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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  Awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By ffoureye - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best value for a car. Just look at the list of features and the base price stays the same. This car is as fun to drive as everyone says it is and well worth a look if you are in the civic class.

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  $16.465 it is worth more. - 2005 Scion TC
  By igorK - May 2 - 10:00 am

  this is my first brand new car and this is the best deal i have ever had. for the price you almost everything. the roof along is a beauty, 17 inch wheels standard. where else can you find that in under $17000.

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  One Great Little Car! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Lisa - April 25 - 11:06 am

  I love this car! Im close to 40 and thought that I wouldnt like this kind of car. However, its fabulous and great to drive! I did have a rattle in the trunk but was easily fixed at the dealership. For the price, its a great car!

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  great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By michaelj - April 4 - 12:16 am

  Outstanding car. Have had no problems with 8000 miles so far. The fit and finish is of Lexus caliber.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By p2k17 - April 1 - 10:00 pm

  I got the car in late August and so far I have put on about 3,000 miles. I love everything about it from the ride quality to build quality. The panoramic roof is great for a standard feature. It looks like a BMW and drives smoothly. Its the best car and the best deal compared to the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. I have no complaints.

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  A Trap! - 2006 Scion TC
  By esantiago1 - March 27 - 1:38 am

  I got my Scion last year and I was honestly pretty proud. However under all the hood theres a horrible secret that Toyota has been hiding. After 80,000 there is a serious coolant leak issue where the threads of the block weaken around the gaskets. Its caused by normal wear and tear and is a prominent scion issue that comes with a minimum $2,000-$3,000 dollar price tag! Toyota refuses to take any responsibility with the issue and refuses to recall Scions BUT they did do recalls on Camrys for the exact same issue... Its a shame that such a nice car has to come to such a disappointing end and Toyota simply ignores the problem.

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  This Scion is a great car for its price. - 2005 Scion TC
  By lesquencois1 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  The power can be felt the moment I stepped on the gas pedal. Every features in this car is really comparable to a car that costs more. The moonroof allows me to feel the breeze as I cruise down Pacific Coast Hughway. Inside, I feel I am inside a sports car where I can see only the road and not the hood.

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  Dont Buy it!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Scion TC
  By guille3 - March 22 - 3:05 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Scion Tc, with 84 miles on it, from the dealer on Sunday and drove it to work on Monday. The car is supper noisy and handles squirrelly at high freeway speeds. Plus my back hurts from the seats. Took it back to the dealer the next day and he wanted to discount 4k off of what I paid for it. I really what to get rid of it, any suggestions?

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  Finally they get it - 2005 Scion TC
  By CortPrince - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car comes with many features that I would never have dreamed would be made available at such an affordable price. Many of those features are made available as either dealership options or after-market enhancements. I am thankful for this companys gracious and bold move in this direction.

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  Best Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sara - March 19 - 6:10 pm

  We bought my 17 year old sister this car for her birthday and it was the best investment. Other then it taking forever to locate a Scion tC. This car is well worth it. Its amazing that all of the features come standard, since I had to pay more $ to upgrade my Acura RSX with the same features. It is so much fun to drive and such a head turner. Ive had a lot of cars and I would trade my RSX in in a heartbeat for this car! Bonus: The first 3 oil changes are free! You cant go wrong with the price and the overall quality of the car. The cars are just very hard to locate, because of their popularity.