2005 Scion tC

The Scion saga may still be in its early stages, but already the first plot twist has rolled into the picture. A marked departure from the Echo-based xA and xB, the new tC has virtually nothing in common with its predecessors, save for upper/lower case nomenclature and an amazing array of standard features included in an equally amazing base price. This front drive lift-back coupe is the first Scion offering designed specifically for the U.S. market. While based on the European Avensis platform and incorporating a number of other existing Toyota powertrain components, the 2005 Scion tC nonetheless moved from finalized planning to full production in a mere 13 months, which is a record for a U.S. Toyota product.

Visually clean, the tC's sheetmetal and exterior styling seem to have been influenced by several upscale European automakers.

Scion's mission of drawing younger, hipper buyers into the Toyota big tent may still be operational, but the tC moves things to an entirely different level. According to Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, Scion tC executive chief engineer, the car is intended to establish a new benchmark for the class. "Our goal," he noted, "was to give the tC the upscale look and feel, fit and finish, and attention to detail that approached that of a Lexus."


Not said but clearly in evidence, this handsome newcomer also possesses the kind of underhood muscle that's noticeably absent in Scion's alpha and beta variants. The sole engine for the Scion tC is the 2.4-liter DOHC VVT-i also used in the Camry. Churning our 160 hp at 5,700 rpm and 163 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 revs, it can send the 2,900 lb.-plus tC scampering from 0-60 mph in less than 8.5 seconds, regardless of whether you opt for the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic.


In addition to serious motivation and a Panorama roof, the Scion tC's extensive roster of standards includes comfort and convenience items like air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors keyless remote entry, cruise control, fully reclining sport front buckets, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and an engine immobilizer. Functional touches include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and 17-inch alloy wheels with Z-rated 215/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires, while dual-stage front airbags, a driver's side knee bag and 3-point belts and headrests at all five seating positions highlight the passive safety package. All of this starts at $15,950 plus $515 in destination fees. Our test vehicle, which was fitted with the autoshifter as well as side impact and side curtain airbags, a Bazooka subwoofer, OBX shift knob, amber LED underdash/cupholder lighting, a rear bumper protector and carpeted floor mats bottom-lined at $18,876—which also includes a full tank of gas.

Inside, the tC displays the same kind of contemporary flair as other Scion models, but adds its own signature elements to the mix.

Visually clean, the tC's sheetmetal and exterior styling seem to have been influenced by several upscale European automakers, namely Audi, BMW and Volvo. And its standard Panorama glass roof indicates that somewhere along the line, the Scion team also may have tapped into the thinking of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. A surprisingly long—106.3-inch—wheelbase with relatively short overhangs gives the tC a purposeful look while helping enhance usable interior space.