2005-2008 Scion tC: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 Scion tC
2008 Scion tC
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2005-2008 Scion tC ▼

  • Price Range:  $9,700 - $14,800
CG Rating

53

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Scion tC and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Fuel economy
  • Maneuverability

Cons

  • Rear-seat entry/exit
  • Rear-seat room

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota launched its youth-oriented Scion brand for model-year 2004 with a pair of compacts: the xA 4-door hatchback and boxy xB wagon. Existing Toyota dealers handled sales and service. The tC arrived for 2005. Though a midsize 2-door hatchback coupe, it mimicked other Scions with a front-wheel-drive format, an attractive base price-initially just under $16,000-and ample scope for personalization. The only engine was a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder teamed with 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Seating was for four only, as the rear bench was shaped for two. The tC was an intriguing newcomer, as most brands had abandoned midsize coupes due to weak sales demand. Its closest rival by size was a 4-cyl Honda Accord coupe, which offered a 160-hp 2.4-liter engine at base prices starting some $4500 higher. Honda's upscale Acura division offered a sporty compact coupe, the hatchback RSX, with a 160-hp 2.0-liter engine and standard equipment similar to the tC's; it started at just over $20,000. Perhaps the most compelling alternative for Scion's target buyers was the BMW-designed Mini Cooper, a much smaller car with 1.6-liter engines of 115 and 163 hp and prices from around $16,500. Toyota made value a Scion calling card, so tCs came standard with power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning, sunroof, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-folding rear seatback, and reclining front seatbacks that could be dropped level with the rear seat cushion. Serving safety were standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a novel driver's knee airbag. Front torso side airbags and front/rear curtain side airbags were available as a set, but traction and stability control were not offered. Among factory options were satellite radio, a premium audio system with subwoofer speaker mounted in the cargo bay, and 18- and 19-inch wheels to replace the standard 17s, all made of cast alloy. Toyota dealers also offered a number of dress-up and performance accessories, including a supercharger kit that was claimed to yield around 200 hp.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Scion tC 4-speed atuomatic Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 53
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Scion tC. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Scion tC.

Year to Year Changes


2006 Scion tC: Standard and optional audio systems added steering-wheel controls and plug-ins for digital music players; the optional system also allowed operating the player from the dashboard.
2007 Scion tC: A decontented model aimed at customizers was new to the 2007 tC lineup. The new-for-'07 Spec Package model came with 16-inch steel wheels, nonopening sunroof, and unique upholstery.
2008 Scion tC: The 2008 Scion tC got a slightly revised front- and rear-end appearance.

Our road test for the 2005-2008 Scion tC includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Scion tC and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Scion tC is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The tC isn't as zippy as it looks, but should be adequate for most needs. An automatic-transmission test car timed 0-60 mph in a middling 8.4 sec. An alert driver might get under 8 with manual transmission. Midrange passing power is nothing special either, but a relatively large, torquey engine makes stop-and-go driving less stressful than in smaller-engine rivals like the Mini Cooper. The supercharger option adds useful low-rpm muscle, but will be hard to find. Fuel economy, sans supercharger, is decent, all told: 25.4 mpg for a manual-transmission test car, helped by lots of highway driving; 21.7 for an automatic model, hampered by gas-eating performance tests. And just regular-grade fuel is needed, a big plus nowadays. Road manners strike a nice balance between ride and handling. Cornering is front-drive predictable, and nimble for the size and weight, with little body lean, impressive grip, and good steering feel. Brakes furnish short, smooth stops from most any speed, helped by firm, progressive pedal action. Sharp bumps can send little tremors through the structure, and the available 18-/19-inch tires thump more than the standard 17s; but the tC rides comfortably for a sporty car. Too bad it's not that quiet, suffering marked high-rpm engine noise and fair racket from wind and tires even at moderate cruising speeds. Inside, the tC offers decent space for four adults, but it helps if they're under 6-feet tall, especially if consigned to the rear seat. Entry/exit requires a longish drop front or rear, but that's a penalty of the racy coupe roofline. Another penalty is so-so aft visibility, as the sloped rear window collects dirt quickly and, curiously for a Toyota, has no wiper/washer. But Toyota's typical slick, well-arranged switchgear is on hand-and handy. Drivers also enjoy a standard tilt steering wheel and seat adjustments for height and thigh support. Some of our testers think the gauges overstyled and less legible than they ought to be; others have no complaint. The same applies to cabin fit/finish and materials: judged a bit cut-rate in spots by some testers, terrific for the price by others. Cargo room is OK for a sporty coupe this size, helped by the fold-flat rear seatbacks, fold-flat right-front seatback, and high-rising hatch lid. The optional subwoofer, however, steals space. Cockpit storage for beverages, CDs, and such is plentiful.
Value for the Money
In some ways, the tC seems a bit calculated for its intended audience, and there's a hint of cost-cutting here and there. But even over-40s can appreciate this Scion's blend of sporty performance, surprising space and high feature count, plus the strong reliability and resale values associated with Toyota products. However, it's important with cars like this to look for signs of premature wear-and-tear, so make sure the condition of tires, upholstery, window seals, engine hoses and similar items is appropriate to the car's model year and odometer reading. If they aren't, steer clear; the car has probably led a hard life, which can mean trouble for you. For the same reason, avoid tCs that have been highly customized, especially with cosmetic add-ons that can't be easily or cleanly removed. They lower resale value later on.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Scion tC 4-speed atuomatic Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 53

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Scion tC includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Scion tC .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The center air vent may be loose and flop out of position and the company was replacing the A/C register assembly as needed. The audio system cover may not close so it should be checked and fixed at the same time that the center console is removed. (2005)

Audio system: On cars equipped with the base level audio system, the radio stations may occasionally change by themselves requiring replacement of the audio head. (2006)

Doors: The front doors may not open fully and/or the window may not go all the way down due to a faulty door check rod. (2005-07)

Exhaust system: Rotten egg odor, while often caused by fuel with excess sulfur, is reduced by replacing catalytic converter with revised component. (2005)

Rear axle noise: Rattle from the rear hatch due to problem with mounting point for gas charged hatch support. (2005)

Steering problems: Some early production vehicles pulled to the right and, if an alignment does not correct it, it may be necessary to replace the power steering pump and link. (2005)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $600
Alternator $610
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,600
Brakes $325
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $830
Constant Velocity Joints $930
Exhaust System $420
Radiator $190
Shocks and/or Struts $720
Timing Chain or Belt $560
Our price chart for this generation Scion tC details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
tC $14,800-16,300 $13,500-14,800 $9,300-10,300
2007
tC $13,200-14,500 $12,000-13,200 $7,700-8,400
2006
tC $12,000-13,200 $10,800-11,900 $6,700-7,400
2005
tC $10,800-11,800 $9,700-10,600 $5,800-6,400
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Scion tC include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 106.3
Overall Length, in. 174.0
Overall Width, in. 69.1
Overall Height, in. 55.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 2905
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 12.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.6
Rear Head Room, in. 36.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The only engine offered was a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder rated at 160 horsepower. Transmissions comprised 5-speed manual and optional 4-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.4 / 144 160 163 5-speed manual: 22/29
4-speed automatic: 23/30		 5-speed manual: 25.4
4-speed automatic: 21.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Scion tC include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 tC
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Scion tC directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2005-06 tC: Certain vehicles may have improperly assembled airbags that will not inflate sufficiently for occupant protection. Dealers will replace affected airbag modules.
2005-06 tC: Glass wind deflector for sunroof may shatter if hit by road debris with sunroof open. Dealers will install protective laminate to prevent pieces of glass from falling through sunroof onto occupants.
2005-06: The side impact seatbolster and curtain side air bags may inadvertently deploy if the door is closed with too much force while the vehicle is running or shortly after the vehicle was shut off. Dealers will replace the two side impact air bag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors, if necessary, free of charge.

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