2005 Scion tC

Technically a subcompact, the Scion tC parlays its combination of a relatively long wheelbase and several nifty design elements into a passenger compartment that will actually accommodate four adults in comfort. The folding rear seatbacks are the key here. They not only tip forward to create a near flat floor, but more importantly, lay back at up to a 45-degree angle, a move that buys a remarkable amount of headroom with only modest compromise to the 13.0 cu-ft cargo area. Pop the electronic latch on the tC's generously proportioned liftback and you discover another nice touch. Unlike the lame mid-floor installs in the xA and xB, here, the optional subwoofer is neatly tucked over against the right wheelhouse in an easily removable enclosure that pops out to allow access to a space-saver spare that's carried in an underlying well.

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.

Underpinning the '05 Scion tC is a fairly conventional chassis setup that matches MacStruts up front with double wishbones in the rear and anti-roll bars at both ends. While its sportily taut tuning makes this slick Scion quite adept at in-town cut-and-thrust maneuvers, we found the tC less at home being pressed to the limits on a serpentine two-lane back-road. Keep it at 8/10ths and the sportiest Scion tracks cleanly and confidently, nosing into classic front-drive push as you ratchet up the intensity. But, snap it into a turn or put it through a quick transient maneuver, and that poise is noticeably disrupted by a good deal more body roll and weight jacking than you'd anticipate given the rest of the package. We suspect that the folks at TRD have already done the sums on an optional spring/shock setup that will take better advantage of the potential that definitely lies within. For now, tag the Scion tC as a competent-plus handler. It may disappoint hard-core autocrossers, but it handily delivers more than enough real-world driving fun to please pretty much all of its primary target buyer group.


It's no accident that the arrival of the 2005 Scion tC and the announced imminent departure of the Toyota Celica and MR2 occurred on parallel time tracks. Scion marketing types are projecting that this scintillating newcomer will sell about 60,000 units per year. The way it's come charging out of the chute thus far, that may well prove to be a seriously conservative figure. Whatever the final number, the new tC is clearly destined to be a dominant force in the affordable sport coupe field from here on. (www.scion.com)