2005 Scion tC Consumer Reviews

Faster than a Supra!

Written by: hachiroku on 04/30/2008

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have an 05 tC and an 88 Supra. R&T tested both cars in the year they were produced, the tC was 7.8 to 60, the Supra 7.9. The car handles like it's on rails, the stock tires are very good. The build quality is very good, but there is a rattle in the dash when it's cold (surprise...). Driveability is extremely good. Except for being a little taller and being FWD this car is as much a blast as my '85 Corolla GTS was. The stock sound system is good, better speakers like Quarts make it excellent.

Favorite Features

Styling, handling, agility and sheer fun to drive. Good sound from stock stereo, smooth looking controls. With a hatch and fold down seats I can move my 2x15" bass amp in the car with ease. The overhead panoramic roof is fantastic.

Suggested Improvements

The seats to me are not that comfortable. I am used to the seats in my 88 Supra, my 85 Corolla GTS and my 85 Celica GTS with longer seat bottoms. Also, the seat is too close to the pedals. The other cars I sit and stretch in, this one is like sitting at a desk. Body panels are thin!

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Nightmare

Written by: STANGMAC8183 on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I traded in a 2001 Acura Integra GSR for a 2005 Scion TC, that was the biggest mistake in my life car wise. My scion was in the shop 13 times in 3 months. The windshield was replaced bc it broke due to bad weather stripping. The rear hatch panels as well at the glove box were all replace. There are to many problems to list but this car was a nightmare, I traded it in after just 9 months

Favorite Features

Sunroof, radio, torque, and it was a nice handling car before an axle broke

Suggested Improvements

Everything but the engine

2 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Scion tC

Written by: Monet on 03/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love this car! Amazing on gas. Good Mileage. Great comfort. And i love the style.

Favorite Features

Exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

Back Seat Style

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Car!!

Written by: OMork06 on 02/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought my Scion about 6 months ago. It's been the best decision I could've ever made. The only thing that was a concern was the 50,000 miles already put on the engine. With the miles already on engine, it runs great with its powerful 2.4 engine but wouldn't hurt to go a little faster. The car looks great stock! Bought mine slammed about 5 inches off the ground and takes corners like a champ! Great on gas, especially when I drive from PHX to LA about every month. AC comes in handy with the 120 degree weather in the AZ.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, looks great droped with stock rims (even though I put 18" black w/chrome lip rims on it). A/C is made by Toyota so what more can I say. Great with highway MPG. Love the rear fold down seats for more room when I make road trips back home. Engine runs great when engine is well over 130 mph.

Suggested Improvements

Pick up speed is not too spectacular (super charger should help out a bit). City MPG is normal - cold air intake should bump that up, wish I didn't have to go aftermarket to make the car that much better. But I guess I'm asking for a 15 outta 10. Can't complain at all, but upgrades will help.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Wonderful car for price

Written by: SJScionTC on 08/14/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After reading countless reviews, I decided to buy a used tC. The previous reviews are correct. There is rattling in the car from different places. The interior door handles are easily scratched. Six speakers sharing 160 watts is a little weak, especially when you have the windows rolled down on the freeway, but when up it sounds good. Overall, I bought this car used with 45,000 miles and it runs wonderfully. I expected the rattling especially a car that starts at $16,000. I do get 28 mpg, but I am 80% freeway. My other cars were a civic prelude and integra and they rattle a bit as well. I recommend this car, but remember it's a car that is under $20,000 so you can't expect too much.

Favorite Features

I got the car with the ground effects and spoiler. The car looks great. I like the power as well, it's not going to beat a civic si and corolla xrs, but it's enough. The interior is nice as well and the handling is great.

Suggested Improvements

Try to pad the rattling, I would definitely pay more for it.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Nothing else comes close.

Written by: Dan on 08/06/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car new three years ago because it was by far the best bet for the money. I have driven it coast to coast with everything I own and my dog in it. I have driven it in ice and zero visibility. I have left it in the pouring rain with the sunroof and windows open. At no point in the last 40k miles have I been disappointed. It is very much a toyota, and it is cheap. I have read through these reviews and have been shocked to see people listing things like lack of power, cheap materials, and "I can't work my iPod and drive at the same time" type criticism. If you want the perfect car, you had better look to BMW or Audi. This is a Scion, built for good looks, value, economy.

Favorite Features

I love everything about my car and can't wait to see what they have in mind for the redesign. This car still makes me smile evertime I get in it.

Suggested Improvements

I hope the good folks at Toyota don't lose focus on the initial purpose of the marque. Resonable quality is getting hard to find these days.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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The Real Deal on the tC

Written by: tCtuner56 on 08/05/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is great. The power of the tuned up Camry engine is awesome in this small car. Actually once you're inside its not small at all. I'm 6'1 and my seat isn't even back all the way and there's tons of room in the back. I don't get 20 mpg either but it is easy to know why. I can't resist pushing the pedal. I dont see how anyone could! This car is very fun to drive. Sometimes I even take the long way home! As for engine noise, I have the TRD exhaust so I couldn't tell you much there. The only problem I did have was the Hercules tires, not sure if they were stock. Sunroof cover is cheap but who cares?

Favorite Features

Interior lighting system,TRD exhaust, 2.4L tuned up Camry engine, car is dependable, you'll never believe how much room there is inside unless you get in one.

Suggested Improvements

If the Hercules tires were stock then change them. They didn't hold up to well for me.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Scion tC

Written by: Shellonda on 07/14/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a great car for the price. I am contemplating buying a newer one this year because I love it so much. It is pretty on the outside as well as in!

Favorite Features

The sunroof, body style, speed, accessories, gas mileage, wheels and it's quite roomy.

Suggested Improvements

Fish tails easily in the rain and the hatch does rattle. The sunroof is noisy when you get up to 60 or above. Had to have cd player replaced because it started having an error message when I tried to change cds that couldn't be fixed unless you turned the car off and back on.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great car for the money

Written by: Derek-Fort Myers FL on 07/11/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased the vehicle used in Jan 07 with just 30K miles. I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance, handling, and comfort of the tC. I don't get great gas mileage, but I drive it pretty hard. The only ongoing problem I have is with the sunroof - it whistles on the highway and continues to jam up when I close it, needing my assistance to get beyond a certain point. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Favorite Features

By far the performance and handling. I surprise many Honda and Toyota owners. I recently played cat and mouse with an 07 Civic Si - he had no chance!

Suggested Improvements

Engine noise rather loud. Radio configuration could be better, although it sounds great!

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Scion tC

Written by: jag85 on 06/25/2007

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car a year into college. I have always been a big fan of Toyotas, and the Scion brand offered many options standard for a reasonable price. There probably isn't a better overall car you can buy for 17k brand new in the U.S. Since its a big 4 cylinder 2.4 liters, I would expect a bit more horsepower, at least 175-180. Overall it's a great car, fuel efficient, very reliable, unique styling, Lexus like interior, fairly priced. This is definitely a great car to give to your high school grad.

Favorite Features

A lot of torque for an N/A 4 banger, 6 CD changer, 17" rims standard (I got the chrome upgrade). Glass top.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower at least 175-180. 5-speed automatic.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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