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:

• 

  Some Serious Design Flaws - 2007 Scion TC
  By soooner1 - February 13 - 11:06 pm

  Sunroof rattled badly from day 1, as did wind deflector. Very irritating with no fix offered at dealers. Service bulletin recommendation may/may not work. Dash is stretched too thin and can see undergrid - appears wavy. Got worse after about 3 months. No dealer support for problem, yet seriously reduces value of vehicle. Ride is a little stiff and road noise is almost intolerable. A little higher profile tire on a 1" smaller diameter wheel might have done it.

• 

  Perfection on wheels - 2005 Scion TC
  By TCowner - February 12 - 7:53 am

  I have moved from the Forn Mustang to the Scion TC and must say I can feel the difference. I dont really want to say how much I enjoy this car in hopes that everyone doesnt go out and buy one, I like the idea of looking special on the road and not common place, but the SCION nation is here, and we are enjoying the ride.

• 

  Not Just For Teenagers - 2006 Scion TC
  By Sue - February 11 - 7:20 am

  I have read all the reviews about this being a great car for teenagers, but Im in my late 40s, and I love it, too! Roomy, dependable, FUN to drive (we old-timers like to have fun rides, too, you know!). Great interior design, especially the radio cover and SSP choices for audio. Lots of room in back for teenage kids + gear, and very comfortable for them with the reclining rear seats. Plenty of storage space, especially with the rear seats folded, and more than any other vehicle Ive ever owned with the front passenger seat folded. I went looking for a cheap, high gas mileage, family car, and feel like I have a luxury car!

• 

  A Great Value - 2005 Scion TC
  By Thom - February 8 - 9:53 am

  Enjoyed buying this car no dealing about price. What they price it at that is what you pay. Lots of standards for the price, and has Toyota quality behind it. Has a powerful engine for a small car. Handling is excellent.Would recomend this car to a friend. I really made a good decision on this purchase.

• 

  Not Feeling My tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Mllipsey - January 28 - 3:40 am

  I have had this car from 77 miles to 57000 miles and I have been trying to get rid of it since 5000 miles. I must admit the car is fun to drive at times but compared to 75% of the other cars on the road its not much power under the hood. The only time I feel like its fast is when I am the only car on the road. The gas mileage stinks, I get 265 out of a full tank and the dealership tells me its because of "winter" gas in the winter and "summer" gas in the summer. The worst part is that loud whistling from the sunroof that toyota refuses to look at unless I pay them. Its time for me to move on.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By LostInDigital - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3 days. I love everything about it. Its fun to drivel great low end power; nice interior; great stock wheels; good stock sound. For the price it is the best deal out there right now. HAVE FUN!

• 

  Driven - 2005 Scion TC
  By CTimersq7 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is great to drive, first week I had it drove form St. Louis to pensacola, awesome ride. Cosiderable change from a truck, totally worth it.

• 

  Best in Small Car Its Class - 2006 Scion TC
  By O - January 21 - 11:56 pm

  Before I bought the \tC I researched and test drove the Civic, RSX, and Eclipse. The tC offers the most interior room and most back seat comfort by far. It doesn’t handle at all like a sports car, but the ride is smooth, its acceleration is peppy and its handling is accurate. I bought the iPod compatible radio which is fun, but the sound quality is greatly lacking. The seats are very comfortable for a small person and so far it has handled quite nicely in the snow!

• 

  little brother of lexus - 2005 Scion TC
  By golflover - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It has exceeded all of my expectations. I have driven alot of cars and this is definitely the most fun car I have ever driven. Plenty of zip and great handling.

• 

  Sweet Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By weav727 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I had to wait about 6 weeks for my silver 5 speed Scion tC, and it was well worth the wait. It is comfortable, bank vault solid, and suprisingly powerful.