2005 Scion tC Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Scion tC includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Scion tC from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Scion tC, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Scion tC help you decide if a 2005 Scion tC is right for you.

2005 Scion tC Road Test

Pros	Cons

Maneuverability	Rear-seat room

Fuel economy	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	6.3

With either transmission, tC lively enough off the line. Feels quickest with manual transmission, though highway-speed passing power mediocre. Automatic versions adequately responsive in 50-65-mph range, requires a deep push of the throttle to trigger a downshift. Test tC with automatic did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time manual.

Fuel Economy

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Averaged 25.4 mpg with manual transmission in test that included mostly highway driving. Averaged 21.7 mpg with automatic in test that included gas-eating performance runs. Scion recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4

Compliant for a sporty small car, with firm feel but little impact harshness over bumps when equipped with standard 17-inch tires, though wide pavement seams taken at highway speed send a shudder though the structure. Ride quality diminishes only slightly with 18s. No opportunity to test with 19s.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	8.1

Not as sharp as class-standard Acura RSX or Mini Cooper, but entertaining and confident. Good steering feel, weight. Well-checked body lean in fast turns. Impressive cornering grip. Firm, progressive brake-pedal feel.

Quietness

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.2

Quiet around town. But engine loud under acceleration, wind rush intrudes at highway speeds, and road roar pronounced on rough surfaces. Open sunroof generates lots of turbulence; it's even too much when tilted open for ventilation.

Controls

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Simple, well-marked controls fall readily to hand, though audio buttons are small. Some testers find heavily shrouded instruments difficult to see in some daylight conditions. Automatic-transmission-position readout displays with tachometer--a nice plus--but fades out in sunlight. Cabin materials impressive for the price, if not quite on par with class-leading Volkswagens. Smooth switchgear action.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5.1

Firm seats with snug side bolsters offer good support in fast turns. Driver seat adjustable for height and thigh support--a nice feature. Leg room adequate. Head room tight for taller adults. Low stance forces deep drop into seats. Rear visibility not blocked by bodywork, but sloped hatch window likely to collect snow, dust, salt, and tC doesn't offer a rear wiper or washer.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	1.4

Better than most small coupes. Tight leg room unless front seats are well forward. Surprisingly good head room for those under 6-ft, helped by seatbacks that recline a few inches. Cushion shaped into deeply contoured buckets for a sporty-but-cramped feel. Crouch-and-crawl entry/exit made slightly easier by front seats that slide well forward.

Cargo Room

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	3.2

Space beneath hatch is shallow, but split folding rear seatbacks team with reclining front seatbacks to create long, nearly flat load floor. Plenty of cockpit storage: spacious glovebox, small map pockets, console box, dashboard cubby, grocery-bag hooks in rear-seat area.

Value within Class

Base, man.	Base w/18-in. wheels, man.	Base, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	6.7

The tC qualifies as a solid Recommended pick. It combines sporty performance, surprising space, Toyota quality, and a generous list of standard equipment at a bargain price. A smorgasbord of dealer-installed accessories allows an impressive degree of customization--though they quickly drive up the cost.

Total Score