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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  A PERFECT 1st CAR!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Ex_CIVIC_Dryver - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has finally come up with a contender that will be competetive with Civic and RSX in the performance crowd. This car is LOADED! Dont blow your dough on a blandly designed Civic EX, where you have to spend a ton for the same options that come standard on this Scion tC. The RSX meanwhile, due to its semi-luxury assumptions, automatically starts at $20K, and rises from there. For around $17K, ($19K TOTALLY equipped), the Scion tC delivers a host of refined standard features. The only practical options I implemented were side impact airbags ($600) and larger wheels.

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  No better bang for the buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By Michael - October 21 - 7:23 am

  I looked at just about every small sporty car under $20k and chose the tC. Panoramic moonroof, good stock stereo(!), knee airbag, ABS, power windows/locks and alloys all standard - plus good looks, and a tested engine (same used in the Camry) add up to an amazing deal. More than enough power to pass on the freeway, and gets lots of stares as I pass.

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  Get what you pay for - 2006 Scion TC
  By mjons - October 12 - 5:46 am

  It is not a great car, just a car. The Scion tC is a good entry level car and but I do not think that it will hold its value when I go to sell it. I am just waiting to make more money to buy a nicer car.

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  2005 Scion tC Release Series 1.0 - 2005 Scion TC
  By Christopher Case - October 9 - 3:43 am

  Great vehicle.. Great on gas.. Will be very reliable since it is a Toyota.. Peppy 2.4L engine.. The Release Series 1.0 is a real head turner.. I love this car..

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  Dear John, Am In Love with my Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By Danielle - September 25 - 11:03 am

  I love love my 07 Scion tC. I got Nautica Blue one. Im in love with the color, it gets crazy looks. It is so fresh so clean. Ive been wanting one for about a year and built one online every chance I got. Its my first new car. I had a Chevrolet Caviler, so its a big change. I havent heard any rattling, but the wind in the back is starting to get to me. Other than that, I love everything about the car. I drive 45 minutes to an hour to work everyday and I love how comfortable it is. This is a great looking car for the ladies. Girls you have to get you one. Its a head turner!

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  My first baby - 2005 Scion TC
  By vanessabee - September 24 - 11:21 pm

  Bought the car in Nov 04. Mechanically Ive never had a single issue with it, just like other tCs Ive seen the rear hatch lever broke off, I took it to Scion to see if it was covered under warranty and it isnt I was always hoping Id get a letter in the mail saying it was a defect :| Since buying this car I had a daughter, its a pain getting a car seat in and out of, but most 2 door cars are. She also cant see out the windows, which she hated. Last week my husband rolled it down a hill. He sustained no injuries and the car survived with a couple of broken windows and dents. The car easily made it to 98,000 miles with no trips to a mechanic, just basic oil changes and what not. Great buy!

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  Amazing! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Ash - September 22 - 9:46 pm

  The 2006 Scion tC, simply put, is one of the best deals by far! Its standard features, being too many to elaborate, cater to everyones needs. Talk about a bargain, this car is more affordable than most others with half the features. For people like me - who love customizing their cars, prepare to be in a state of bliss! Thanks to their "Plug and Play" design, installing most of their accessories (LED lights, fog lights, etc) takes a fraction of the time it would on most other cars. Finally to top it off, its backed by Toyotas stellar quality and reliability! To summarize in one word - Amazing!

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By scion tc - September 18 - 8:13 pm

  I love this car. It is a beautiful car and it is fun to drive. The only problem with the car is that is skids easily in the rain. I dont recommend this car if you drive in an area that it rains a lot. This car tends to fish tail making turns. It is a very light car so you would have to be careful driving in poor weather conditions. Other then that it is comfortable to drive in and is a great looking car.

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  Dont Buy It - 2007 Scion TC
  By Bob - September 16 - 8:40 am

  This is the most boring car Ive ever driven. Bad: It has huge body-roll in the corners, generally bad handling, a soft suspension, it feels disconnected from the road, has a bad clutch, and the red-line is too low. Good: It has nice wheels/tires and decent power for the price. The optional TYC taillights save the car from looking like every other econobox.

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  Worth every penny - 2006 Scion TC
  By luvcars32 - September 15 - 11:54 am

  Racked up 112,000 mile on my 06 tC, and never had 1 mechanical issue with it! I replaced the clutch after 80,000 miles, and thats it. Truth be told, this is a fun little car to drive and I beat on mine quite a bit. The reason for my review is, I was weary about Scion, because they were new. I bought it because its a Toyota. Since they had done away with their sporty cars, I took my chances on this. Im so glad I did. It was maintained with proper flushes, oil changes, tires and brakes, and never had gave me any mechanical issues.