2005 Scion tC Review
Fuel Economy
22 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With a price tag under $17,000, a ton of standard features and a fun-loving personality, we'd bet that the 2005 Scion tC is going to be another big hit for the Scion folks.
Pros
High quality all around, unexpected safety and luxury features, tight handling, spacious cabin, bargain price.
Cons
A couple of odd design elements, drab interior color.
What's New for 2005
The 2005 tC coupe is the latest addition to Toyota's innovative Scion division.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Most reliable car I ever had..
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I am in outside sales, and I bought the car as a workhorse. I got one of the first TC's made. I have driven my car 160,000 miles and have never had a problem. It trembles a little with the a/ c on when you are stopped, and the brakes squeak sometimes in reverse in the morning, and the CD changer get's jammed from time to time. These are my ONLY complaints. The power is great, and the handling is too (I have TRD struts) but this car has been a fun car to drive/own, and the cost to own is the cheapest I have ever seen. (besides tires)---What a GREAT car!
Favorite Features
Fun to drive. Soooo reliable! I get lots of compliments on it!
Suggested Improvements
none.. It's the best car for the money..
not too happy with Toyota/Scion
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 2 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have had this car for over 3 years; I have grown to HATE it. It is so small. It is so cheap, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to Scion. The car makes noise, hit a bump and you will hear the car make noise for the rest of your life, it creeks and rattles over every bump. The front bumper scrapes on EVERYTHING. The sunroof whistles, the rear hatch does not stay up, a/c condensation leaked into the radio - I now have no radio/speakers, mpg should be better, tires (no matter what brand) slide/slip in rain/snow and need replacing fast, brakes dont last the same of other cars. Poorly built car, very disappointing coming from Toyota.
Favorite Features
rear seats that recline, parking lights make the car look great. That's about it, it looks like a nice car, until you own one.
Suggested Improvements
MPG, build quality (!!), a working radio would be nice. Buy a Subaru (you might as well, same MPG), it's bullet proof. :)
very nice
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought this car as a rollover with 700 miles, fixed it up, now has 55,000. Great car, very fun to drive especially cuz its standard, sound system is pretty good. Very happy with it, has never broken down... Its also very hard to get stuck, its amazing how rough of terrain you can drive it over with it being so low to the ground. I have also managed over 34 mpg out of it. A's across the board for this one, another great car from Toyota.
Favorite Features
Best part is it feels like a sporty car, its fast, fun, virtually no maintenance needed other than oil changes, turning radius is awesome
Suggested Improvements
Looks very different with such high door panels and short Windows, almost makes you feel a little like your sitting in a hole.
At least it looks sporty...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Ok, here goes. I've had this car for 3 years. I live in the southwest and it gets' hot. The air in this car doesn't get cold, I guess it's too much Glass to effectively cool also my sun-visor broke 3 months ago. I agree the skin is too weak to absorb any impact. You will find within weeks that the acres of smooth well fitted sheet metal are too much temptation for rude parking neighbors to resist. I have so many dents and dings I lost count, and I park far away from the doors! The engine is good for the price. But it's def not a sports car. Then handling is "so, so". Biggest complaint is Toyota's "debilitating" maintenance schedule. Unless your name is Rockefeller don't plan on keeping up.
Favorite Features
looks sporty, reliable engine (though it does tend to stutter a bit with AIR on), Ridiculous 200mph Z-rated tires are nice. Till you have to replace them. Go cheap on your next set, you won't notice a difference.
Suggested Improvements
The radio... Buy one you'll know what I'm talkin about, it needs a volume knob! You'll also notice that everytime you bring it in for an oil change you'll leave $200-400 of your pay check with them. I've been to 4 dealers and they all threaten to void your warranty if you don't get services done.
ok car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car when it first came out towards the end of 04. So far no engine problems. But the brakes squeaks a lot on reverse. Also, the liftback rattles from time to time. Radio cover also squeaks constantly. I took it back to the dealer, they tried to fix it but the problems are still there.
Favorite Features
reliability, Toyota engine
Suggested Improvements
fix the problems; brake squeaks, liftback rattles, and radio cover squeaks
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