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:

• 

  This is an AMAZING car!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Kiwi - April 29 - 5:23 am

  It runs smooth and quiet, but fast for those who like to drive on the fast lane. Theres an option of making the car run faster (up to 200 mph). The interior is sleek and futuristic. The exterior is unique. Its got dual sunroofs; you and the rest of ur passengers can RECLINE and relax while looking out at the sky. And best of all, being made by Toyota, its cheap when it comes to maintainance. One little flaw is that the cars body is BIG; theres still plenty of room in the back, but the car takes up a lot of space, making it as big as a sedan when it should be as big as a coupe. Another cool feature is that it was made for young drivers, therefore every owner can make his/her car unique.

• 

  tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Andfx8 - April 28 - 10:00 am

  With all the standard features and low price, a consumer cannot go wrong when purchasing this car. As you know, this car comes with quality standard features such as a large sunroof with rear moonroof, 17in. alloy wheels, CD/MP3 player, 160 hp engine, cruise control, power everything, and rear seats that fold up or down (and can recline). The tC gets great mileage and offers the most power than any car in its class. This car is very stylish inside and out and is great for young and ever older buyers. The Scion tC offers a lot for any crowd at an affordable price!

• 

  A dream to drive - 2005 Scion TC
  By indigoinkSMO - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Scion made this car for people who want to customize. It handles great, even with the stock Potenzas(Anyone wanting real handling needs to upgrade these) And for the price, how could they fit everything under the sun and still price it this low?

• 

  My Super White 2005 Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By DONSCION - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Greatest car out now for under $17,000. Comes standard with panorama roof (all glass) and 17 inch wheels. Sport tires are excellent. This car guhs the turns at 70 mph! Great Job Scion!

• 

  Love It - 2005 Scion TC
  By dlookn27 - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  After I purchased the Scion TC I have had no complaints. Living in North East Pennsylvania my main concern was how it would handle in the snow. I have to say it handles great.

• 

  Sold on Scion - 2007 Scion TC
  By 2nd tC - April 14 - 12:26 am

  Ive just traded my 2005 Silver Streak Mica Scion tC for a 2007 Black Sand Pearl Scion tC. The other "econobox" and "pocket rocket" cars, while trading styling for fuel economy are NOT as practical or good looking as the Scion tC. Pontiacs G5 and Chevrolets Cobalt lag FAR behind the tC in standards (AND offered options to bring them up to tC standards) and the Honda Civic Si is BOTH over priced AND overrated (been there, did that, NEVER again). NONE are hatchbacks with anything NEAR the STANDARD features offered on the Scion tC! Also, ANY car maker that forces daytime running lights on me (Im 52 years old and know WHEN to turn the lights on) is BUMPED from the list IMMEDIATELY!

• 

  bang for the buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By B - April 13 - 2:56 pm

  I drove over 10 different cars before buying the scion. The power, styling and reliability of this car far outdo its competitors like the rsx, vw 1.8t, tiburon, neon, etc... Not to mention the price, at anywhere from 1K to 6K cheaper it is an awsome sport compact. There is also the TRD performance options that are available. Overall I have to give this car a 10.

• 

  great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By craig - April 13 - 1:23 am

  This car is really nice -- i love it. it is a really fun car to drive

• 

  I love my Car!!!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Laura - April 9 - 2:50 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. it is the best car to drive, not to mention the most comfortable.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By CentralIL - April 2 - 3:06 am

  I drive a ton for work and have always been a fan of the tC for the long drives. The car is a bit noisy (I think it is just the Potenza tires) and does have more squeaks and rattles then I would have hoped for after 50,000 miles, but the drivtrain and looks of the car are worth the money.