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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  The Best Car You Will Ever Own - 2007 Scion TC
  By Hayabusa4u - December 14 - 4:20 pm

  This is truly the best car I have ever owned. The fit and finish are awesome. This car is very fast for a 4-cylinder. Finally, I dont have to floor the pedal to keep up a hill. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a sports car that gets great gas mileage.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Lewiston Rob - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I saw it one night after work and was into the dealership before work the next morning, drove it just six blocks and bought it!

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  I Love My tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By quickchix - December 12 - 2:53 pm

  I have had my Scion for a little over a year! I love this car. I was in love with it from the first time I saw a tC! Especially the tC With all the upgrades! It has great power for the import class. This is my first 5-speed and it is so smooth and easy to learn. It handles great and the 5-speed is a BLAST to drive The interior is HUGE for a car this small. It has plenty of room for four adults. With all the standard options plus all the add ons the car is still affordable and is backed by Toyotas reliability. It doesnt get any better than that! If I had to buy another car iI would most definitely buy this car all over again! I fall in love with it every time i drive it!

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  Amazing luxury car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By morimori - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is so phenomenal, I dont know where to start. It has just as many, if not more gadgets than cars twice the price. My parents have a Lexus SUV, and got upset when I topped the features of their car. The ride is incredible, the stereo system sounds terrific with great base, the interior is comfortable, and the best thing: it takes off like a rocket to where I left a Mitsubishi 3000 behind in the dust (not that Im into racing), but if power is needed..its there! It also has Toyota quality with a great warranty. For up to $30,000, I truly believe that you cant do better when everything is considered. It really is the best kept secret!

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  awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Ashley Forcier - December 2 - 9:53 pm

  This car is amazing. You definitely get your moneys worth! My model has the side airbags, which I wouldnt do without. It also came with the floor mats, advanced security system, and rear spoiler, along with all the basic features these cars come stocked with. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a fun, worry-free ride, because everyone knows you cant go wrong with a Toyota, and the new Scion TC is just another example that proves that point.

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  Mixed feelings on my tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By RichNYSME - November 16 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased my Scion tC to replace my 98 Nissan 200sx-ser which was a fabulous car. I love the exterior styling, handling, comfort, and overall feel of the car. My biggest dissapointment is in the build quality. Ive owned many Japanese cars over the years from Honda, Mazda, and Nissan without any problems; this is my first new Toyota purchase and I fully expected legendary Toyota quality on this car. I havent gotten it. The paint is very delicate, scratching very easily. Interior quality is fair at best, my drivers seat is showing a lot of wear, and the interior panels get scratched very easily. Im not rough on cars at all and this one is holding up badly at only 18 months old.

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  Fraleys Review - 2011 Scion TC
  By harold fraley - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I took several trips in this car. I love the way it handles curves and turns on a dime. The car also has some pep that i really admire.

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  Great Value - 2005 Scion TC
  By ElMariaci - November 9 - 8:00 am

  I recently purchased a tc, I am very pleased with it. The car itself is a great value with excellent standard features. It is clear that the profit margin for the vehicle is made on scion accessories. I dont know that any of the accessories are a great buy. For instance I can get chrome wheel locks for $25 and scion is asking $49. This is just the beginning. You cant beat this car at this price, but consider going to other vendors for accessories.

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  My first purchase - 2006 Scion TC
  By Anthony - October 29 - 1:03 am

  Ive driven a 98 Corolla for the past 7 years and the occasional Camry drive, so it was difficult to push me out of the Toyota family. When I went to buy a new car I narrowed it down to the under $22,000 range because I didnt want to spend THAT MUCH on a car, though I probably can easily. I ended up test driving the 06 Impreza, and this car and it was quite easy. The Civic was another option and a relative had recently bought one so I got to play with that a bit. But it was really easy to decide. The tC has way more features, the looks, and the Toyota Camry reliability in it for the same price.

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  Great Value / Fun to Drive / Minor Flaws - 2005 Scion TC
  By shifter - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The tC is really fun to drive. I bought it based on the Low Price & Toyotas Quality. It has plenty of power & the handling is excellent. I found myself wanting a 6th gear since it tachs 3K at 65. Also, 1st gear is very short causing you to shift almost immediately to 2nd & overall it’s hard to shift the tC smoothly, but it does have very good acceleration. The tCs exterior is a piece of art & I wouldnt change a thing. The interior layout is great, the gauges are easy to read, & the seats are very comfortable with plenty of adjustments for the driver. The arm rest could be a little longer and ditto about the flimsy radio cover. A great car for $16,500!