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Used 2005 Scion tC Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
456 reviews
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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever owned!!!

tabby9111, 07/02/2012
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I just recently had my Tc totaled by a giant truck and my car gave as much damage as it received.I walked away with out a scratch. I had 161000 miles on my car and it ran perfectly, even though I drove it like I was dale earnhardt. I was so happy with this car that my next car will be another Tc..

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4 out of 5 stars

217,000 miles and still going strong

sciondriver, 06/27/2016
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

This car has been great! Very low maintenance. Still on the original clutch! Have only had brake pads replaced. The sun roof doesn't open/close and whistles on the highway and there is a CD stuck in the player, but it doesn't matter b/c it gets me where I need to go!

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

GREAT LITTLE CAR

yamahaguy, 08/13/2013
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

I have had my tc for 9 months now and it is probably the best car I have ever owned when it comes to quality and driving fun. Ive read alot of people on here talking smack about how crappy these cars are but there is nothing wrong with them. I believe most of the negative comments are from those who just watched the fast and furious movie and expect their cars to fly or whatever other kind of stupid crap they see in the movie. WELL IT WONT!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Car Yet

zhanje, 05/30/2014
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

This is by far the best car I've owned yet. Quality, interior room (surprisingly, back seats are very spacious), performance, style and appearance are all top-notch. I had 130K without a single issue (besides rear-brake replacement), and it's unfortunate we're switching it out for a more family-friendly vehicle. Great car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

safety

lindhn, 11/05/2011
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful

My daughter was in a major accident, involving the following scenario. Person merged into the car sending into a spin, then hit again and was airborn for a full 360 landing on driver's side, sliding into the back of a flat bed big rig, righting back onto wheels and sending across 4 lanes of freeway. This occured at 65 mph. Both driver and passenger walked out of car. The car is a complete total but occupants okay, other than severe whiplash. Amazing!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Fun and Safe!

goofy11, 02/03/2013
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

I owned this car for nine months and really enjoyed it while it lasted. We had no problems with the car when we bought it from a friend. The car drives and handles very well for an affordable car. I took it to the track a couple of times and it surprised a professional driver on how well it handles and manages to keep up with a modded Subaru sti, honda s2000, and even a corvette in the corners (although it didn't have the power to keep up on the straights). The car has very good performance for the price. I recommend the manual. The reason why i didn't own this car to long is because it was totaled in a freak accident at 70 miles an hour, however I was able to walkaway completely unharme

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5 out of 5 stars

2005 Scion tC Release Series 1.0

Christopher Case, 07/17/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle.. Great on gas.. Will be very reliable since it is a Toyota.. Peppy 2.4L engine.. The Release Series 1.0 is a real head turner.. I love this car..

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent Sporty Ride

MrE, 06/24/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car is so much fun to drive around. It turns on a dime and handles great. Bucket seats in front and back are comfortable, even for road trips. I have always got better than 30 mpg, with the AC on, (over 40 with the wind at my back). AC doesn't feel as cold or powerful as some other vehicles, and has a hard time cooling off in hotter weather but it works fine when I'm by myself. My car does have a lot of road noise though, don't think that's a default on all makes though. I've put 40K miles on in 2 years and my biggest replacement was new tires when I got it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Stop Looking Right Here

Peter, 07/18/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was out to find a used car in the $10,000-$12,000 range, and found quite a variety awaiting me. I was considering a 2007 Honda Civic, a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK, and a 2008 Toyota Corolla. After driving all of them, none offered the kind of driving experience that the Scion offers. With a more-than-enough 2.4 liter engine that delivers surprising fuel economy, as well as plenty of power for such a small car, this Scion easily blows away anything else in its class. The interior is also class-leading, with a long list of standard features that other car companies charge much more for. My advice: Get the manual. It's so much fun to drive! I couldn't ask for anything more in a small car!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Good Car with a Noisy Engine

99custom, 06/04/2013
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

It's my wife's car, but I do all the work on it. It's a good car for the price, but the engine is very loud. If you do your research you will see a problem with waterpumps going out, lifters tapping, and cold starts making lots of noise. Another problem I have encountered is the breaks. They always make noise in reverse, no matter what. I'm not using cheap parts either. Of course my rear hatch broke, It's been JB-welded for years now..LOL. But the car runs good and does not consume oil like others have mentioned online.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Glenn Cionek, 04/17/2016
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

125kmi....Still drives great, no problems except regular maintenance, could be a little quicker but with the 2.4l the gas mileage is great and that's a sacrifice you take with any car. Handles real well with the stock 18" Alloy Rims Drives Smooth and Quiet

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Reliable at 183k

Tasso GArbis, 02/28/2017
updated 03/09/2022
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Have to say haven't left me broke down ever, a solid car! Not to mention everything still works and it’s from 2005 built,

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Tc

jagon09, 06/25/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my Tc used with only 23k miles. very rare to find an 05 vehicle with such low miles for a three year old car. it is very sporty and has a very good turn radius. love the pioneer system in it i put it on feel and its good to go. handling is very good and it handles curves very well around corners even at speeds of 80mph. not sure bout mpg yet considering im still calculating but it is way better than my old truck. i bought this car as an alternate to a mustang since my mother said i couldn't have one considering im still 17. but i love this car and what else is awesome is that it has the same name as my dad, his name is TC too. lol

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Pros far outweigh the cons

fairlady03, 12/01/2011
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bought mine as a demo with 2900 miles on it, and we'll be celebrating our 7 year anniversary in February. I've put 155k (not easy miles either - I beat on my cars pretty soundly) and I have to say it has withstood everything I put it through with class and style. It's like the little Scion that could. Most problems have been wear and tear, otherwise VERY minimal maintenance and still runs like a top. Overall a solid investment, fun to tune (have TRD exhaust, K&N Typhoon intake, B&M short throw), easy to work on/troubleshoot, respectably quick. I bought a 350Z this past February and kept the tC for winter and shopping trips - she's still got a lot of life left in her :)

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I absolutely loved and adored my tC but....

morrisseygirl, 01/05/2013
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Okay I bought my 2005 tC on May of 05' and I was way super ecstatic. I still was up until my engine blew. I was completely 110% satisfied with it and I still am, that's why I am considering getting another but before I do I really need some feedback on the engine. I'm hoping what happened to my car was a fluke but any information would be great. What happened was the regulator valve or whatever it is that regulates the pressure of the engine apperantly went out. This caused too much pressure in the engine and blew off my oil filter (while driving) and naturally the oil came out while driving. I haven't read anything about this happening but any help would be great.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke

sciontc05, 02/06/2012
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful

Our 05 Toyota Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke of a few years ago, shortly after the hydraulic shocks went out that hold the hatch (after 3 years/20,000mile). The dealer wanted $800 to replace them but suggested we buy after market, which we did but the after markets aren’t hydraulic so the hatch needs more strength to open/lift. Consequently, the trunk handle broke off and trunk release just hangs there. We keep taping it over and over with packing tape but now we have all this layers of ghetto tape. We have noticed a lot of taped Scion tcs and xbs on the road! We’d like to sell the car but would have to invest over $1500 to make it right. Scion won’t take responsibility for the cheap inferior design and plastic parts. We have spoke to them on the phone many times but they wont help us. We will NEVER buy another Toyota! We found a Facebook PAGE with helpful info and class action suit. [HTML removed]

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Not all that

kevin, 06/06/2007
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

I was expecting a lot from the Scion tC because everyone told me "best bang for your buck" but to me it didn't deliver. You can tell Toyota really cut corners when building this car, and that's why they offer it for so cheap. The interior would constantly rattle to the point I hated driving it. My radio cover would squeak and the hatch would always rattle. The sunroof covers started to sag after 12,000 miles. Gas mileage is pathetic considering Toyota makes 270 hp V6 with the same MPG. After a year and a half of owning I traded it in.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not Bad

Paul, 10/06/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought mine used after reading mostly good things for a not-too-expensive sporty coupe. I think that the car should get better fuel mileage for a relatively small engine. Also, the interior materials are fairly easily marred from a simple wedding ring or touching it with your key. On the good side, it has plenty of torque and is a great car to learn to drive a manual or if you don't have good knees but still want a manual as a lot of shifting is not required for function.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Faster than a Supra!

hachiroku, 05/01/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Wish it was a lil better, o well.

jagon09, 12/22/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought the car used with only 27k miles and it is actually a pretty good buy. It is pretty fun to drive just wish it wasn't so heavy around turns. My dad's lil old Honda is smoother around turns, but what can ya say. I still love it. O and gas mileage isn't where it should be but I think that is due to weird weather lately and me not having standard 215/45/17 tires but 235/45/17 tires. O well. 21 is way better than the old 13 I got with a Chevy truck. lol

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3.75 out of 5 stars

So much promise until you drive it!!!!

brandell99, 07/12/2004
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have been looking at this car since it was introduced at the major auto shows. I was so exicted to test drive it. But I was so disappointed when I finally had the opportunity. I am 6'1" tall and my head brushed against the moonroof even with the seat at its lowest. The car had to get moving before there was brisk accelleration. The handelling felt average especially on a car with such large tires. The interior looked cheap and too plain. The car shifted well with a short throw. Braking was also very good. But the car just feels like a $16000 car. Overall car lacks refinement.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

tC after two years

Geo, 06/01/2007
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The only complaint I have is that it rattles, and Toyota has not fixed the rattle. Intermittent, of course, sounds like the hatchback or the sun roof. I love this car. I love the way it reponds at 60 to 70 mph, I love to put it through hard corners, I love the manual transmission. People over 6 foot 3 have a hard time with the head room, but it fits me fine. I look forward to driving it.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Fun, I guess..

rjy1988, 06/25/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I got this car after looking around at similar cars. This one seemed like the best buy. After having it for a couple of months I had to take it in to have a protective screen put on the moonroof. A few months later the moonroof had trouble closing. It would get close to closing then open all the way again, it now still takes about one minute for it to close completely. Other than that I haven't had many problems with it. It doesn't handle very well in rainy/snowy conditions and I can feel the tires slipping a lot. It is a great car though for adding on aftermarket parts. I put on cold-air intake and new exhaust, and like it a lot. It is a good car for its price, but don't expect too much.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Not perfect but good

Michael, 01/20/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought this car used privately and so far it's been fantastic. The rear trunk latch/garnish is utter bs. Apparently it's a big problem with the tCs, but $150 part and $80 installation fee was pretty bad for a flimsy piece of plastic. The car rattles a bit and the moonroof is extremely touchy. Gets really loud inside at freeway speeds. Kinda crappy gas mileage for such a small car, too. The interior plastics seem kind of cheap. Other than that it's very reliable, fun to drive, looks very cool and the engine is very powerful!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Great for the price, but.....

Sakio, 07/06/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I will say at the start, this is a great looking and fun to drive car. With some dealer installed options (Aero kit, performance exhaust, foglights) it looks like $30K instead of $20K. That being said, I have only put 2000 miles on the car and there are some troubles. 1. My hatchback struts failed and it took three weeks just to get the part. 2. The drivers seat upholstery seems to be coming off the seams at the area of the back release. 3. There's a piece of something that came off that rattles in the rear area that nobody seems to be able to pin-point. 4. Paint is way too easy to scratch (maybe in the lighter shades it's not a problem, mine's black).

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3.88 out of 5 stars

16k well invested in a new car

Bazzgazm, 03/06/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car has ample acceleration, response (not sports car) suspension and steering, and does actually get higher gas mileage than expected (the ones i've seen driven, all about 25- 27mpg). If you go in comparing to a 250hp suped up sports car, of course it's not going to satisfy you. If you want a car that can move well, get you from point a to point b, and have a very attractive exterior. this is a great buy.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my car- it completely rocks

Nikki, 02/02/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I looked into every car in my price range (under 20k.) This car was THE ONLY car that had everything that I wanted and needed. Sunroof/ Moonroof is awesome. The car has a great feel, good power. Its a fun, practical car. People are very surprised that I paid so little for such a great car. All in all I adore my car and am extremely proud of my purchase. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Nice Car, Some Problems

Blake, 08/15/2006
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I like my '05 tC, for the options you couldn't beat the price. However there are some issues that irk me. I have driven six tCs, two on a regular basis for about a year now. I find that each one is different in terms of performance, shifting, handling, etc. Some to the extent they feel like a completely different car. This inconsitency along with several interior and exterior flaws in workmanship/craftmanship (poor seams on seats, thin paint, rattles, whistiling sunroof) lead me to believe that Toyota has lost a lot in terms of quality control compared to my previous '93 Camry and '85 Celica.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

I Love This Car!

ken, 08/23/2006
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Scion tC in 2005, a couple months after it came out. I'm glad to say I don't regret it at all. I love the exterior look of it, it has the best of all higher priced cars put into one. Its performance is alright, you could always add a supercharger though =). It is very easy to customize, audio wise. The hatch is perfect for music lovers like me and I can fit my bike in the hatch with the seats down! I thank Toyota everyday for making a perfect, affordable and great car for a college student like me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and Reliable

AJ, 02/20/2009
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in November 2004 to replace my stolen Acura Integra. The car is absolute bliss considering the price;plenty of amenities. The car is fun to drive, plenty of power, great look inside and out. I received multiple compliments on the road. The interior is roomy and comfortable. This car lugs around 4 big guys no problem. The gas mileage is not too bad. This car is RELIABLE. I put 102,000 miles on it in about 3 1/2 years. This car has seen the coldest winters(I live in CO) and some of the hottest summers. I have taken this car to Las Vegas twice and to LA as well. Did not have any major issues when I had it. The engine is bullet proof (No longer own: accident total loss)

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4.13 out of 5 stars

I like it. Been good to me

since it came out, 06/15/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I read about this car and waited its arrival. When they became available I bought one. It's comfortable and reasonably sporty driving wise. I have fit so much stuff in this car at once it's astounding. Flip all the seats down including the passenger by taking the head rest off and you'll be amazed. It does hold the road and corner well and once you get used to the shifter it accelerates with more than enough oomph. I have changed the oil replaced the tires and that is it. I plan on driving it till the wheels fall off and given its performance to date I think that will be a long time coming.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

A little disappointed

Carey, 01/27/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not sure if it's because I had such high expectations after waiting almost 3 MONTHS to actually get the car, but now that I have it, I'm not as impressed with it as I feel I should be. I do love the car, but am bummed at the lousy gas mileage (my V6 Mustang got better gas mileage than the tC) and the teeny tiny trunk. The ride is really loud, but maybe it's because of the low profile tires. But then again, for $19K out the door, you can't expect it to ride like a Lexus. It is a fun car to drive and the interior is huge. My 6'4" BF fits comfortably in the front seats.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

What a Lemon!

jcf, 07/21/2006
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Lets see, there's the soft paint that chips too easily, the long doors you usually can't open, the squeaky rear hatch, the sagging rear deck cover, the annoying bright beam light indicator, the horrible stereo cover, the inconvenient stereo buttons, the stupid partially lit brake light, the unsteady cruise control, the marginal air conditioning, and the mediocre gas mileage. Most of all, there's the popping, cracking, rattling moonroof that's plagued my car for most of its 20,000 miles, despite four dealership repairs. The car looks good and runs great, but it's so full of problems that I'd never recommend it to anyone.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Love It, but It's Killin' My Wallet.

ScionRox, 01/17/2007
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car! It has been nothing but good to me. I have had it since new for nearly two years now. I bought this puppy before it was cool to have a tC! It is a nice car, but it is a little low on power for a supposed "sports coupe." I would love to supercharge it, but I'm not a millionaire. It gets pretty poor gas mileage. I've never gotten the 22 mpg they say you can get. I average about 18.5 - 19.5 mpg around town (about 21 on the highway). This car also easily skids in the rain. I think that is more the tires than anything. But when its barely raining and you're going about 40 mph, you start hydroplaning. That is a problem. The xB has really good cornering ability as well. I just wish I had bought a stick!

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Can't Complain

jmm143, 03/23/2009
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had my tC for 4 years now and overall its great. Never been in the shop and always reliable. plenty of room for me but a little crowded for a family of more than 3. Would like a little more power and a less squeaky hatch but other than that its great!

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Some really obvious design oversights

WL, 09/14/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A "cool" looking car, however I have had numerous issues with it. The most recent being the poor construction of the rear hatch handle. It snapped off after regular use (not excessive force) and I've had it epoxied back on twice. It is only held in place by plastic screws and it is the only way to lift open the heavy hatch. The tires are also expensive (low profile racing-type tires).

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Spitfire on Wheels

Peter, 06/07/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I owned a 4-door Altima before this car. There is no comparison. First of all, the car looks like a million bucks, inside and out. Secondly, the engine is not only adequate, but also well-laid-out and easy to work on. The handling is responsive and very playful. Did I mention that it looks like a million bucks? BTW, baby blue is definitely the best color for it :)

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5 out of 5 stars

My first baby

vanessabee, 04/03/2011
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought the car in Nov 04. Mechanically I've never had a single issue with it, just like other tC's Ive seen the rear hatch lever broke off, I took it to Scion to see if it was covered under warranty and it isn't I was always hoping I'd get a letter in the mail saying it was a defect :| Since buying this car I had a daughter, it's a pain getting a car seat in and out of, but most 2 door cars are. She also cant see out the windows, which she hated. Last week my husband rolled it down a hill. He sustained no injuries and the car survived with a couple of broken windows and dents. The car easily made it to 98,000 miles with no trips to a mechanic, just basic oil changes and what not. Great buy!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

ok car

dsl, 11/26/2008
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

not too happy with Toyota/Scion

AndrewS., 07/18/2009
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful

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 don’t last the same of other cars. Poorly built car, very disappointing coming from Toyota.

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3 out of 5 stars

My Horrible Experience

Billy, 01/23/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with 167 mi. on it and since I drove it off the lot it's been nothing but problems. It has been in the shop 6 weeks total time, has been repainted, and I'm still having problems with it. The sunroof won't stop creaking (even though I've had it "fixed" twice), the CD player broke, the ac/heat button are sticking for some unknown reason, and sometimes the heat doesnt even work. Worst car I have EVER owned.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

let down

luv1sight, 08/31/2004
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

When i heard and saw the coupe tC i flipped, this was my car! I bought one and was let down. While the pick up ,design, interior, safety were everything i hoped for the car was just not enjoyable. The biggest problem was visibility! I can't see past the enormous dash,at least foot and a half! and the hood dips so fast it will make your head spin. When you turn around the visibility gets worse. The heater is blocking the rear window making the visibility as good as one of the old cadilac eldorados. While around me was spacious, i feel like i'm going to bang my head, and i am only 5'10. If they work out these major problems this will be the best car,

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Not as great as I 1st thought

jagon91, 04/27/2010
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

When i first purchased the car i was excited and it seemed like a pretty sporty car until i used it for a few months and realize it really isnt. it is sluggish and in the manual you are in 5th gear befor 45 or else it just feels strange driving around. i just want a car that i dont have to shift gears before i am halfway through an intersection. build quality is a joke. over time i have found at least 5 different rattles from all over the car. oh and my rear hatch handle straight up came off. repairs cost over 300 if not under warranty anymore and is a well known problem that scion refuses to deal with.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Good, reliable, toyota product, but a little boring

krisinindy, 07/25/2011
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great car overall, reliable, cost effective, minimal maintenence costs.

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2 out of 5 stars

Lots of problems

al, 11/27/2017
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

Got this last year for my daughter with 93k on it. Besides the through-the-roof insurance for this car,....Exhaust fell apart had to replace, visor swivel gave out had to replace, back hatch panel where release is is coming off have not replaced yet, air conditioner quit working had to fix, too lean sensor CEL went off at 100k, replaced air/fuel sensor and intake gasket seal, cigarette lighter fuse was blown when I got it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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2.38 out of 5 stars

This car sucks

Jeff Howard, 06/11/2004
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very Noisy. Not well built. Im Gonna sell mine.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

tC gets lots of looks

shbreshears, 12/04/2004
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well worth the six weeks I waited to get my tC. Parked along a curb on a Saturday night by a club in front of a new Benz SL 500. I saw no less than ten people stop and stare at the tC. They also looked at the logo to try and figure out what it was. Mine is Black with tinted windows and looks great. It swallows all of my music equipment, amps, guitars, keyboards, etc. with the back seats folded down. Drives like it is on rails. LOVE IT.

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5 out of 5 stars

Happy couper

joeyB, 01/08/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first new car and I love it. The acceleration is smooth. The car hugs the road like a more expensive sport car and is very comfortable. The features are second to none. I can't believe how little I paid for this car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

tC lover

Purbred, 01/07/2005
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Usually, when you anticipate something this good, the hype can sometimes overtake what it really turns out to be. NOT FOR THIS CAR! I've been drooling over this car since December of 2003 and I'd have to say, it was worth the wait. There aren't enough words to describe the thrill of driving one of these bad boys. The options are endless when it comes to tuning, but the basic model itself is loaded!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Most reliable car I ever had..

Lynn, 09/26/2009
2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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