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2008 Scion tC Full Review
Date Published: 5/01/08
Also in the 2008 Scion tC Review:
2008 Scion tC Review
The 2008 Scion tC gets a slightly revised front- and rear-end appearance. This 2-door coupe comes from Toyota's youth-oriented Scion division. It has a 160-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Neither traction control nor an antiskid system are available. The front-passenger seatback reclines to form a long surface in tandem with a split folding rear seat. The base tC comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof. Dealer-installed options include 18-inch wheels and special trim items. Newly standard is an auxiliary input jack for digital music players. The Spec Package model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, nonopening sunroof, and unique upholstery.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
News
We hear the tC will be redesigned as a 2010 model arriving early in calendar '09. Though the replacement is still far from finalized at this point, it's likely to borrow elements of the recent Fuse concept coupe, though it shouldn't be nearly so radical.
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2008 Scion tC Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Maneuverability | Rear-seat room |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.3 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
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
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.
| 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
Cabin materials are impressive for the price.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
Cabin materials are impressive for the price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 65 | 64 | 63 | 53.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Scion tC Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/15/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Spec Pkg. 2-door coupe, manual | $15,300 | $14,535 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Spec Pkg. 2-door coupe, automatic | $16,100 | $15,295 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, manual | $17,000 | $16,150 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, automatic | $17,800 | $16,910 | $620 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Spec Pkg.
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, fold-flat front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, fixed glass sunroof, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, cargo cover, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/55R16 tires, wheel covers.
Base adds to Spec Pkg.:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Steering wheel radio controls, cruise control, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/45ZR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Release Series 4.0
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,770
|
$2,604
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, alcantara upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
Sport exhaust system
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$525
|
$349
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$2,010
|
$1,778
|
|
iPod connection
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$389
|
$291
|
|
Bazooka subwoofer
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$449
|
$325
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$449
|
$359
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
|
Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$310
|
$225
|
|
Illuminated cupholders
|
||
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Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$250
|
$169
|
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
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Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$171
|
$113
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Fog lights
|
||
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Base, Spec Pkg.
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$425
|
$320
|
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Security system
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||
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Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$469
|
$339
|
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Rear spoiler
|
||
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Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$385
|
$285
|
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18-inch wheels
|
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Base, Spec Pkg.
|
$1,565
|
$1,250
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Scion tC Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Scion tC 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 | 5 |
| 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 163 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 20/27 |
| 4-speed automatic | 21/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Scion tC 2-door coupe |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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