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 Gas Mileage - 2009 Scion TC
  By csigrrl47 - June 7 - 9:14 am

  I bought this 2009 TC in 2008, brand new, I have had my first set of break put on last year 2014, Im on my second battery only, the first set of tires that came on it were awful, they didnt align the car right so I chewed up them in less than 30,000 miles, but bridgestone on lasted 60,000 miles plus, have my third set of tires on them they are continentals great tire, the only problem I have is in the last two years my engine light comes on and its because the gas gap is bad I have replaced it twice, for some reason it lets air in or something because I pulls a code from my mechanic easy fix, but annoying. Gets me about 33-34 mpg if I dont run it hard. Rattling starting. Very trusted car.

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  Most reliable car I ever had.. - 2005 Scion TC
  By Lynn - June 3 - 10:13 am

  I am in outside sales, and I bought the car as a workhorse. I got one of the first TCs made. I have driven my car 160,000 miles and have never had a problem. It trembles a little with the a/ c on when you are stopped, and the brakes squeak sometimes in reverse in the morning, and the CD changer gets jammed from time to time. These are my ONLY complaints. The power is great, and the handling is too (I have TRD struts) but this car has been a fun car to drive/own, and the cost to own is the cheapest I have ever seen. (besides tires)---What a GREAT car!

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Melanie - June 2 - 11:13 pm

  The Scion tC is an absolutely wonderful car. You cant beat the price for the performance. I always have a lot of fun driving my Scion. I would recommend to anyone. I love styling and the way it handles. If you love to drive you will love this car.

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  Small Hatchback with a Peppy Attitude - 2005 Scion TC
  By Joe - June 2 - 1:56 pm

  The Scion tC is so much fun to drive and I get very good gas mileage with it. It gets me from point A to point B with style, speed, and great gas mileage. I love it more than any other car Ive had so far.

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  New 07 Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By RedSandSF - May 30 - 9:06 am

  I got my new tC six days ago and I am in love with it. At first I thought the pure pricing thing was BS. It isnt. I love the look of the car and it feels like Im floating when I drive it. The Pioneer CD player is really cool. I got the Flint Micah color and it looks so cool night and day time. The car has the same motor as the Toyota Camry and has great pick up. For now I love the car and only time can tell what I will think about it in the future

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  Buy It! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Michael - May 21 - 11:53 am

  For me, an inner-city person whos travelling is 95% within the city, this is an ideal car. I choose this car due to my priorities which are: fuel efficiency, safety, and fun to drive. The tC is very fast on the acceleration, very manueverable, and quiet. This car is a beauty, the sound system makes gridlock an opportunity to enjoy good music in a good environment. Parking is never a problem due the tCs size and nimble handling. The power to weight ratio seems to be terribly high - so watch out!

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  my scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By my scion TC - May 20 - 4:33 pm

  I love my new Scion, the only way I can describe the fun I have with it, is that there is no way to describe how fun it is unless you get your own. Scion cars will be the next Lexus, or the new Mercedes for the years to come, but you wont have to pay an arm and a leg for the car of your dreams. Scion tCs are deffinetly eye catching, and are awesome to drive. I plan on getting another tC soon but the next one will be manual and supercharged. I will show people what this car can do, and what its capability is. Whether it be on a straight away or on the drift course. This car can do it!

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  Great car, but problems with hatch - 2005 Scion TC
  By ScottB - May 10 - 4:56 pm

  I love this car. True, they could have used better material for the interior instead of the scratch-prone stuff they use, but then it would cost more. My only beef is with the latch to the hatchback. It has always been temperamental and difficult to open until last week when it finally snapped off. Thats just poor design. I hope that theyve fixed this in newer models. But despite that, this has been a great car and Id definitely get another Scion.

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  Sporty / Luxury Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By panday - May 3 - 11:26 am

  l like the radio,air conditioning, etc set-up, its neat. l also like the exterior front and side but not much in the rear.

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  Its not bad - 2007 Scion TC
  By Chris - May 2 - 2:40 pm

  Bought the car in March 07. Havent put a dime into it yet, I love Toyotas. Probably wont ever own anything but. I like the car over all, but for New England driving it isnt to practical. Has never failed me, but I would definitely like to see improvements in future generation tcs.