2008 Scion tC Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Scion tC includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Scion tC from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Scion tC, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Scion tC help you decide if a 2008 Scion tC is right for you.

2008 Scion tC Road Test

Pros	Cons

Maneuverability	Rear-seat room

Fuel economy	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5	6.6

Quick enough on takeoff with either transmission. The manual transmission version feels livelier, but it needs lots of throttle for decent midrange passing power. In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic transmission equipped tC did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. It showed adequate muscle at 50-65 mph, but it wouldn't make a kickdown shift without flooring the gas pedal. No opportunity to test Spec Package model.

Fuel Economy

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	6	5.5

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission tC averaged 25.4 mpg in mostly highway driving, an automatic 21.7 mpg in a city/highway mix that included gas-eating performance tests. The tC uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	4.1

The ride is compliant for a sporty small car. There is a firm feel, but impact harshness is low on 17-inch tires, and is little worse on the available 18s. Still, some structural shudder is evident over patchy surfaces and sharp pavement breaks at highway speed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	8

While not as sharp as the class-standard Mini Cooper, tC's handling is entertaining and confident. The steering has good feel and weight. There is well-checked body lean in fast turns, and impressive cornering grip. The brakes have firm and progressive pedal feel.

Quietness

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	3.3

Quiet around town, but the engine is loud at high rpm, wind rush intrudes at highway speeds, and tire roar is pronounced on rough surfaces. The sunroof generates lots of noisy turbulence when tilted or fully open.

Controls

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	5.6

The controls are mostly simple, handy, well-marked, and work with smooth action. Some testers find the shrouded instruments are hard to see in certain light conditions. Ditto the automatic-transmission-position readout in the tachometer face.

Details

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	5

Cabin materials are impressive for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

The firm seats with snug side bolsters offer good support in fast turns. The driver seat adjusts for height and thigh support--a nice touch--but legroom is only adequate, and headroom is tight for taller adults. The low stance forces a deep drop into the seats, hampering entry and exit. Visibility is good, but the sloped hatch window lacks a wiper and washer.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	1.4

The rear seat is more habitable than in most small coupes, though it is shaped only for two, and legroom is tight without the front seats well forward. There is surprisingly good headroom for those under 6 feet, helped by seatbacks that recline a few inches. Entry and exit are coupe-typical crouch and crawl, but the front seats slide well forward to leave reasonably wide passages.

Cargo Room

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	2.9

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

Value within Class

Base, manual	Base w/18-in wheels, manual	Base, automatic	Class Average
10	9	10	6

The tC is a solid Best Buy that combines sporty performance, surprising space, and lots of standard features--all at bargain prices. Dealer-installed accessories provide ample scope for personalizing, but can fast inflate delivered prices.

Total Score