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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  Awesome Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Slamms - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast driving and just standing next to it. Toyota put together a solid car that is fun and fast!!!!

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  Consider this alternative. - 2005 Scion TC
  By bencott - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I got this car 2 days ago, and I dont ever want to get out of it. It rides so comfortably, yet there is very little body roll in turns. The design and build quality are impeccable. The styling is both eye catching and luxurious, inside and out. There is some torque steer, but thats to be expected on a front wheel drive with so much torque. The sound system is excellent. For the price, you really cant beat the tC. All in all, the tC is a solid piece of engineering, as well as a very fun and easy to drive automobile.

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  This is My New Favorite Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By XOCHITL F. - January 28 - 2:06 pm

  I love everything about this car. I have no regrets at all. In my opinion, its the best looking car out there for under $20,000 with good gas mileage. I love how it drives fast plus, I can U-turn anywhere!

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  Fun and Value.Rare that it goes together - 2005 Scion TC
  By Winkiebum - January 27 - 10:00 am

  A great car. More power, More Feutures and more space at less than more expensive cars. I love the two moonroofs, Built in CD MP3 player and standard ABS brakes. A quiet comforatable sports car for 17,000. WOW!

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  Fun Coupe for an Awesome Price - 2005 Scion TC
  By dachmo - January 21 - 7:43 pm

  For only slightly more money than a Dodge Neon or a Chevy Cobalt (non SC) the performance that you get from the Scion tC is excellent. It rides smoothly and corners tightly. It is fuel efficient and I havnt had one problem with it in over 20,000 miles so far. I knew the engine would be no problem because it is taken right from the Toyota Camry. This car has rock solid performance and is affordable!

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  Wow, Amazing Car! I Love It - 2008 Scion TC
  By Becka=) - January 19 - 11:36 pm

  I am the type of person who cannot stick w/1 car for very long. I tend to trade in every 6 months to a year. But this car is different. I absolutely love it and have no buyers remorse. I always get looks and comments from people on how much they like it. And it is way affordable for a brand new car and all the things you are getting standard with it. In fact, people think it is a lot more expensive than it really is. With this car you deifintly ride in style and comfort. No blind spots, easy to see. I also have 2 kids who ride in car seats in the back seat daily. Although this is a 2 door I have no inconveinences or space problems. So roomy. I love this car! Its sexy, reliable, and fun!

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  Good Car with a Noisy Engine - 2005 Scion TC
  By 99custom - January 15 - 10:57 pm

  Its my wifes car, but I do all the work on it. Its a good car for the price, but the engine is very loud. If you do your research you will see a problem with waterpumps going out, lifters tapping, and cold starts making lots of noise. Another problem I have encountered is the breaks. They always make noise in reverse, no matter what. Im not using cheap parts either. Of course my rear hatch broke, Its been JB-welded for years now..LOL. But the car runs good and does not consume oil like others have mentioned online.

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  You get what you paid for - 2007 Scion TC
  By Brakefade - January 15 - 9:10 am

  The car is great for the price. If youre buying it to throw a bunch of money into mods however, I would suggest you move up to the Civic Si. The tC has two fundamental flaws that enthusiasts will have to spend a lot of money to overcome. One is the lack of an LSD, and the other is the glass roof. The glass roof makes the car heavy at a place you want a car to be as light as possible. If youre looking for an affordable, good looking, reliable, daily driver with a hint of sportiness, this is the car for you.

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  Great ride to have - 2008 Scion TC
  By xqwerty - January 3 - 4:30 am

  I bought my tC with a super charger so I didnt think that fuel would be that great but I got 27mpg in the winter and get 31mpg in the summer. I have never had a problem with it, that includes having it start outside in - 27degrees with no problem :) The only problem I have come a cross is the vents are hard to direct and the doors dont have a ding gard (now both of my doors have chipped paint) other than that with a sunroof, mp3 wma and ipod ready(w/ cables) radio & kickn bass, 2.4L S/C engine, and tons of little fitures and millions of after matket accessories ready for you to customize your tC means to me so much. Oh yea and the price is way too low for me to pass up, ITS A BUY!!!

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  A good car for the money - 2006 Scion TC
  By John Chen - December 27 - 2:13 pm

  The two major complaints that I have about the car are its paint quality and interior integrity. The sqeaky dash board makes my new car feel cheap. Not everyones will sqeak, but it is a bit common for tCs to have this problem. Its a great looking car inside and out. The 06 Civic was really the only competition to me. I think the Civic Si would be a better buy if your more concerned about accleration, handling, sports feel (overall performance), but if your into size and comfort go with the tC. It has plenty of rear passenger leg/head room. The doors are too big and way too heavy. They tend to make it difficult to get out in tight parking areas. For the price wouldnt consider anything else besides tC or Civic.