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:

• 

  Best Investment - 2005 Scion TC
  By Iwona82 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car, in my opinion is the greatest car. It is priced great and it comes standard with great features. Drives great and is real quick.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Betsy - March 25 - 5:23 am

  My experience with my tC has been awesome! I love driving it, its fun, easy to get into and out of. My daughter loves to drive it, stereo system is great. I am tall and it is very comfortable to drive around town and on long trips! Went 400 mi. on 1 tank of gas! God Bless it!

• 

  Cool Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By tim - March 18 - 1:40 pm

  I love my new tC, it looks good on the outside as well as the inside, it runs good, and you can add a lot of cool features to customize it to your liking.

• 

  The Car for Me - 2005 Scion TC
  By Brett - March 14 - 5:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Sporty, quick, perfect car for the everyday driver. Not too much, nor too little power. Front seats are comfortable, and hold you in place through the winding turns. Rear seats have much more leg room, very suprising. I have a few 6+ friends who enjoy riding in the back w/me. Interior is very stylish, with a radio cover panel that looks sweet, could use steering wheel controls though. Safety ratings show its a safe car... the side impact air bags would help, though expensive, worth the safety. All of the std and opt features available made this an easy choice for me. So, roll the windows down, open the sunroof, lay on the throttle, and enjoy the ride.

• 

  Beats all of the competition - 2006 Scion TC
  By C.R. - March 11 - 9:30 am

  First off those people begging for a windshield sun strip: It looks awful on the tC. I had the tint applied at the dealership and was glad when given the option to decline the windshield tint. I started off my car buying experience special ordering a Toyota Corolla S edition. After waiting several weeks I went back to the dealership and picked up a black Scion tC. I am very happy that I changed my mind. The decked out Corolla only had one more feature than the tC, which was leather. Thinking about it now though, I wish I had chosen the leather.

• 

  Scionfun - 2007 Scion TC
  By scionmark - February 25 - 1:26 am

  Great value, very fun to drive, driving is easy on the sole, comfortable, clean lines, sporty, excellent after-market toys, can be personalized, outstanding quality and next car, only a lexus could be better!

• 

  Excellent Vehicle for Price - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dan - February 20 - 7:36 pm

  Drives beautifully and i love racing my friends in it. Could use slightly more power, but for $16,500. i EASILY beats honda civics, ford focus, VW 1.8T, toyota celicas, and more. Interior quality is top notch, and exterior styling from bmw 3 series, nissan skyline, and the new GTO/G6 gives the car the complete edge over others. I LOVE getting looks from other drivers and beating em at the line. Although some complain of the weight, i love that it has some beef because it gives it the weight that puts cars on the higher class level, such as lexus, bmw, and mercedes. The heavier the car, the easily noticed better build quality that it accompanies.

• 

  Should cost more! - 2005 Scion TC
  By sciontC - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I have found nothing in this car to complain about. Value for the dollar sold me. The roof is so alike the one on a Mercedes C Coupe that they must share parts (my only fear - I hope Toyota refined it). The Civic coupe may be in trouble!

• 

  Good Buy People! - 2005 Scion TC
  By KnotKnyce - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for a whole week now and Im loving everyday with this vehicle. The excitement that I get when driving this car is knowing that Im the only one in my area with this car. Real Head turner.

• 

  great car, period - 2008 Scion TC
  By rachel buckley - February 15 - 2:23 am

  Just love my 2008 Scion tC. Im in my 50s but I love the sporty look and the pick up it has. It comfortable to drive yet it still has the sporty feel to it. Every time I drive it I realize it was well worth the price tag which wasnt bad at all. Good choice overall!