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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  My tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dave - November 28 - 5:23 am

  I do not own the tC yet but plan to own the 2006 Scion tC in my opinion I believe it is the best brand new car out their for under 20,000 dollars. I also recommend other into buying this car.

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  2009 Scion TC - 2009 Scion TC
  By Carly - November 26 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Scion TC after driving almost every car on the market that was under $25,000 and being a previous Mazda salesperson and Mazda3 owner. I fell in love with the vehicle inside and out. I have had 2 problems with the car not starting and Toyota cannot figure out the problem. When I took the car in for service they always give me a loaner car and always call me with updates on its status. Its been a few months since the problem and I love the car otherwise.

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  30k and still going - 2007 Scion TC
  By Manny - November 24 - 2:36 pm

  Been driving this car for over 3 years now and still love it. The only problems that I had with the car are the HVAC lights would go out when the headlights were turned on and tires wear out pretty quickly. (To fix the HVAC light, you had to resolder the T302 transistor legs on the HVAC circuit board.)

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2006 Scion TC
  By bc8512 - November 23 - 5:53 am

  The tC is a great car! Ive owned it for one year and I love it. It is fun to drive and peppy. My freinds and co-workers all want to drive it. It has only one minor problem which is a squeek under the dash below the steering column at times. I bought this car to commute to work and enjoy the ride, even in traffic. It has a great stance and looks somewhat like a BMW. What you get for the money in this car cannot be beat by any manufacurer. It will last because its a Toyota. A co- worker has tried to by a used one but cant find one except for $2,000 more than what I paid new. That should speak volumes about the resale value. I highly recommend this car.

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  Nice Car For Money - 2008 Scion TC
  By YungandFun - November 20 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my tC for 5 months and Im still in love with it. Every time i go out to my car i smile because of how GREAT it looks. I am a college student and it always turns heads especially with the sunroof open.

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  my fast scion tc - 2006 Scion TC
  By jeff - November 16 - 3:43 am

  i suggest that every body should get a scion tc its fast and fun to drive

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  Cool Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By scion07tc - November 13 - 8:20 pm

  This is a car that you would want to drive. The only reason you wouldnt want to drive this car is only because youre used to high high quality cars i.e. Porsche. But overall, this car is fun, looks good, and is reliable. I love this car so far and future modifications will make it even more fun!

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Lorrha - November 13 - 1:53 pm

  The car has such an awesome look to it, nice sleek lines and a great array of colours. Like the car so much, we own two Scion tCs. And 10 doesnt even begin to be a rating for how fun the car is to drive, as well as the performance. Personally Id rate the car a 20. Our kids love the cars too, and they have lots of room in the back seat (even I do when I sit back there). The cargo space is roomier than I originally expected. We are able to fit $300 worth of groceries back there when shopping at BJs. Im a loyal Celica fan and the tC makes the grade for me - especially when it comes to room.

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  Scion TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By nhlboysrhot - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my TC!

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  Great value for a first time buyer! - 2005 Scion TC
  By TcGirl - November 13 - 10:00 am

  The Tc is great. I am a first time buyer with no regrets. I looked all around and couldnt find a car with these features anywhere, for the price tag on the Tc. I get heads turning everywhere I go. It rides as smooth as a high end car, and the reliability of the car is great. People I know were doubting my car till they saw it and drove it. Even the ones that just rode in the passenger seat loved it. I couldnt have picked a better first car then the Tc. All my friends wanted one before my arrived from the factory. The only thing that was difficult for me was waiting for it to come in from the factory.