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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  Solid tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By meadsa2 - December 22 - 2:50 am

  The 2006 Scion tC comes with great standard features and is fun to drive. Ive had mine for just over four months and I cant imagine having bought any other car. I couldnt be more satisfied with my decision.

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  tBs 2007 Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By tBs 2007 Scion tC - December 19 - 7:43 pm

  Im absolutely in love with the 2007 Scion tC. I traded my Civic in for it after i thought that I would keep that car forever. The tC is a different looking ride, more different and better looking than any Civic! Once driving the tC it blew away any other car I test drove. It is so much car for the money. It combines Toyotas reliability with a Lexus-like style, I have already lowered my tC it will just get better and better as I modify it over time!

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  Great value and its a Toyota! - 2008 Scion TC
  By aunxy - December 13 - 7:26 am

  What a great value! It comes with so many standard features for about 5-6 thousand dollars cheaper than similarly equipped vehicles. The big selling point to me is that its made by Toyota, the interior is practically a perfect design as far as Im concerned. I had a Honda S2000 before this car and so theres not really many econo sporty cars that could ever live up to that, but Im so happy I traded vehicles as I now have a comfortable sporty ride that I can actually go to the store and buy groceries in!

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  Love It - 2006 Scion TC
  By navydave - December 12 - 11:46 am

  The Scion tC is by far the best car Ive owned. If you havent seen one, go check it out. Every corner is a neat feature you rarely find in other hatchbacks. Plus it is really roomy!

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  Good Buy - 2007 Scion TC
  By Rick - December 9 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my first "brand new" vehicle after many years of battling the constant problems of the unreliability of my other used vehicles. I am ultimately happy with my purchase have no regrets. I love how tight the car drives and how versatile it is since all seat can fold completely flat. It also has ample leg room in the back for passengers and the reclining rear seats are also a plus! Gas mileage is decent considering its a 2.4L, and one touch windows and a stylish sunroof also are an added plus. It has all the bells and whistles you can ask for within this price point and it is pretty sporty looking sitting on 17" wheels and can go pretty good with 161HP. All not bad for under $17k.

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  Very exciting car! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Kevin Khaotic - December 8 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Scion tC with fog lights, pedestal spoiler and premium sound system. Overall I am very impressed with its performance. It handles turns very well and has a bite to it when accelerating. The sound system is good and the car is very quiet, and responsive. A couple of things about it though, it has a cigarette lighter built in but no ash tray. It has an auxiliary mode for an iPod but no place to plug an iPod in. These are all optional features I did not get but in hindsight should have. The bucket seats are nice but a little stiff making long rides a bit tiring, and the back window provides a couple of blind spots but overall the car is very fun to drive.

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  KGs new tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By KG tC - December 5 - 12:26 am

  from the second I saw this vehicle on the showroom floor I knew I had to have it. It is beautiful inside and out, and is a blast to drive. No other car under 20k can offer as much as the tC. Not only is it priced cheap, but scion has set up an array of aftermarket parts and service that is matched by none. enough of me telling you about this car, just be on the lookout for the new tuner craze replacement............ the Scion tC!

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  Fun Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By jo - December 4 - 4:10 pm

  Love the car,not sure if the paint will hold up in the az. sun I do keep it covered during the day and in garage at night. Cant find out any info on the older models and the paint on the 2005-2006 tc I have the black color. The car is fun to drive very peppy and has all the things I need in a car. I recommend the car always when asked about it.

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  A great buy - 2005 Scion TC
  By bairds - November 28 - 2:30 pm

  My family has always owned high end european cars, but when I bought my scion, I was not at all disapointed! It runs great, and I love the styling! I usually let my fiance drive everywhere but now I drive! I love it!

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  The Scion tC is an awesome ride - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sciontc - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever purchased!