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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  Amazing! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Jinxedyepiri - October 12 - 11:43 am

  The new 2007 Toyota Scion tC is an amazing car. Its greatest feature is how smooth it is. My my Scion is literally as smooth as my friends 06 2006 BMW 325xi! I live in Utah and drive a ton and the gas mileage is literally shocking. Ill drive a long distance and see that I barely used a quarter tank! Also, the interior and exterior are so cool :D . I love the double sunroof, it allows so much light into the car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By ken - October 7 - 5:26 pm

  I bought my Scion tC in 2005, a couple months after it came out. Im glad to say I dont regret it at all. I love the exterior look of it, it has the best of all higher priced cars put into one. Its performance is alright, you could always add a supercharger though =). It is very easy to customize, audio wise. The hatch is perfect for music lovers like me and I can fit my bike in the hatch with the seats down! I thank Toyota everyday for making a perfect, affordable and great car for a college student like me.

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  Satisfied Scion Owner - 2005 Scion TC
  By john - October 5 - 1:20 am

  Very happy so far. Did change the tires for winter driving. The ride is solid, fun to drive.

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  Great car for great price - 2005 Scion TC
  By J - October 2 - 10:56 pm

  The ride is a little rough over bumps, but its a blast to drive; good pick up, great handling on curves, good sound system, beautiful exterior.

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  luv it - 2009 Scion TC
  By luv it - October 2 - 8:06 am

  I love my 2009 tc. After having my car for a month, the only thing I have found wrong with the car is the seats, the seats stain very easily. After washing my car I opened my moonroof which I love a few water drops landed on the seats staining them making the seat look dirty. The material also picks really easy but other than that the car is great love it

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  Hot Car!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Stevo_043 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! I just got a week ago and Im happy that I picked it over a Mazda 3. It has so many features, automatic windows, mirrors, doorlocks and sunroof! I like the way the windshield washer spray, they spray the entire windshield not just little streams of cleaner. The performance is pretty good and I like the interior! My sisters says its like a Lexus. Everywhere I go I get stares from people in other vehicles. They turn around all the way in their seat just to see what it is!! I love all the attention!

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  Best dollar value - 2005 Scion TC
  By JL@SD_CA - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Cannot find better dollar value in current market. Very rich of the standard features. Like the right price and no barging process.

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  I love my scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By faye creter - September 28 - 10:26 am

  I have found nothing to complain about with this car yet.

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  Scion TC 1.0 - 2005 Scion TC
  By Tony - September 27 - 9:36 pm

  This is one hot vehicle. This is the limited edition TC 1.0 in Absolute Red. The car is very sharp looking with the 18 inch black rims. This one came with the spoiler and ground effects. This particular car is #6 of 2,500. This car is quick and handles great. The interior is very sharp looking and the seats are very comfortable. The stereo also sounds great. The car comes with a Panasonic stereo as standard equipment. Also the sunroof is standard. The entire top of the car is glass. Real cool!! I am also very happy with the build quality. So far so good. The engine is smooth and the auto trans four speed is fine. You can also add a lot of options to the TC. I recommend this car!!

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  My tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By RICK - September 24 - 10:36 pm

  This car provides more bang for the buck than its nearest competitors. It is fun to drive and admired by many as it drives by. It delivers great performance, outstanding features, and style. I am an auto/truck wholesale buyer by profession and I find the tC to be well worth the money! Toyota needs to add leather seats and Pearl White paint to their new models to further cut the competion down. The 2.4 Camry 4-cylinder motor delivers outstanding performance.