2005-2008 Scion tC: Overview

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.