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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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Scion TC
  By E. A. DALY - July 22 - 10:00 am

  A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE AND OWN. THE COLOR SELECTIONS ARE WONDERFUL AND THE STANDARD OPTIONS ARE MORE THAN ON ANY OTHER CAR WE LOOK AT. tHE SCION TC WE BE A GREAT FIRST OWNER CAR FOR A GROWNING FAMILY.

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  The Best I Have - 2005 Scion TC
  By RASSPEED - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I Love My Tc it is better than I imagined

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  tCs Own Civics - 2007 Scion TC
  By XtcFast - July 12 - 10:56 pm

  Im 18 years old and this is my first real car. I had a 1990 Nissan Maxima for a while. This car is everything I wanted and more. It looks nice inside and out, has enough power to have fun, everything is high quality, and its fully loaded bone stock all for under $18,000. This car is best car you can get under $20,000, no other company will have two moonroofs, 17 inch rims, keyless entry, and a MP3 headunit come stock. The car has nice pickup especially 2nd gear and its ride is sooooo smooth. Its like youre gliding. I recommend this car for anyone.

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  I love my Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By Julie Stringham - July 9 - 11:56 pm

  I compared several other cars before deciding on this one. None would give me the initial "umph" on takeoff I like (within my price range and MPG I need) except the Scion tC. It doesnt have a bunch of bells and whistles, and it would be nice if it gave me more mpg, but I love driving this fun car and it didnt break the bank.

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  wow - 2009 Scion TC
  By lilj89 - July 5 - 10:53 am

  Very impressed with the tc I love the sound system and how quick it accelerates when you downshift I love the sunroof and the reclining back seats (even though Im never in the back LOL) on thing I was a little disappointed on was the fuel economy for a 4 cylinder the fuel economy was not what I expected but all in all it is a great car. Plan to start modding it soon and there is so many things you can buy its amazing scion did real good on the tc

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  Scion TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Angela - July 4 - 12:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle several months ago and so far I am satisfied with it. I love the design of the car, but the driver seat sits strange next to the window and it seems you have to sit a ways back or it seemes as if in the windshield. It is very sporty and seats are not very comfy at all. It has pioneer stereo in it and I replaced it because even though Pioneer it was the cheapest and sounded horrible. The gas mileage seems really high for a small 4cyl car. I get less than it says I should. The 2 sunroofs are neat and only one opens and it is very loud when open. The ac is also very loud when on. The car is cute and it great for the money and is dependable because it is practically Toy.

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  TC Love - 2005 Scion TC
  By Missy - June 25 - 8:30 am

  Everyone how asks me about my car is surprised when I tell them its a Scion, they think its a more expensive car. Ive heard everything from Lexus IS300 to that Mercedes hatchback!

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  Hate to Say Goodnight - 2005 Scion TC
  By David - June 22 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car so much. I heard a lot about it before I bought it and man everything I heard about and read is so true. The car has an excellent take off response and is so smooth off the line. Its handling is tight and the car has no vibrations. I would recommend this car because once you drive it you cant leave it alone, you want to keep on going. Plus the after market accessories are worth it alone. You can make the car hotter than it already is, a lot hotter. The options are endless. Next summer I plan to add Lambo doors and drop the car about 1 1/2 inches with a full body kit and to install the supercharger. I hope you decide on the tC. Have fun safely.

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  Not bad - 2005 Scion TC
  By anthony - June 21 - 10:00 pm

  Its a nice car, but it has a few designer flaws. But the car handles well, its a smooth ride with no problems.

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  let down - 2005 Scion TC
  By luv1sight - June 10 - 10:00 am

  When i heard and saw the coupe tC i flipped, this was my car! I bought one and was let down. While the pick up ,design, interior, safety were everything i hoped for the car was just not enjoyable. The biggest problem was visibility! I cant see past the enormous dash,at least foot and a half! and the hood dips so fast it will make your head spin. When you turn around the visibility gets worse. The heater is blocking the rear window making the visibility as good as one of the old cadilac eldorados. While around me was spacious, i feel like im going to bang my head, and i am only 510. If they work out these major problems this will be the best car,