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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  Love it! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Julie - November 2 - 11:00 am

  This little car handles so well and has plenty of pick up when you need it. It does have 2 blindspots but if you adjust your mirrors well you should be fine. It is a fun car to drive and great stereo sound. A lot of car for your money.

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  I love my Scion TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Shelley - October 28 - 10:30 pm

  Other than the air-conditioner needing a bit more "kick", and the color of the interior / nylon seats, I love my Scion tC! I drive it all the time, and it is economical and really fun to drive. I am 52 years old..and feel like the LIttle Ol Lady from Pasedena! I love the pickup speed and the versatility of the whole car.

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  Empty Nester - 2006 Scion TC
  By Jmichel - October 24 - 9:50 pm

  First of all good luck finding one. Had to drive 300 miles to get a 5-speed Scion tC with side curtain airbags and the iPod radio. I also added a few more options. Before I gought, I tested the Acura RSX, VW Jetta, Mazda 3, and the Scion tC. What a great experience. Buying it was the best experience. the no haggle pricing and the dealership were great. This car is great. It has lots of power, tight handling, an excellent quality, all for less money than anything else I was looking at. It is surprisingly roomy inside. The drivers seat is comfortable but it took a while for me to find the right position. The iPod integration option is great, dont buy one without it. This cars excellent fuel mileage is a blessing. I am currently getting 29 mpg city and highway. My kids are gone and Im having blast in this car.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By DSTEVE23 - October 21 - 8:03 pm

  I love everything about this car. I have no regrets at all about purchasing it. I have made a couple up grades to it and I love it even more. You cant get a better car for the price and that no haggle price on the car does not mean a no haggle extended warranty. I got a 7 year extended warranty, the wheel and tire warranty, and the anti-theft for practically nothing.

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  Best car Ive ever owned!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By tabby9111 - October 19 - 10:47 am

  I just recently had my Tc totaled by a giant truck and my car gave as much damage as it received.I walked away with out a scratch. I had 161000 miles on my car and it ran perfectly, even though I drove it like I was dale earnhardt. I was so happy with this car that my next car will be another Tc..

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  Great car but not for all - 2007 Scion TC
  By buckeyedrifter - October 15 - 2:33 am

  I had to get rid of my TC 2.5 years because of an accident so I figured now would be a good time to write a review. Things I liked: Fun car to drive Great car to learn/relearn manual Very flexible so easy to haul big things Things I didnt like: Not very good in rain/snow Tires wore out too quickly Mileage would go down unless driven on perfect road Bottom line: This is a great car for a small commute and if you want to learn manual. But there are better cars IMO. I bought this car after having a 97 Civic for 9 years and the Civic would drive no differently rain or shine and I always got the same mileage even with my foot all the way down. Tuner parts are expensive too.

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  Fun 2 Drive - 2007 Scion TC
  By andyhaines - October 12 - 10:06 pm

  This is my first time with Scion. I love the car more every day. I cant wait for it to warm up so that I can open up the sunroof.

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  Good For the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Peter - October 12 - 8:40 pm

  Im 17 years old and my mom just bought me this car. The car is very good in all of its aspects, it can go fast, beleive me, handles well and love the way you can modify it at the dealership. The car audio system is some what overrated because they are hyping it up because of its pioneer sound but the bass isnt realy there so dont expect the best sound in the world but it is good. The car suits me very well and have had no problems with it so i would recomend it for people.

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  great except final - 2005 Scion TC
  By LCR chicago chapter - October 12 - 2:00 am

  i love the tc, but its so new im makin all the parts from custom companies at 10x the price

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  2+ Months and Loving It - 2005 Scion TC
  By buckeyecase - September 20 - 3:56 am

  What can I say, besides the fact that I love the tC. It has very good acceleration from the 2.4L engine. Its handling is also top- notch. It is such a fun car to drive, and it turns heads. Nobody thinks I paid less than $17,000 for it. Considering the fact that its a Toyota, and shares its 4-cyl. engine with the Camry, and is built in Japan, its reliability should be great. The list of standard features is amazing. I challenge anybody to find a better overall package for under $17,000.