  great car for the price - 2006 Scion TC
  By tomed81 - August 13 - 8:30 am

  I would def recommend this car to anyone I have had this car since it was a yr old bought it w 22k on it it now has 68k and have never had one thing ever wrong with it I bought an extended warranty and now am realizing I wont need it I changed the break pads once and thats all it needed very easy to maintain your self and w a few after market parts its even better I put lowering springs cold air intake and trd exhaust and its def quicker def wont beat an si or corolla xrs but is def quicker than other similarly priced cars I have had only hondas and im impressed with my Toyota although if I could have afforded it I prob woulda got the si but none the less this I am happy with the tc

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  New 2011 Scion tC - 2011 Scion TC
  By clb - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just traded our 2007 tC for the new 2011 tC and so far we are very pleased. Went with Concrete color. Happy with the performance, ride and gas mileage. Love the new interior look. Just a few things they changed that I am not happy with. The headlights do not shut-off automatically as they did before. The windows do not automatically go up and down with just a "flick" of the switch. You have to hold it the whole time you open/close it (safety issue?) Also found odd that there is only one (1) back-up light that works. This is the way it was manufactured - I am having people tell me one of my back-up lights is out now. These changes could not have been that big of "cost-savings"?

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  Best value for the money period! - 2007 Scion TC
  By CARMELO - August 3 - 11:03 pm

  Owned a 2007 tC for the past year and loved the way it has performed so far. This car handles very well at 100 plus mph, thanks to its fully independent supension. No doubt I will be getting a turbocharger to give it the extra punch it needs but itTs a great daily commuter and weekend fun to drive toy.

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  cant be beat - 2005 Scion TC
  By t0331 - August 3 - 4:50 pm

  great car, looked at the jetta TDI but with a price of 5k more this was a better deal plus it has a toyota motor.You can get a better car but you would have to pay a lot more for it. drives great, lots of looks. gets good mpg as long as you keep your foot out of it.

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  Scion TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By David - August 3 - 4:20 am

  Good experience with the dealer. Excellent car; same running gear and power as a 4-cyl. Toyota Camry, but lighter, smaller, and more fun to drive. Great standard features. Great value, superb quality; cant be a better package on the market.

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  Good car for the Money! - 2005 Scion TC
  By GForce - July 29 - 3:46 pm

  I tested the Scion tC vs. the Pontiac G6, Mazda3, Honda Civic Coupe, Kia Spectra, and Chevy Cobalt. The Scion is better equipped for the price than all others but the Kia, and is just a much better car overall than the Kia. Its nearly as fun as the Mazda, even though its thousands less with the options. It is a good buy. You wont regret it.

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  the 02 Accord coupe is gone.....FINALLY - 2005 Scion TC
  By Accord is gone - July 28 - 10:00 am

  First saw the tC at the Chicago Auto show in Feb, its been a long 6 months but WORTH THE WAIT! Just finalized the tC deal today, it goes back for the dealer installed spoiler in a few days. AWESOME head-turning good looks, features NOT found on many cars, much less in the tC price range...dual auto-down power windows, dual walk-in front seats, spring loaded fold down rear seat backs, awesome sunroof system, waterfall dash, beautiful 17" wheels, ABS, four wheel disc brakes, etc! Ride is firm and responsive, NOT harsh. ECT automatic is great. It feels substantial, solid and well built. Its made to be driven!!! Im 6"4" and have plenty of room inside.

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  More Bang for Buck - 2007 Scion TC
  By Andree T - July 26 - 1:56 am

  Great car at a steal of a price. Handling is great; can take sharp turns quite well at higher speeds. Gas mileage is good; I get 28 (combined) while owning a cold air intake. Comes standard with cruise control, alloy wheels, sunroof, audio controls in steering wheel, automatic power windows on both sides, outside temperature gauge, ABS, keyless entry for automatic. If you enjoy attention for strangers this is the car to own; I always get looks from all types of people.