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2009 Scion tC Full Review
Date Published: 9/03/08
Also in the 2009 Scion tC Review:
2009 Scion tC Review
The 2009 Scion tC lineup loses its Spec Package model. This 2-door hatchback is otherwise unchanged. The tC is a 2-door hatchback coupe sold by Toyota's youth-oriented 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 offered. The front-passenger seatback reclines to form a long surface in tandem with a split folding rear seat. The tC is now offered in a single trim level that comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof. The lower-priced but de-contented Spec Package model has been discontinued. Options include a navigation system, sport exhaust system, and 18-inch wheels. Many dealer-installed dress-up accessories are also available.
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2009 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 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds. It showed adequate muscle at 50-65 mph, but it wouldn't make a kickdown shift without flooring the gas pedal.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in. wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
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 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds. It showed adequate muscle at 50-65 mph, but it wouldn't make a kickdown shift without flooring the gas pedal.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide tests, 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 |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
In Consumer Guide tests, 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 | 4.2 |
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. Body lean in fast turns is well checked, and cornering grip is impressive. The brakes have firm and progressive pedal feel.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in. wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.2 |
While not as sharp as the class-standard Mini Cooper, tC's handling is entertaining and confident. The steering has good feel and weight. Body lean in fast turns is well checked, and cornering grip is impressive. 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 | 3.3 |
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
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 | 5.3 |
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, with nicely textured plastics on the dashtop and high-quality cloth upholstery.
| Base, manual | Base w/18-in. wheels, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
Cabin materials are impressive for the price, with nicely textured plastics on the dashtop and high-quality cloth upholstery.
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 | 5.7 |
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 most small coupes, though it is shaped only for two and legroom is tight without the front seats well forward. Headroom is surprisingly good 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 | 1.7 |
The rear seat is more habitable than most small coupes, though it is shaped only for two and legroom is tight without the front seats well forward. Headroom is surprisingly good 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. Plentiful cabin storage includes a spacious glovebox, 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 | 3 |
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. Plentiful cabin storage includes a spacious glovebox, console box, dashboard cubby, and grocery-bag hooks in rear-seat area.
Value within Class
The tC is a solid hatchback 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 hatchback 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 |
| 64 | 63 | 62 | 54 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Scion tC Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/17/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $17,000 | $16,150 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback 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
Base
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, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, 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, power 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
Theft-deterrent system, 205/45R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Powertrain |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport exhaust system
|
||
|
Base
|
$525
|
$349
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,010
|
$1,778
|
|
Upgraded Pioneer sound system
|
||
|
Base
|
$389
|
$291
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$449
|
$359
|
|
Illuminated cupholders
|
||
|
Base
|
$250
|
$169
|
|
Illuminated door sills
|
||
|
Base
|
$299
|
$239
|
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$171
|
$113
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
Base
|
$425
|
$320
|
|
Security system
|
||
|
Base
|
$469
|
$339
|
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
Base
|
$385
|
$285
|
|
18-inch wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,565
|
$1,250
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 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 | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
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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Also in the 2009 Scion tC Review:
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