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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  Fantastic - 2006 Scion TC
  By jay - September 21 - 4:00 pm

  This car is wonderful. It is fast, turns heads, and gets pretty good gas mileage for such a sporty car. I previously drove a Honda Civic and this just blows the doors off in comparison. In its price range, it is really untouchable. I spent a great deal of time comparing cars and was, at first, wary because I did not have much familiarity with the brand. Any trepidation I had was completely unfounded. My experience at the dealership was straightforward and low pressure. I strongly recommend that any person looking for a great looking and affordable car that handles well give the Scion tC some serious consideration.

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  Putting Fun Back into Driving - 2007 Scion TC
  By Steve - September 20 - 12:03 am

  I just got my tC three days ago and really like driving the car. We have a Toyota Sienna as the family car and wanted a small sports car to drive when only one or two of us are going out. I do not think you can beat the tC for value. It has great equipment and is very solid. My sons are over six feet tall and find it very comfortable. There is no sports car with as much leg room in the back seat.

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  My tC has heart, my heart :) - 2006 Scion TC
  By Michelle - September 11 - 10:16 am

  I love my scion tC. Ever since I bought I can not go anywhere with out getting questioned about it. It is fun to drive, fast and has a really awsome sporty look. It was the car that i was looking for but thought that i could not afford. Starting at $16,000 it is by far the only car on the road that will give you all of the options that you would want with a hot spoiler, subwoofer, rims and just about any feature to choose from. Clearly priced toward the bank account of a college student or young professional.

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  T6 scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By 2005 scion tc - September 8 - 12:50 pm

  The T6 is awesome!! Fun to drive and great mileage. Relaxing and just fun to chill in. We also added a Satellite radio system to it which has made it even more fun to play with. They continue to give free oil changes to me and have just been very generous which gives you a sense of trust which right away makes everyone in the car buying market feel more positive. Its a great car but there is not enough advertising for it, lets get busy advertising becase they will be the hottest car going once there is more advertising. I would recommend this car to everyone out there looking for a new car, its a little awesome car and wonderful on gas mileage.

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  For Older People, too - 2006 Scion TC
  By Jan Marxreiter - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  When I needed a new car, I checked Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. My grown son said check out Scion. I had not heard of it. Well, we took it out for a test drive and I was sold. When I test drive, I take my son along and have him drive while I sit in the back seat. If I like a car sitting in the back seat, I know I will like it sitting in the front seat. A year later, I still enjoy driving my Scion so much. My son said that if I decide to get rid of it (ha ha) he gets first right over his three sisters. The price is incredible for all the features you get. One complaint - stop marketing to young people - old people love it too! Thank you Scion! Baby Boomer.

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  Love it, hate the wait for delivery - 2005 Scion TC
  By patrickc - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had my TC for about a month. I went to the dealership and they had none available for immediate delivery (automatic transmission). I had to wait but it was worth it! Everyone asks about it and I would recommend this car to anyone interested in a great value that does not look cheap! The car is excellent and a smooth ride!

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  Blast to Drive - 2005 Scion TC
  By Cary - August 4 - 8:00 pm

  This is a world leader car in its class. It can compete with $30,000 cars in ride, handling, looks and personality. It is loaded with amenities and has the highest crash rating. The back seat is huge for a sports coupe. The Yokohama tires and 17 inch alloy wheels that are standard. Extremely underpriced.

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  Sexy, fun to drive tC - 2009 Scion TC
  By decseh - August 1 - 4:03 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. For what you get with this car and the looks you cant beat the price. Plus you get Toyota reliability as a perk. Ive only had my car for a month, but overall I am satisfied and impressed. It has many more features than me $32K Jeep did. Its only a few more dollars a month, its brand new, and gets me a lot better gas mileage. I am very glad I looked this way. I drove a Corolla, Civic, and a few other competitors and none really compared to this car. I suggest you drive one. My other car is an automatic, and I didnt like the tC when I drove it in an auto even though it was peppy, the manual won me over. Scion dealers are easy to work with too.

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  Last toyota ill buy - 2008 Scion TC
  By last_toyota - July 31 - 8:16 pm

  car had a recall for gas cap 2nd month. Tires are only good on paved roads in the dry and started to separate by 20k. got stuck in the middle of the street with 1/2 an inch of snow. throttle has a delay and a couple times a mind of its own. Finally, at 30k I struck a section of bad rural road and supposedly bent 2 wheels and caused the side curtain airbag to go off, which will cost over $5000 to fix which Toyota will not cover.I had just got new tires the week before and the car doesnt shake or show any external damage. If you live in rural America, dont waste your$. I did file a claim with the NHTSA.

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  Fun, Sporty Scion - 2006 Scion TC
  By Larry - July 21 - 4:46 pm

  The Scion tC is a quick car after a 3,000 mile break in point for the cluch, the VVT-i engine allows you power right whan you need it. The sporty design is fun to drive and definitely will turn some heads of freinds and strangers alike. With the nearly unlimited accesories you can get for your Scion, its nothing short of a automotve masterpiece!