2005 Toyota Scion tC
Base price: $15,950
Price as tested: $18,231
This week, we test drive Toyota’s all-new Scion tC, a low-cost sporty vehicle that is sure to be a hit with the younger set. We believe Toyota has a big winner on its hands with Scion, especially since it comes in three distinct flavors: a station-wagon-style xA; a boxy, mini-SUV dubbed xB; and the sporty two-door tC coupe.
The Scion tC comes standard with things like a power moonroof, 160-watt Pioneer MP3 stereo system, cruise, air, all the powers, keyless entry, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, reclining front seats, driver knee airbags and lots more — all for a base of $15,950! If this price doesn’t whet the “Sport Compact” and “Tuner” crowd (slang for those who love the four-cylinder compacts), nothing will.
Under the hood sits a 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to standard five-speed manual transmission that offers excellent get up and go. Producing 160-horsepower and 163 foot-pounds of torque, the engine delivers adequate EPA numbers at 22-mpg city and 29-mpg highway while still offering plenty of zip. We timed Scion’s acceleration at zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. An automatic transmission is also available.
A sport-tuned MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension with gas-charged shocks all around help plant the Scion in the turns, and the optional Toyota Racing Development performance exhaust system ($525) gives Scion the sound all those targeted age-group buyers yearn for.
The cabin is a pleasant surprise. Two-door sport coupes usually mean cramped quarters, especially for those rear-seat unfortunates. Not so with Scion. Both front and rear leg- and headroom are good, although access to the rear quarters can be cumbersome. As for aesthetics, the interior is nice-looking, fully functional and definitely “lower cost.” The seats are comfortable front and rear, and give good side-to-side support.
The ride is on the firmer side, but that’s expected from a sporty car that came with an optional front strut tie bar. Made by Hotchkins Tuning, this Toyota option costs an additional $225, but the result is much better handling. We recommend it.
Our Scion came equipped with P215/45ZR17 all-season tires, but don’t overlook the optional 18-inchers mated to EMX alloy seven-spoke wheels. It will cost an additional $1,565, but is well worth the investment since most “tuners” buy wheels and tires anyway. For those who need more, ask your Toyota dealer about the neat $995 ground-effects package.
Other options on our front-drive tester included side airbags for $650, carpeted mats for $145, cargo liner for $104, a rear bumper protector for $58 and a nice-looking OBX shift knob for $59. With $515 destination added, the final tally came in at only $18,231 — quite a buy for what you get.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (not really that small), curb weight of 2,905 pounds, a cargo area of 12.8 cubic feet, 14.5-gallon fuel tank (unleaded regular) and five-passenger seating capacity (only four will fit comfortably).
Of course, with sub-$20,000 cars, some of the interior materials may not be of the highest quality, so we wouldn’t be too surprised if the car develops an interior rattle or squeak here and there. However, to the “Tuners” defense, that Pioneer six-speaker stereo will drown out any minor rattle.
We rate the new Scion an eight on a scale of one to 10, with 10 best.
Likes: Lots of car for the money; fun for the younger set; Toyota reliability
Dislikes: Interior trim utilizes lower-cost plastic