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Scion tC

EPA MPG: 26 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,700 - $7,500

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The tC is a well-equipped, small, affordable coupe. The 2.5-liter, 180-hp engine provides good acceleration and very good fuel economy, when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic is available as well. While not as sporty as some more performance-oriented competitors, the tC has responsive handling. Though a two-door, it benefits from the versatility of a hatchback and the front cabin is quite spacious. However, a jittery ride and noisy cabin detract. Interior fit and finish are unimpressive and rear visibility is compromised.

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2013 Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Ratings

$6,700 - $7,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,500 - $10,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,375 - $10,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,425 - $9,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,325 - $10,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    coupe
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2011-
Current Generation

The 2011 redesign brought a power boost to 180-hp, and a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, but the noisy cabin, mediocre handling, and jittery ride remained. We like the value for the money proposition and the versatility of its hatchback design. However, fit and finish are lacking. Rear visibility is somewhat constricted as well. On the positive side, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard equipment. Updates for 2014 included some styling tweaks, new suspension and steering calibrations, and a six-speed automatic transmission. 2016 was the tC's last year together with the Scion brand.

2005-2010
2005 Redesign Year
The small sporty coupe offers a lot of features for the money, such as a dual-panel sunroof. Power comes from a 160-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. Handling is fairly nimble, but not exactly sporty. Ride quality is pleasant, the rear seat is relatively spacious for a small coupe and reclines for passenger comfort. The hatchback body adds versatility. Expect very good fuel economy. However, this version of the tC is not recommended due to the lack of ESC and unimpressive IIHS crash tests.