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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  tC Needs Improvements - 2007 Scion TC
  By JOSE N ENRIQUEZ - July 20 - 5:23 am

  This car is fun to drive and has good horsepower. It has a lot extras inside. The outside has nice a design and smooth edges. The performance tires are a plus for me and it handles great. Why did they put in such cheap materials for the dashboard and the door panals?

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  Fun little Car :) - 2006 Scion TC
  By Lyn - July 18 - 10:43 pm

  I think this is a fun sporty little car for the price. Im pleased with it! :)

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  scion tc 2005 - 2005 Scion TC
  By tonyamorrow - July 18 - 8:40 pm

  I love my little car it is good on gas and it is sharp. People always stopping me wanting to know what kind of car is it. It has been very reliable

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  For Its Class, Its the Best - 2007 Scion TC
  By sepx86 - July 17 - 5:36 pm

  Well, I waited for three month before I wrote this review. I wanted to buy either a Civic, Corolla S, Mazda3, or a Scion tC. The Civic and Corolla give you good gas mileage but the they are no fun. Both Mazda3 and Scion tC are very fun to drive. I drove both of them with manual transmissions. The Scion tC is better for couple of reason. First its a Toyota, which equals reliability. The Mazda is a European car, and at the end parts are more expensive. Second, the Scion just looks so much better. Just tint the windows. Overall I would highly recommend the Scion tC.

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  Bestttt Carrr EVER - 2008 Scion TC
  By Awesomenesss - July 13 - 9:46 pm

  This is my first very own car, It is the best choice i have ever made. Picks up speed really fast, very reliable and very fun to drive. I cant imagine anyone not liking this car.

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  So Happy! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sam - July 13 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Scion Tc before moving to San Francisco. I was trying to decide between it and the Jetta. I can not tell you how happy I have been with my decision. It has so many standard features for a car that is so cheap. It is much roomier than it appears and the sun/moonroof is really fun. I bought the XM radio and have been equally pleased with that purchase. All in all, the Scion has totally lived up to the hype. I couldnt be happier.

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  Great car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Oconnell - July 8 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this car because I liked the style and it was cheap. Ive had the car almost a year with no problems at all... all the talks of rattles and squeaks almost turned me off to the car but Ive yet to hear anything.

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  its a steal..no questions about it ! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Tai - July 7 - 10:00 am

  There is no questions about it! tC is a steal no matter how you look @ it. Though the ride quality is a bit soft for me, I opt for the TRD spring which has not only give the car much better handling but it also gives it a firmer all over ride quality.

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  Toyota Hits a Home Run. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ehiser - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Unbeatable value for the money. I did a lot of research for my first new car and narrowed the field to the Focus, the Mazda3 and the tC. The Focus was more fun to drive, the 3 was even better overall, but too expensive. The tC really is the best deal out there for a small, fun to drive car. Order one!

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  tC tC youll be hearing this alot - 2005 Scion TC
  By zacharkins - July 7 - 10:00 am

  i have only had it a week and i have cleaned my garage out 4 times before parking my tC in it. i left the dealer wondering if they undercharged me when i was acquainted with all of the features ive never had i went to the dealer after test driving many vehicles knowing that this was another car that looked good on tv, and was not very interested. I ordered one two days later and thought i would have nervous breakdown waiting for it. the car amazed me i wanted a yamaha R1 and i left after ordering the tC i have always had great luck w/ toyotas.as for tC well see !?