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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  Most Unreliable New Car Ive Owned - 2005 Scion TC
  By Greg - June 6 - 6:53 pm

  It took around 7 weeks to get this car not the week Toyota had as a target. The car was fine until the cold weather set in. The hatch latch refused to latch in sub 20 degree temperatures. It took two trips to the dealer to get this fixed. I had to drive 70 miles on the expressway with an open hatch because the dealer didnt believe me the first time.The other day my wife was stranded at work 35 miles from home due to a dead battery.She was able to jump start it and get to the dealer.The alternator failed at 11,000 miles.Ive never owned a car with this many electrical problems in my life.I was looking for an inexpensive,relable, sportycar for my wife.I sure didnt get it in the tC.

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  A-Mazing!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Captain tC - June 1 - 7:33 pm

  No car in same class/category can compete with the tC. So many features for such a fair price. I dont see why anyone would get any other car around same price range. I pity those would spend the same amount on the civic, which looks plain, and is unequipped with little power. Move over Honda....SCION RULES!!!

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  I love my Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By KristenDon17 - May 30 - 7:03 pm

  Scion tCs are awesome! I just bought mine less then a week ago and i already put over 500 miles on it. Its just so much fun to drive and everyone ive showed it too love it. Its a beautiful car. When anyone i know sees it, they say "that car is so you"

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  Very happy customer - 2008 Scion TC
  By King-KJ - May 27 - 9:36 am

  I chose this car over the honda civic, and mitsubishi lancer. Bottom line: More bang for your buck. Its better built than mitsubishi being thats its a toyota, and more features while being cheaper than the civic. I love the blue ribbon metallic color, and turns heads often. I put the pedestal spoiler and scion license frame on, obx shift knob and racing pedals, and the scion 2 in 1 floor mats. Ample space as well as a very good stock sound system. Plenty of bass, so all I did was put in 6.5" infinty ref. series speakers in the front and back, and it sounds perfect. Good power and handling, with ample room for 5 people, or hauling alot of stuff. I love everything about it.

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  Scion experience - 2007 Scion TC
  By ali - May 20 - 4:10 pm

  Love my scion, bought it brand new upon trading in a toyota celica 02, have never had any problems its holds up to the rigid expectations of the toyota name. Tires have air pressure sensors on them which are too sensitive for the CO climate but otherwise the car is reliable fuel efficient quick comfortable and has maximized its space. Would like to see a more classy interior vs the plastic dash etc but after adding window tint and a spoiler the car looks sweet. The tires (yokohama stock) were extremely pricy when time to replace. otherwise no complaints.

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  Nightmare - 2005 Scion TC
  By STANGMAC8183 - May 13 - 8:16 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Acura Integra GSR for a 2005 Scion TC, that was the biggest mistake in my life car wise. My scion was in the shop 13 times in 3 months. The windshield was replaced bc it broke due to bad weather stripping. The rear hatch panels as well at the glove box were all replace. There are to many problems to list but this car was a nightmare, I traded it in after just 9 months

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  <3 this car! Especially if youre short! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Brooke - May 10 - 8:46 am

  I bought my tC new and have had it for 3 years. I love it! It has some flaws, but overall its a great car. If you live in New England get snow tires (I recommend Blizzaks) or else youll never get anywhere with the stock tires. The ride is a bit harsh/loud. It always jerks when I first press on the gas if I dont purposely ease into it more than usual (others who drive my car would agree). I notice a little rattling with the sunroof from time to time - no big deal. The seal above the windshield comes up sometimes after a car wash. Paint does catch a lot of road dust/bugs, but I recently clay barred it and it looks new! Love my under dash/cupholder lights! Lots of comments all around! :)

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  Great Car-@ a great price - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dave - May 9 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had the car for almost a year and love it! I am getting better milage than the EPA. On trips I get from 31 to 34 MPG (EPA rated at 29 hwy) The only item I would change is to add a 6 speed. On the HWY another gear would be nice.

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  Best Car on the road!(for <$20k atleast) - 2005 Scion TC
  By JSVH - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever been in. It feels like a Lexus, the standard features are amazing. This car is rock solid! Powerful engine and fun to shift stick make driving a true pleasure. I look forward to every drive. This is one of the best stock stereos I have heard (aftermarket is better however), the MP3 ability is better then a CD changer IMO. The little touches really shine in this car (ex: the AC knob is cast aluminum and the little light on it fades from blue to red as you change the temp.) The rear seat has more room then many compact 4 doors I have been in! It still has not set in that I really own this car, it is too good for me. ;-)

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  Love it! - 2005 Scion TC
  By hwijono - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is really good value in terms of style, design, performance and speed. It has been two weeks now and I have no complain. Had a Honda EX previously, this car cost about the same as a Honda. Not much cheaper.