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 - 2006 Scion TC
  By actstwo - September 11 - 4:53 am

  This is truly a fun car to drive. Compared to other cars in its class, you truly get more bang for the buck with the Scion tC.

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  Great car! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Jarman - September 10 - 9:56 am

  I have not had any problems so far with my tC. I am currently averaging 27.5 MPG which is great since I drive a mix between highway and city. The car rides very smooth, and gets going really quick. The look is classy yet sporty. Lots of room in the back for people and storage. Headroom for rear passengers is the only problem I could say.

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  Best Value For Money Bargain - Best Buy - 2007 Scion TC
  By Akshay - September 9 - 11:23 pm

  This is the best car out there for the money. I shopped many cars when buying this one and took a good three months before deciding after test drives and reading reviews. This car beats the Corolla, Civic, and Sentra hands down for the money. You can get many more standard features in it than in a Honda Civic EX. With this car you save at least $5,000-$7,000 with the same features. I drive it 100% in the city and it gets just 19-22 mpg as advertised. You can get up to 33-35 mpg at 70 mph on the freeways. Overall I am a very satisfied Toyota customer. Dont go by the negative reviews out there, some people dont understand cars at all. Period.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion TC
  By ames06tC - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  I just bought my 2006 Black Cherry Pearl Scion tC about a week and a half ago. I am getting super great gas mileage on my 66 mile round trip each day to work. I love the interior and exterior. The sunroofs are awesome!

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  Very NIce - 2005 Scion TC
  By PaulE1021 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  A very nice interior and exterior. It is a great drive. Smooth clutch. Very powerful and very cheap. The looks great and comes with a load of features.

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  Bazooka Problems - 2005 Scion TC
  By PhantomsSgt - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I like almost everything about the car minus the Bazooka speaker installed in the rear. Discovered a problem on one rainy Guam night. The spare tire and accessories are impossible to reach unless you disassemble the bazooka and remove it. Remove the speaker grill, take six screws out around the speaker, search for two bolts in the interior of the box and remove, disconnect the wiring harness. I reinstalled mine loose with a cargo strap over it. Ugly but effective. Duhhhh Bazooka, Quick Disconnects maybe?

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  JUNK JUNK JUNK! - 2005 Scion TC
  By andsantucci - September 2 - 5:44 pm

  Lets see here, Ive owned the car since 2007 and Ive had nothing but a hard time. Scion is of no help either. They can only say they have made a note but have no pending open recalls or other complaints about the car. I have no working radio, a sunroof that squeals, breaks that pop and make noises, a front bumper that looks like it is holding on by floss, the rear hatch plastic is about to break off (Ive seen other Scions with tape holding up the part), over all Ive found the car to be sub-par with what Toyota has made in the past.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Scion TC
  By cneber - August 31 - 5:46 am

  I am new to Toyota / Scion and very imprested with the car and company. This car is a great value.

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  Excellent Value! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Hawker - August 29 - 5:20 am

  Little did I know that after comparing many value priced cars, that Id pick a Scion tC. First off, I didnt know that Scion means "Decendant" and that its a decendant company of Toyota. Once that was known, and I had read many GREAT reviews for the 2007 Scion tC, it was time to go test drive one. I traded in a much more expensive sports car on my new silver Scion tC, but it was done for a lower monthly payment and insurance costs, better gas mileage, the ability to use Regular unleaded gas, etc. My first thought when I sat in the drivers seat and closed the door was "Man! This car is built SOLID!" And it is. It wasnt anything like I was expecting - cheapo quality - NOT here! Its a Toyota!

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  Even with issues still a good car. - 2005 Scion TC
  By tCinHou - August 28 - 3:50 am

  Love my tC but was supprised of the build quality issues. Had A/C vents pop off dash, rattles, floor mat wore out after only 3mo.(7000miles) and a lower dash cover fall off. Also the paint chips VERY easily.