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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  Proud to say its MY CAR - 2005 Scion TC
  By Eileen - July 19 - 4:50 pm

  Designed for the young crowd, my Scion tc, 2005 is a head-turner. Im a 57 year old female. I added a rear pedestal spoiler, and I have loved every mile driven in this car. On nearly a daily basis I am asked What kind of car is that? People love the style, the value, the color (azure pearl). It is sporty, zippy, comfortable, standard loaded with the features I thought Id have to pay extra to have installed.

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  Great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Tigarddave - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, gets much better milage than the EPA says (I average 30- and get 34 on trips). I already have 7,000 miles on it and love it. I am way over the target group scion wanted but I see a good thing here, and why spend $10,000 more if you dont have to? PS Glad I got the 5-speed!

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  Fun little car... - 2006 Scion TC
  By Nicole - July 9 - 11:10 am

  Ive had this car for just over three weeks, I bought it at a Toyota dealer with 7,500 on it. I traded in a 02 Pontiac Grand Am GT in on this car, and do not regret it at all. This car picks up as fast if not faster than my old car(which had 175 HP), gets better gas mileage, and handles better. Ive gotten a lot of compliments on the car already-and have taken it on a road trip (the seats were very comfortable for a longer drive). I wanted a car that I would be able to keep for at least 3 years without getting sick of it-I think that I made a great choice.

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  Super TC - 2012 Scion TC
  By scaleman2 - July 5 - 9:59 pm

  This is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. I have owned BMW Infiniti and a host of others and the TC holds up to the more expensive brands. I have had this car over a month and it is excellent. Gas mileage so far is 27 mpg which is excellent. It is superb in handling, acceleration and overall performance. My friends cannot believe the quality of this car for a small price, it looks more expensive than it is. People dont believe me when I tell them the price. Scion has a winner with this car.

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  RealDeal - 2007 Scion TC
  By ExcellentOne - June 28 - 9:00 pm

  I bought the tC to commute to work in. I thought it would make the otherwise boring drive fun and something to look forward to. I was right. My favorite features are the sunroof, including its shade, the manual trans and the stereo. The car handles well and gets a lot of attention. My commute is 50 miles each way and I always get at least 30 mpg. It is a mix of country roads, boulevard stop and go, and freeway. On the highway I get 32-36, depending on my level of enthusiasm. Ive had no problems after 14K miles and wouldnt change anything about this car. This is my 3rd Toyota. I suppose because it is under priced, it is compared to lesser cars. Fair enough. Its good no matter what.

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  Rough ride - 2005 Scion TC
  By Peterpipper - June 26 - 10:13 am

  Ride a little stiff.You can run over a penny and tell if its heads or tails.Regular tires would help.

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  Our new Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dave and Nancy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This little car is awesome! It came with everything that we wanted in a car standard and there was no questions about do we want this option or that option. It looks great, is fun to drive and has plenty of backseat room for extra passengers. We got one of the very first tCs in July 2004 and it really turned heads everywhere. People would approach us in parking lots and ask us what kind of car it is. When we went to pick up the plates for the car, the salesman who got them for us pulled out the plates from the file cabinet and said "Youve got one of those rare birds". We have recommended it to several friends and now they are waiting for their new tCs to come in. Great car!!!!

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  I LOVE the TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By JohnLucas - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my TC, with all the bells and whistles. I got $2400 rims and wheels, the spoiler, the 6 cd changer, the subwoofer, the under dash lights, the cup holder lights, the floor mats... I got all of the features that are currently available. However, I walked out of the dealership paying $26K which is 10K more than I was expecting. But, let me tell you, it is worth every single penny. I love the look and style and power of the car. It has amazing handling, short stopping breaks, a nice throw on the stick and clutch, and it rides so smoothly. I opted for the better springs/shocks because the ride in the back can be a bit rough without them

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Justin - May 26 - 4:56 am

  I am so happy that this car was produced i abosolutly love this car it is fun to drive. I love the design i just believe it is a great car all around. I hope that they dont stop making scions because i want my next car to be a scion hopefully another tc.

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  Superb Value - 2008 Scion TC
  By Chris - May 22 - 8:03 am

  Great acceleration and fun to drive, but with toyota build quality and reliability. I get a lot of comments from folks admiring the car.