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:

• 

  Excellent first car - 2006 Scion TC
  By BigBoi - April 7 - 4:56 pm

  This Scion was my first car. All I can say is wow, this car is amazing. I literally cant keep myself out of it, and all I want to do is drive it. Great speed and pickup, as well as good fuel economy. It looks great including the standard 17 rims. The only thing I dont really like concerning the tC is the steering wheel and the sound system. The steering wheel is relatively small, which causes a larger turning radius.

• 

  My First New Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By DC - April 2 - 9:30 pm

  Has a look that attracts attention...take into consideration what cars are in the same price class and this most likely be your choice. I had planned to get mine with all the options and did just the opposite...my car has nothing added and it is fantastic...

• 

  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Shellonda - April 2 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car for the price. I am contemplating buying a newer one this year because I love it so much. It is pretty on the outside as well as in!

• 

  TC with TLC - 2008 Scion TC
  By Arkie - March 31 - 2:00 pm

  I cant say enough about this car. Nothing is PERFECT but for the money I cant imagine anyone not being enthralled with this vehicle. Amazingly FUN to drive. It corners like a go cart. Accelerates like a rocket and stops on a dime. Living in the Ouachita Mountain area of Central Arkansas, I drive it on a very curvy road for over 30 miles round trip twice a week at 80 plus mph and hardly ever have to touch the brakes. At 63 years of age it makes me feel like Mario Andretti at La Mann. The exterior paint is a bit touchy and the original tire tread life is pretty short but other than that I have NO complaints. This is a car for all ages who are young at heart and love to drive!

• 

  Im in love - 2006 Scion TC
  By JeremyDS - March 31 - 11:00 am

  My parents just bought me a 2006 Scion tC, and I love the standard features. I had looked at others like Mazdas and Hondas which were in the same price range, but in order to get features like alloy wheels, and a sunroof, a nice stereo, the price then shot up. I did something gutsy; I never test drove it and asked for it anyway. Now that i have it, I love it. I love the way it drives. Its got great pick up or for a 4 banger. It also has a real smooth ride, and nice roomy front and back seats. This is an awesome car. I love it and it loves me.

• 

  Great - 2005 Scion TC
  By princekofa - March 27 - 9:43 am

  This car is so much fun to drive! It looks great and makes you feel great!. What a brilliant idea from toyota to market this to the younger crowd-its a toyota but scion sounds so much more cool. Plus, very affordable.

• 

  What a Lemon! - 2005 Scion TC
  By jcf - March 23 - 7:20 am

  Lets see, theres the soft paint that chips too easily, the long doors you usually cant open, the squeaky rear hatch, the sagging rear deck cover, the annoying bright beam light indicator, the horrible stereo cover, the inconvenient stereo buttons, the stupid partially lit brake light, the unsteady cruise control, the marginal air conditioning, and the mediocre gas mileage. Most of all, theres the popping, cracking, rattling moonroof thats plagued my car for most of its 20,000 miles, despite four dealership repairs. The car looks good and runs great, but its so full of problems that Id never recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Super White tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By swtc - March 23 - 1:13 am

  This car is lots of fun to drive, it has good pretty good handling and the acceleration is nice considering its a 160 hp car.

• 

  Quick Hatchback for the money! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Hondaman - March 19 - 6:46 am

  This is a nice 3 door car for the cash. The standard goodies are a really nice surprize for under $17,000. So far the gas mileage is better than the EPA estimate of of 22/29. Its more like 24/31, which is not bad for a 2.4 liter! The fit and finish are great for any car in this segment. Honda is all I have ever owned and now Im a Toyota believer! A test drive is the only way to see for yourself.

• 

  pretty good overall - 2005 Scion TC
  By andrea - March 17 - 3:40 am

  I have had this car for over three years and I feel I can make an adequate assessment of the vehicle. The car is not made of the best quality parts. The pain chips and the body dents easily. The gas mileage is OK, and I find it hard to believe the manual trans gets worse mileage than the auto. I take the car in every 5k for oil changes/maintenance and have treated it well. The hatchback rattles like crazy in 40 or below weather and the hatchback struts gave out on me after about a year of having the car (not covered in the extended warranty). You feel every bump on the road, but I guess that is due to low pro tires. It is slippery in the snow, but handles well in rain. Great CA car!