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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  Perfect fit for a Y-gen guy - 2005 Scion TC
  By Rebaza - May 15 - 8:46 pm

  This car is amazing. It is sporty, light, quick. It has everything stock. It is amazingly affordable. And one last thing, the design and looks are incredible. People look at it, and they do not even know what it is. It looks like a $40K car. Just outstanding.

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  Best of the best - 2005 Scion TC
  By tctinkerdc - May 4 - 4:50 am

  tC is the best of the small coupe market. I drove up to Boston from DC in mine and only had to fill up two times. The tC is great for the passing lane as you pass the small nasty Civic.

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  The tC is da bomb! - 2005 Scion TC
  By GumboMan - May 4 - 4:40 am

  This is one solid, sporty little head- turner! I cant count the favorable comments Ive gotten on it - even from strangers. My main gripe is, Im only 58" tall and I whack my head on the edge of the roof nearly every time I get in it. Of course, if it were an inch higher, the looks probably wouldnt be as sporty. And theres no place for maps, other than on the seats or in the optional $125 nylon carrier. The seats extra firm and grips a bit too much, making long hauls a tad uncomfortable. I wish they were wider, and leather. The minuses are minor when compared with the quality and many little extra features you get for very little money. I LOVE IT!

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  Great for the price, but..... - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sakio - May 3 - 5:30 am

  I will say at the start, this is a great looking and fun to drive car. With some dealer installed options (Aero kit, performance exhaust, foglights) it looks like $30K instead of $20K. That being said, I have only put 2000 miles on the car and there are some troubles. 1. My hatchback struts failed and it took three weeks just to get the part. 2. The drivers seat upholstery seems to be coming off the seams at the area of the back release. 3. Theres a piece of something that came off that rattles in the rear area that nobody seems to be able to pin-point. 4. Paint is way too easy to scratch (maybe in the lighter shades its not a problem, mines black).

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  Great Value! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Noisy - April 21 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car as a replacement for my 2000 Focus ZX3, seeking something sportier, but not completely impractical. The tC came to the fore after some difficulty trying to nail down the local Honda dealer on a price (and availability) on a Civic Si. Both were in the running, but after a bit of time at the Scion/Toyota dealer, the quality of the tC and the great buying experience at the Scion dealership made it a no-brainer. Toyota quality/reliability (and the accompanying resale value) is gravy. This car is a tremendous value if you can restrain yourself at the options checklist, with power windows, locks, remote entry, great audio and Gods own sunroof as standard make it a tough car to overlook.

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  Built like a tank - 2014 Scion TC
  By doug142 - April 16 - 11:03 am

  I have owned over a hundred vehicles. I am very impressed with this one.I have the 14 10 series tc. I usually buy boxy or station wagon like or suv styles,I wanted something different from everyone else. I was actually buying another Prius V, my 2nd. They were doing my paperwork when I spotted the Scion on the showroom floor.I walked around it and then jumped in it,I love the style. I am 6 1" I could not believe all of the room,I even fit comfortably in the backseat,and it was easy to get in.I could not believe how well it drives and handles,a bigger and better Celica replacement.The Camry engine and revised suspension,steering,transmission are amazing.Huge hatchback opening,versatile

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  Scion is Good - 2006 Scion TC
  By geltz - April 13 - 5:33 pm

  My Scion tC is great, except for a few interior squeaks which the dealership fixed. It is fast for what it is and the shifter is top notch. I love every gear in this car, torque is never an issue.

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  Scion tC test drive - 2005 Scion TC
  By MGoBlue - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I can only echo other reviewers comments regarding the tCs standard features, Toyota-esque build quality and AMAZINGLY low price. See what I mean? 15,950 MSRP 515 Delivery 145 Floor & cargo area mats 650 Side & curtain airbags 395 AM/FM/6-disc CD 88 Mudflaps ------ 17,743 Total without tax, license, etc.

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  Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By Tejas - April 13 - 9:10 am

  I got my scion about 9 days ago and so far so good. I just wish it had better fuel efficiency. It has good standard features for this price, difficult to find in other cars. It has turned few heads :) Excellent room for the passengers in the back, easy to get in and get out. Nice interior and exterior design.

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  Not perfect, but good for the price - 2007 Scion TC
  By Sean - April 9 - 10:20 pm

  My tC is apparently one of many that I have heard have a squeak in the dash right off the showroom floor. It comes and goes depending on road conditions but for a new car is very annoying and concerns me about the build quality comparing this, my first Toyota, to other cars I have owned. The gas mileage is also a little disappointing given that the car is a small 4-cyl. coupe. The car is wonderfully fun to drive and very comfortable over distances. I have a 100 mile a day commute and other than the squeaking love this car. The dealer would probably fix it no problem but they only do this type of work M-F and I do not live near the town I bought it in and would have to take off the day.