Scion tC Overview

The tC is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, which debuted as a 2005 model, the third vehicle for the new Scion brand from Toyota. Geared toward the youth market, Scion aims to offer affordable vehicles that have generous standard equipment and that can be easily customized. The 2011 tC has a 6 Speed Manual transmission and a 2.5-liter, I4, 180-horsepower engine.

Six years later, the 2011 second-generation tC emerges with an aggressive new look, increased driving performance, and a more premium feel. The 2011 tC features a new platform, including a specially tuned MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that rides lower than the previous model. The tC comes with an all-new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 horsepower, 11 additional lbs.-ft of torque, an increase in fuel economy, a new intake manifold design, a sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a bold and aggressive sound, two all-new transmissions: the six-speed manual transmission has improved shift-feel, and a new six-speed automatic gains two gears along with sequential-shift, larger 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in wider tires, 16-inch disc brakes on all corners, a new performance-tuned electronic power-steering system, and a helmet-inspired cabin shape adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept.

MSRP:

Standard Engine:

$18,275 – $19,275

2.5-liter, I4, 180-horsepower engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. 6 Speed Manual transmission.

Average Consumer Rating:

Expert Rating:

“Despite the fact that Scion would like you to think that their new second generation tC is the perfect parcel designed exclusively for Gen Y, this smart new coupe outsmarts its own parent company by appealing to all age groups.”

“After throwing the car around some tight turns and punching the throttle up some steep hills, the one word that describes the tC best is solid. For a car that is priced under 20 grand, the level of composure and refinement is striking.”

“We took it on a drive down a twisty country road, and the car was very responsive. It hugged the turns very well, and it was making me feel like a race car driver. Going downhill the car braked well, such that it didn’t feel like more powerful brakes were needed to stop it.”

“Scion has really done a great job with the tC. Almost too good. I mean, the whole point of Scion is to be the anti-mainstream, quirky brand that appeals to nonconformists. But with the tC, Scion has developed a great car that appeals to a mass market audience.”