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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  I love my Scion tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Mar - May 22 - 3:16 am

  The tc is a sporty car,lots of extras, at a great price. For a little extra money, my dealer got me leather interior. This is a new, little known package. My tc is black and with the black leather interior it adds so much to a "high price" look but,with a very reasonable pricetag. The car has a lot of energy on the highway. It is a solid car that seems to hug the road. There is no hesitation when accelerating. The stereo/cd player has a great sound. So far, I have absolutely no complaints about my tc!

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  Scion Tc auto - 2005 Scion TC
  By P - May 21 - 11:43 am

  Excellent ride, great gas mileage, superior sound. Lots of people stop to look at it. Well worth the investment.

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  I LOVE IT - 2005 Scion TC
  By CJ - May 19 - 2:20 pm

  I do have to say, this is the best car I have ever purchased. I looked at about 7-8 other cars of similar price and I have to say I dont think I could have made a better decision. It rides so nice, and has all the features that I was looking for. It is worth the wait if you have to order one.

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  2006 Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By LT - May 4 - 6:43 am

  I researched several cars prior to getting a 2006 Scion tC. I test drove a 2006 Mustang and found the seats to still be uncomfortable, although an improvement over my 1997 model. I also test drove a 2006 Acura RSX and found that the tC handled better, is quieter, more comfortable to sit in, and cost several thousand less than a comparably equipped model. My only reservation about buying a tC was the age group Toyota targeted - Im old enough to be their father! I bought the tC anyway. Its the Special Edition 2, and it turns heads. The only thing I added is tinted windows. Its fun to drive, hugs the road, handles better on wet roads than my old Mustang did, and I have fewer stops at the gas station.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2005 Scion TC
  By AJ - May 3 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car in November 2004 to replace my stolen Acura Integra. The car is absolute bliss considering the price;plenty of amenities. The car is fun to drive, plenty of power, great look inside and out. I received multiple compliments on the road. The interior is roomy and comfortable. This car lugs around 4 big guys no problem. The gas mileage is not too bad. This car is RELIABLE. I put 102,000 miles on it in about 3 1/2 years. This car has seen the coldest winters(I live in CO) and some of the hottest summers. I have taken this car to Las Vegas twice and to LA as well. Did not have any major issues when I had it. The engine is bullet proof (No longer own: accident total loss)

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  Toyota/Lexus for Saturn price - 2005 Scion TC
  By phyre76 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, its not a "you get what you pay for" it a "You get what you dont deserve, for a really low price" there are NO cars, currently, in the tCs class that even comes close, for over all bang your your buck. Its more like back for you cent. Definitely built like a Toyota/Lexus, but nice and affordable.

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  Sleek, sexy, sporty and affordable ! - 2009 Scion TC
  By Jim - April 20 - 6:43 pm

  Had my 09 tC for two months - adore it! Superb performance and handling. Response is crisp and solid. Rides low to the ground. No problems with build quality or function. Great cruise control. No acceleration delay, very quick off the line and smooth pickup. The premium 160 watt stereo is incredibly loud - too much bass at times but terrific iPod control. Love the panoramic moonroof. My only complaints are that the gauges are hard to read in daylight, esp the speedometer. Dont like the orange gauge lights - wish they could change to blue like the stereo can. Im 6 tall and the back seat is very cramped but I never sit there anyway! Doors are a little long. Great value for the price.

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  Good First Car but Wish I Had Taken a Different Route - 2012 Scion TC
  By bigzman95 - April 18 - 11:41 am

  I have had this car since the day it hit the lot back in September of 2011. While there are a lot of things I love about my car, there are also things that I dont. Overall its a pretty good car but I wish I had done more research before buying it. For instance, by the time I added some options onto my car, the purchase price was well into the upper $20k range. For that amount of money I honestly wish I had went with something like the Subaru WRX, which is faster, AWD and has four doors. Scion makes lots of attractive points to buyers, but honestly the cars are a bit overpriced in my opinion. If you want a car for a new driver Id look at the Dodge Dart or Subaru Impreza.

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  Pros and Cons - 2007 Scion TC
  By James - April 18 - 6:10 am

  I really like the way the outside of the car has been styled and when I got in i quickly fell in love with the way the car was put together. I like how the dash wraps around the driver making all of the controls easily accessible. the standard features of the car are awesome; moon/sunroof, power windows and locks, stereo controls on the steering wheel, and alloy wheels.

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  Surprising - 2006 Scion TC
  By Jason - April 17 - 9:33 pm

  I love my tC. Its the first car I bought for myself (my dad bought me a Wrangler and an F150 before that). I wanted a car with good gas mileage without looking like a Geo. The tC gives me around 24-28 mpg which is above average, but not the best. What catches you off guard with the tC is the speed. This car likes to go fast, but its engine isnt abnoxiously loud when you hit speeds in excess of 100 mph. Its 0-60 isnt anything to brag about, but Toyota makes a supercharger for the tC if you want to tweak the engine.