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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  Great Car - Great Value - 2005 Scion TC
  By janet aubry - April 9 - 8:36 am

  I saw this auto (the TC) online and told my college age kids I wanted one. They said "how do you even KNOW about them ?"I wanted a light blue one, hard to track down but my dealer got it and the dealership then had people trying to buy it while it was parked out front waiting for me to pick it up. It was love at first sight for me. Driving it makes me feel happy. Valet parkers rave over it. The price as amazing and everything was included. Although designed for the young, it is also great for the young at heart!

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  GO Scikotics! - 2006 Scion TC
  By ScionAngel - March 31 - 1:43 pm

  I love this car. I belong to Scikotics your friendly neighborhood Scion club and we all enjoy Scion. I recommend this car for all ages. Many love it for the speed and at all costs try to go faster. I myself am interested in exterior customization and perfection!

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  An economy car that thinks its a sport - 2008 Scion TC
  By Eric - March 29 - 2:56 am

  I was going to buy a Mazda3 but the dealer didnt give me enough on my trade in so I went to look at the corolla and I saw the TC and thought it was a 26k car, I had never seen it before or known scion made it, I knew I wanted it right away and bought it the next day. Im very happy with it but the seats are very uncomfortable, im 62. It needs lumbar support. But honestly for 18k you cant get much more with out stealing it.

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  Very Fun Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By T - March 28 - 11:43 am

  Fun, be careful with its expensive tires. They are costly to replace. Around $200 a piece. Other than that, a great car.

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  Solid car for the money. - 2005 Scion TC
  By JAG - March 21 - 3:10 pm

  I have been driving my Scion tC for almost a year now and I really enjoy this vehicle. It looks great and had all the features I was looking for such as power everything, decent gas mileage, sun roof, air conditioning, and disc changer. I bought it with 57,000 miles on it and it still drives like a brand new car. I am hoping to get as many miles out of my current tC as possible and would definitely purchase another one in the future.

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  The Best - 2005 Scion TC
  By Rick - March 20 - 1:53 pm

  I love this car, compared to the civic, rsx, ion, and the cobalt it blows all of them out of the water.

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  I love my TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Aja - March 17 - 2:56 am

  I love my TC, it has a great style inside and out at an amazing price.

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  2005 Scion Tc 5 Speed - 2005 Scion TC
  By Scottg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Amazing car when you consider the price. Its pretty quick, has a very solid ride, handles good, and looks good. I just have a couple of complaints about minor details. The leather shift boot tore the 1st day I had the car, the radio cover is hard to open, roof rattles, and now something is squeaking. Dealer fixed shift boot, said radio cover is supposed to be like that and couldnt find source of roof rattle.

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  Great package at a great price - 2005 Scion TC
  By taComa - March 11 - 4:40 am

  I have had my black Scion tC for almost a month now and am very pleased with the purchase. No haggle pricing saved lots of time and trouble. Plentiful horsepower and torque for daily driving and highway passing. Throttle response feels excellent, like drive-by-wire. Smooth auto transmission. The dual- panel panoramic moonroof is very cool and unbelievable in a $17,000 car. Exterior is very stylish, especially the 17" wheels and turn signals on the side mirrors. Excellent fabrics, fit and finish in the interior. Gladly traded in my 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo (after 4 brake jobs and 2 steering rack replacements) for this 100% Japanese- built top-quality vehicle.

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  Good value - 2005 Scion TC
  By Lumpyhotdog - March 7 - 11:23 pm

  Not really meant for tall people to drive. Paint chips easily.