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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  Good car, but be careful... - 2005 Scion TC
  By mathu - March 25 - 6:50 pm

  While reading over the reviews of the `05 tC posted here, I agreed with everyones comments but just wanted to inform all owners to be careful of a little problem. Up until a couple months ago I loved everything about my tC, but beware the wind deflector on the sunroof. As you all likely know, there was recently a recall for these requiring a laminate be installed. My warning: This laminate doesnt do its job. My fiancee and I were recently on vacation when the deflector decided to shatter out of nowhere, while driving, sending loose pieces of glass into the car, hitting myself in the arm and even scratching my fiances sunglasses (I had the laminate prior to this). Just wanted to warn everyone.

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  2006 - 2006 Scion TC
  By djmcruz - February 25 - 12:16 am

  MY 2006 Scion tc . ROCKS! 115,000 miles on it. The only thing replaced so far were Brakes,Tires every 50,000 and synthetic oil changes every 5,000.and what ever the services needed. The car does have a couple of squeeks and rattles but in all GREAT car.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Scion TC
  By NISMO - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  The Scion tC is great looking and performs well, the only thing I dislike about it is the fuel economy. When you run the car at anything lower than 2,000 rpm it dosent have enough power to pull, but if you push it to 3,000 rpm you waste fuel very fast. It is well built though. Other than those few issues the car is wonderfull, I would have expected foreign tire son on the car like Toyo or Yokohama since it is Japanese. I will be adding a turbo to the car to help me go faster and maybe an ECU chip to replace the factory one. I race though and expect more, but for a daily driver, this car is good.

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  Good Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Sylvia - January 6 - 2:13 pm

  The scion does have the problems mentioned in other reviews such as easily scratched paint and a little rattling and sealing issues. I recently had a problem where my parking brake light goes on and off even though it is completely down. However these are minor issues. I got a cute, sporty car that I can afford and I feel good about the Toyota reliability. Ive never had any tire problems but I would watch those bumps! Theyll get the under-side of the body before theyll ever get the tires. Overall, a very good, reliable car that gets compliments.

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  good car - 2008 Scion TC
  By brett - December 20 - 10:46 am

  love it how ever it needs more power

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  Excellent quality, price, & fun to drive - 2011 Scion TC
  By thegreatga - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 2011 w/6 manual in magnetic gray with rear spoiler (spoiler made the purchase point for me). After looking at a 2010 & 2011, the interior blew me away for quality, and style for the new 11 vs the 10. The new engine and drive train and hands down better than the 10. Driving the 10 seemed to be like a driving a turd. And the while the 11 is most certainly full of power, it still isnt a SPORTS car. The improved width made comfort hands down top notch, and while Im 61" and a huge dude, i feel comfortable in the back seat, something rare for a two door. The 6 speed manual is smooth, and the gears fall into place naturally, without fumbling.

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  Get a tC now! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Carlos - November 22 - 8:03 am

  I used to be a VW fanatic but getting into a TC changed the way I look at sport cars. I bought mines used with 18,000 miles. The person that owned the car before must have loved driving it. It came with TRD exhaust and cold air intake. It most certainly changed the feel of the car compared the a stock TC. VERY Sporty, in time this car should catch up like Acuras Integra all it needs is a rear wiper and make it 200 hp stock maybe a 3.2 engine

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  Youll Love It!!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By J. Webb - September 16 - 6:23 am

  I traded in my 03 Hyundai Tiburon for a black tC and I couldnt be happier. I drive a lot of different late model cars and pickups at my job, but this tC is the perfect balance in my eyes of performance (160 horses is plenty if youre not planning on racing anybody), looks (I get plenty of double-takes at stoplights), and most importantly, VALUE. The features that come for the $18,000 or so you pay are EXCEPTIONAL.

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  Noisy - 2005 Scion TC
  By butterflyjones - August 12 - 4:10 am

  I took a test drive of about 10 miles in a 5-speed Scion tC today and felt it needs a lot more insulation for reduction of wind noise. The engine was fairly quiet at 3,000 rpms at about 70 mph. This cars rear cargo cover is not designed for use on a regular basis. It is very flimsy! Also, severely pulled to the right side when you took your hands off the steering wheel and when braking. I looked for the clutch reserivor and could not find it so a technician said it was included in with the brake reserivor so that eliminates having to put fluid in a seperate one. Changing my oil should be o.k. and the air cleaner is easy to get to. All the fluids were full and are easily accessible.

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  Lots of fun and solid value - 2009 Scion TC
  By Devedander - August 1 - 12:50 pm

  After a rather long process I picked up my 09 TC and am very happy with pretty much everything about it. The basic stereo sounds quite decent and the tiny sub actually does a decent job of filling in the lows. Make sure to hold the SSP button for 5 seconds and change the mode from Tc (xB sounded best to me). The car feels plenty strong for normal driving and takes hills happily. Only cons I can think of so far are that the steering wheel sits a bit low (or the seat is high) and sits a bit too far forward so either its a bit far from you or the pedals are too close. The clutch also has unusually long travel which is a bit odd. Overall I am very happy, looks and drives great!