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 - 2005 Scion TC
  By ooopsij - July 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is so far the best car you can get with all those standard features for the great price and the reliablity.

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  tC 1st new car - 2005 Scion TC
  By dkdoc - July 2 - 10:00 am

  A mostly refined, solid, safe, fun 2- door true 4-seater with hatch -- cant beat it. 30 mpg on highway with regular gas and zoom-zoom 0-60 -- cant beat it. Barely 20k fully loaded -- cant beat it. Custom-picked options from menu with no-haggle price - cant beat it. This is how cars should be built, priced, and distributed. Go go go for it.

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  Lovin It - 2006 Scion TC
  By moots13181 - June 8 - 6:50 am

  Ive had my tC now for 8 months and driven it 18,000 miles. I do a wide variety of driving but on average mostly city. My mileage is usually 27+ mpg even with all city driving and winter gasoline, Im looking forward to seeing what summer gas/highway driving will do. I took care to break the engine/transmission in right and the car seems to be rewarding me with plentiful power and good economy. I really enjoy the torque around town and the wide power band on the highway. Many times I never even downshift to pass. My average highway mileage is 28.5mpg also on winter gas. The interior is very open and roomy, the seats are comfortable, supportive, and very adaptable. I love the gauges/dash design.

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  Great buy - 2005 Scion TC
  By gatorgirl5482 - June 1 - 10:16 pm

  This is the first car I have ever bought on my own, and so far I have been extremely happy. It is fun to drive and the back has so much room (I have lots of tall friends w/ long legs). I get awesome gas mileage on the highway and even in the city (I travel quite a ways to work and back everyday). The price was a huge factor since Im just out of college. I feel like I got a ton of bang for my buck, and got 2 out of the 3 options I really wanted. Overall, I would recommend!

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  rattling noise in the trunk - 2006 Scion TC
  By Csaba - June 1 - 3:43 am

  I bought my Scion tC last October. I drive it every day in the city and on the highway and still feel the thrill every time I get in it. Its like you slip into it first time at the dealership, except now you know what to expect of its on road performance. Ive also experienced the rattling noise and it is easy to fix. I found that the noise caused by the trunk covers short plastic pins (on both sides) sitting and rattling in their sockets. Flip up the cover and put some soft material in the sockets, such as a piece of felt, rubber or just wrap a little (black electric) tape around the pins before you push them back in the sockets. Make it well fit and that should solve the problem.

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Teddy - May 30 - 10:13 am

  Comfort is great. Build quality is exceptional.

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  First Toyota Product and not my Last! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Bruce G. - May 30 - 3:26 am

  My Scion tC has about 2,000 miles now and a review was in order since I read a lot before buying my car. I get 26 mpg in combined city / highway driving, which is a lot better then my Chevrolet Suburban got. I am 6 300 lbs. and I am comfortable in the car. I enjoy driving it, although the head-room is a problem. I have not had a problem with blind spots that others talk about, but that might be because I am so awhere of them from other reviews. I test drove a lot of other cars, including Saturns, the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Accord, VWs, Chevrolet Cobalt, Toyota Matrix, Chevrolet HHR and the tC won out. I even took one car to another dealership and compared side by side. I did have to wait four weeks for my car but I got the color I wanted.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Scion TC
  By Alley06 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything I expected it to be and more. Its peppy and flashy, while maintaining an afforable price tag. Id recommend it to anyone willing to wait.

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  Smoke the RSX... - 2005 Scion TC
  By albertu - May 26 - 10:00 am

  How do I know? cas I own a RSX! Beat it on everything: overall size, handling, look, style, etc. Maybe not on power, but wait for the TRD supercharger. Beside, tC got better acceleration because of more torque. The duel moonroof just win my heart instantly. Other then that, the design closely resemble a european car. The interial look high tech yet tasteful. And the smooth body line match close to RSX but look a little bit more beefier. Theres already a line of TRD parts for you to choose from. Supension, 18" wheels, exhaust, you name it. This is a car with a lot of potential.

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  Its worth the money you pay - 2008 Scion TC
  By DsTC - May 21 - 5:00 am

  I would recommend this car - for the money that you pay its the best. Its not something I would try to make fast, its a four cylinder. Its reliable and has just enough HP to get it done.