The 2008 tC is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, available in one trim only, the Sport Coupe.
Upon introduction, the tC is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 161-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional.
The 2008 tC is freshened for 2008.
CarReview's expert review of the Scion tC is available HERE See pictures of the Scion tC posted in the photo gallery
Summary: When it was time to trade in my Monte Carlo, I knew I wanted something with sufficient power AND decent gas milage. I researched the tC, test drove it, and within a few months decided to purchase it.
I absolutely love this car. I think it has great handling and suspension. Both the AC and heat work wonderfully, and it has tons of cool "gadgets" normally found in luxury cars.
I opted for the iPod upgrade, bazooka sub, pedestal spoiler, and heated leather seats.
Strengths: Good handling, heat, AC, suspension, adequate head room, attractive interior, the 60/40 split folding rear seat is a great amenity. The "outside temperture" button is pretty cool. I've got an automatic transmission, and I've gotten between 26 and 29 MPG every time. The leather seats are totally worth it, if your dealership has the option.
Weaknesses: Don't spend 400 dollars for the bazooka sub upgrade. I'm very disappointed... absolutly NO "boom." Instead, but a decent amp and speakers.
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Summary: After months of research, I settled on this car. It was worth the wait. I drove every comparable car in this category, and this was the best, especially considering it has the Camry engine, and I suspect the Toyota quality.
Strengths: The 160 HP, and 163 ft lbs of torque were more than adequate for more drivers, but TRD introduced the Supercharger, and I had it dealer installed. Don't believe the reviews that give this car a 6.7-7.4 type zero to 60 or a 13+ 1/4 mile. Not true. I can chirp the tires on this car upshifting to 3rd gear, and hit 111 in the 1/4 mile. The only thing that stopped this car was the governor @ 127. I have owned a Farrari Dino, a Corvette, and just blew away a Mustang GT last week. Maybe he didn't know how to drive, but my timer a day later says the Tc supercharged does a 5.5 0-60, and the GT claim of 4.9 is a lie.
Weaknesses: The 127 top speed governor. While this car is not the best handling vehicle I have ever driven, that can be fixed with a tighter suspension system and some tweaking. There is also a redline governor that kicks in at 6200 rpm, which is inconvenient, but I wouldn't call it a weakness. It'll end up saving the ngine because the car will jump from 15 (squealing tires in the processs) to 50 faster than you can keep an eye on your rpm's....
Similar Products Used: None for this kind of money. Its more affordable than anything in its class Unless you want a piece of crap Dodge). However, I have driven plenty of large engine cars, and lots of speedy 2.4 or recent larger Nissans, and this car compares very favorably to all.
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Summary: Got this car over Christmas break of 2004, so I was pretty much the first one on the road in my town. I test drove the Mazda RX8, Ford Mustang (2005), Honda Civic, Scion xB, Toyota Celica, Toyota MR2, and Toyota Corolla XRS before settling on this car. And I have no regrets, whatsoever.
I added the rear lip spoiler and OBX aluminum shift knob. A few weeks ago, because there are so many tC's on the road now, I installed the TYC Euro-style taillights. I get lots of envious looks from other tC owners now :-) They are a definite plus as far as style. Within a few months I hope to get the cold air intake and/or supercharger (well, honestly, I haven't decided whether to get the super- or turbocharger).
The car handles like a dream, and all of my 6'+ passengers comment on how much leg room there is, especially in the back.
I finally figured out (after reading the manual-duh) that the stereo has different modes. When set on the bass-enhancement mode, it's quite powerful. But if you don't change the mode (by hitting the big SSP button) the stereo may sound a little weak.
I can't recommend this car highly enough. 3 people in my family now own Scions. It's a great investment.
Strengths: Price
Leg Room
Options included in base price
Style
Handling
Total sex appeal :-)
Weaknesses: Tires that come on the car from the dealership are $220+ apiece. I didn't realize that til it came time to replace them! Needs a back windshield wiper. They could coax a little more hp out of an engine with that big of a displacement. But it almost beats the Mini's 168 hp turbo.
Similar Products Used: Toyota Celica, Toyota Corolla, Toyota MR2, Honda Civic, Mazda RX8, Ford Mustang, Scion xB.
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Strengths: The stereo system, the moonroof, gas mileage, style, lots of room for passengers in the backseat, reclining backseats, fold-down backseats so you can move almost anything
Weaknesses: the temperature gauge (to tell the OUTSIDE temperature) never seems to be 100% correct, blind spots in the back (but, it's about the same as other coupes)
Similar Products Used: best car I've ever driven v. jeep, durango, sunbird, corsica, escort
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Rating Reviewed by: Dan(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 1, 2006
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 5 of 13
Price Paid:
$19500.00
from Scion of Weymouth (M
Year / Model Reviewed: 2006 tC
Summary: Perfect vehicle for all ages...I bought mine as a Christmas present to myself and it's the best present I ever got...my mother has since bought an AUTO and loves it as well...
The price starts at 16 and change but goes up quick with the addons (Sirius Radio, Fog Lamps, Lip Spoiler (needed for a little down force on the rear end)...
The tire grip stock is great at first but abuse them and that goes away
quick...also replacement Z rated tires is a must, a friend didn't heed this advice and now drives a used Dodge Neon...
All tC's come with the stock set up of options and custumize to your own personality...Lots of after market items to go around if you look...Don't get the dealer muffler upgrade it's only 5hp gain and sounds dumb...
Gas Milieage, I hear lots of stuff about this, I have the STD and get just under 40 when I drive normal but get on the wheel and that drops to high 20's My mother has the AUTO and gets straight sticker...
Engine/Trans is stong right out of the box, it's a Camry with 2/3rds the weight...could uses a taller 1st in the STD, I don't even bother with it unless there's snow or racing.
The interior is not bad I expected to get bored with it but with the fold flat seats and rear seat laying back yes it can be a comfortable bed in a pinch...
Exterior - I wish the fog lamps worked with only the parking lights on...I don't like that the Headlights have to be on as well...Stock rims get comments,somehow, people think there an upgrade...the upgrade wheels actually weigh more then stock I'm told...
Sunroof - makes for fun ride...wide as the car and opens all the way up...the rear glass is also nice...
Paint and Finish - Haven't had an issue as of yet but who knows tomorrow is another day...
Strengths: Nice Lines, Forward View, Directionals on Mirrors, Big wide open glass roof, Just take the damn thing for a drive and you'll love it.
Good engine-trans combo once your out of first, I usually just use second and up...The thing can keep up with cars a lot bigger...Very fast on the track as well if you really lay into it...I was thinking about a 14 second time and was shocked by the 12.2ET @ 113 STOCK...
Handeling - for the price it corners like it's on rails...get the brace strusts and get a little bit more stifness up front, make your own and get a lot more...
Weaknesses: FIRST GEAR IN THE STD...Blind spots to rear...AC could be cooler...radio sounds anemic to me, I'll be fixing that soon though...
Similar Products Used: Price range: Dodge Neon R/T, Dodge Caliber, Chevy Cavilier, Ford Focus, Hyundai Tiburon, Honda Civic, VW Golf, Pontiac Vibe, Pontiac Sunfire, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla...
When I went out to look for a new car I looked a lot drove just about everything you can think of bit the tC won out...
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