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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  Best Car for Teens - 2006 Scion TC
  By Khan - July 28 - 10:16 pm

  This car is incredibly great! Its a great car for its value.

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  Still going strong - 2014 Scion TC
  By doug142 - July 24 - 9:57 am

  This is an update to my original review. I now have over 11,000 miles, and not a problem. I had the oil changed at 5,000 miles, I did not want to wait till 10,000 miles with there free service. It was $43.00 total, worth the money. I had purchased the 3M chip protector for the car when new also. The car is spotless, I usually have tons of chips by now, because I travel through the mountains in the winter. I have never bought this product before, I would purchase it again, but price shop it. This was the first Toyota/Lexus product to pass the IIHS small overlap test. They have since resubmitted some models that did not pass and retrofitted to pass. I still get compliments on this car daily.

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  The best car to buy! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Rob B. - July 23 - 3:10 pm

  I recently purchised my tC. I have liked the tC since it first came out in 2005. For a car this small, it has plenty of torque and HP. I can haul four people and have the AC on at full blast and and it still accelerates like a dream. And the room is amazing! I am 64" and I fit without a problem. For the money, this is the best car to buy!

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  Love to Drive - 2006 Scion TC
  By needspeed - July 22 - 8:13 am

  I recently purchased the Scion tC. I would give the handling and performance two thumbs up. I have had a lot of fun so far driving it and would recommend the car to others.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Scion TC
  By mvh - July 21 - 2:16 am

  This car is unbeatable for the number of standard features at its price point. The no-haggle "pure pricing" of the car was a big plus. I passed on all the dealer options except the side curtain airbags and iPod upgrade (which is worth the extra $ IMO). The stock radio is sufficient. This car has a comfortable and uncomplicated interior design. I like the convenience of having a hatchback. Everyone who has sat in back says the back seats are very comfortable. While Ive read other reviews complaining about blind spots, I havent found it to be a problem. The ride is comfortable and the engine is plenty peppy enough for me. It has good handling and a good turning radius

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By dave - July 19 - 7:06 pm

  I love this car. Mine is an Indigo Ink Pearl 5 spd. Its fun to drive, handles well and has tons of features for the buck. I probably get 2 comments a week on it from people, many of which is that it looks and feels much more expensive than it is.

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  Great for Young Drivers - 2005 Scion TC
  By Jessica - July 15 - 5:33 am

  The 2005 Scion tC is a great car. I love mine. I recently upgraded from a 1997 Honda Civic to my tC and I was amazed by the difference in power, looks, and the overall way that it drives. Honda cant touch what this car has to offer as far as price, power, and options. The gas milage well...its not that of my old Honda. I have no problem giving that up for the performance. Its an all around great car. The insurance is cheaper on it than it was on my Civic. The two things that I wish the car had are daytime running lamps and a bigger trunk, but besides that I have no complaints. This is a great car for young buyers like myself. It has the relablity of Toyota and the perforamce and style to impress young buyers at a great price.

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  TC FUN - 2005 Scion TC
  By dbc129 - July 11 - 5:10 am

  The new scion tc is a blast to drive even for those of us in the 40+ range. It has a nice exterior design and sporty interior.

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  tips review - 2005 Scion TC
  By tiffany - July 3 - 5:26 am

  this is a phat car. i think toyota should of made this car a long time ago. thank you

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  BANG - Civic, RSX, etc., etc. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ray.gaona - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I was about to buy a base civic because i did not want to spend too much money on a commuter car. At the same time, I didnt want to drive a car that was only going to get me there - I wanted something that looks good that is reliable, quality, and aesthetically nice! I told my wife that if I could get us an automatic (her choice) with her minimum requirements for $17.5k would she let me do the shopping. The result: 2005 tC for $17.7k. I drove it from southern cal north and drove the long drive home with a big, big smile on my face. My wife just saw it today - and shes in love with it. Thanks Scion for a bad ass little car.