2005 Scion tC User Reviews

Pros

Sexy design, moonroofs, great performance, spacious

Cons

Rediculous gauge display layout - flat out out unreadable! Pointless radio cover, large doors

While shopping around for a car in the 15k range...I saw this in the lot. After reading about how awesome they were, it indeed was stunning next to the other small compacts. It's design is sexy and simple. Even though it was about 7 grand more than what I wanted to spend, I couldn't help but want to sit inside it.

I was amazed at how much room was in the back. The interior was great, and felt like a serious upgrade from all the economy cars I was looking at. I was in heaven! My wife was glaring at me the whole time, but I totally didn't care. The back seat had more than enough room for a babyseat.

As I put my hands on the steering wheel though, something seeming horribly wrong. The steering wheel was small (not a big deal...I just got out of my old Saturn Ion which had the same)...but it was awkward feeling. I couldn't put my finger on why it felt wrong, but then I saw it. The steering wheel completely covered up the display gauges. Like...you couldn't even see gas gauge or the other ones. You could see how fast you were going, but that's it! Even that was a chore. It is laughable how bad that is designed.

The rest of the display dashboard was cool, except also...there was a radio cover! What the hell? What is the reason for a radio cover? It totally ruins how sleek the inside looks. Part of the allure of a nice interior is all the lights of the radio and controls...but the radio cover definitely took away from that. The blackness of the radio didn't look right against the smooth grey of the rest. The A/C knob was awesome though, I loved how the light changed color from blue to red.

The doors are big too...which was my only other gripe. I hate having to deal with that...but I guess everything is a give and take. I almost with it would be like the Ion where it was two doors...hidden as one.

All in all, quite a good car is you can get past the dashboard design flaws. This is definitely a car made for people who only car about looks. It IS stylish...but all the upgrades to personalize it put it out of my price range.

What also caused me to ditch this...was the gas mileage. You'd think using a Toyota engine, you'd get much better gas mileage....read morehide

Pros

Good looking fun car, easy to get around, great handling, comfortable

Cons

Gas mileage, blind spots,

I have a 06 black cherry TC that I bought in 06/05. It now has 13,000 miles and it runs great. I have had no problems with anything. I think the car is comfortable I have taken a few road trips. The gas mileage is not great. There are blind spots but you just have to get used to it. Handling is really responsive which makes the ride fun. I love this car and think it is a great buy!

2 Things bad that I have noticed are the sunroof seems not to be made aerodynamitcatlly correct. So much wind comes into the car and when you slamm on the breaks they make a clunking noise....read morehide

Pros

Great Looking Car

Cons

Seats could use more adjustments

I bought my 2005 Red Special Release one month ago off the show room floor. I love the extras they included. The 19 inch 7 spoke wheels are eye catchers with the Yokohama tires. It is numbered 451 out of 2500 released. It is fun to drive but I am disappointed with the mileage. This is my second Scion as I had the Xa previously. Now that was a great car! 33 mpg in the City!
Overall.... I love the car and get looks wherever I go....read morehide

Pros

Great bang for the buck

Cons

Voicey moonroof and no rear wiper

I bought my 2005 ScionTC back in June of 05 and love the car. For the price of the car you get a lot. Wheels, moon roof, power windows and doors and this are the base model. The power is adequate for the car; not as much acceleration of the line as I would like but performers just fine on roads and highways. The only cons on this car are the lack of rear wipers and the amount of noise the moon roof generates when it’s opened. One other thing, if you are taller then 5'10 you might find this car way to small. I'm 5'8 and I have my seat adjusted to the back. For less then 19k you are getting a lot of car for the dollar. 5 stars...read morehide

Pros

Nice styling, lots of standardd equipment

Cons

very harsh ride, noisey engine

I drove a Scion TC right after driving a 2006 Chevy Cobalt. I was immediately struck by how much noisier the Scion was at idle and how harsh the ride was compared to the Cobalt. I was also very disappointed that the Scion is only offered in very ugly and un-sporty colors more suitable for elderly ladies. I won't be buying one....read morehide

Pros

standard equipment, roomy back seat, interior quality, value for the money

Cons

sunroof shudders, some whining sound inside the car and i dont know where its comming from.

its an 06 model and after 2100 miles, it started to make unknown noises. im gonna see if the toyota peeps can do something with these minor annoyance.

Pros

laundry list of sandard features, great price, Legendary Toyota Quality

Cons

soft paint, slightly underpowered

This car is fantastic bang for the buck, as well as great looking there is no other entry level sport coupe on the market that compares with the same price, or features. For a vehicle of this type I think that it is slightly underpowered but with that being said the engine is the same as that of the 4 cyl Camry, so the reliability factor is there. At first the seats feel a little uncomfortable, but once they are broken in they feel fine. I ve had my Tc for 8 mos or so and have put 12,000 miles on it, I am more than impressed witht the car and I love it....read morehide

Pros

Speedy, Nice looking, Comfortable, Classy

Cons

Ride is a little rough

Basically I love my Scion TC. The only sore spot for me is a weird rattle in the latch door or window that so far the dealer can't pinpoint and fix. I hope no one else out there with a Scion TC is experiencing the same frustration I'm having with this. I'm hopeful that it will be fixed one day soon!!!...read morehide

Pros

It gets good gas mileage for my 240 mile weekly commute. Enough power to pass when needed.

Cons

Didn't come with tinted glass and there is no arm rest between driver and passanger.

I now have over 28,000 miles on my 2005 Tc. Overall the quality has been great. There are a few small issues however.

The cover over the radio rattles and squeeks on rough road and of course it won't do it for the dealers.

I have to agree about the blind spots, they are huge.

Really, really big doors! Great for getting in and out but tight spots aren't fun.

Overall I love my Tc, I spend at least 14 hours a week driving it in pretty rough conditions ( the Columbia Gorge and Portland rush hour), and I am glad I bought it and would recommend it to a friend....read morehide

Pros

Lots of airbags

Cons

Door panels could be more resistant

I bought this car for my teenage daughter. It has airbags coming out of every surface, which I hope to never see her test. Perfect car for a young kid. Cool and safe.