by Tom Anderson
If something is really popular, it should be really good, right? With that in mind, the Scion tC, the lone two-door offering from Toyota’s youth brand and the car whose picture is probably next to the definition of “ubiquitous” in the dictionary, should be one of the best cars in history, right? Well, not exactly, but for what it is and the price ($16,980 base), the tC is pretty darn good.
Based on the chassis of the European-market Toyota Avensis sedan and wagon, the tC is a two-door hatchback coupe that uses the Toyota Camry’s 161 horsepower 2.4 liter inline-four engine, which drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (the latter adds $800 to the tC’s base price). The tC essentially replaced the Toyota brand’s own long-running sport coupe icon, the Celica, just a couple of years ago.
Inside, there’s no shortage of room for people and cargo. The rear seat is cavernous, even compared to some sedans, and it even reclines, but taller passengers may find a lack of head-room, particularly when occupying the already cozy middle section. The back seat also folds 60/40 to expand the trunk.
As expected in a product of the new holder of the title of world’s largest automaker, material fit and finish are terrific, and all the controls are logically placed. And sun worshippers will be happy to know that all tCs come with a huge panorama glass moonroof with power slide and tilt operation, though easy-to-operate manual shades can block out those rays when desired.
For audio junkies, the tC comes standard with a 160 watt six-speaker (two of which are tweeters) Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo that is MP3 compatible and satellite radio ready. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are also standard equipment. An iPod adapter is a $260 upgrade, while an extra $449 will get you a trunk-mounted 10-inch Bazooka subwoofer.
On the safety front, the tC comes standard with dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, remote keyless entry system with engine immobilizer and a first aid kit. Side curtain airbags are a$650 option.
Ride quality is smooth, due in no small part to the longish wheelbase, but the tC also corners well. The power-assisted steering is accurate and doesn’t feel artificially light.
Remember how I implied earlier that the tC isn’t perfect? Well, here’s why: First, the steering column tilts up and down, but it doesn’t telescope in and out, which essentially restricts the position of the driver’s seat. Speaking of the front seats, you’ll have to reach well over your shoulder to grab the seat belt buckle, even if you’re sitting pretty far back. And unless you love blending in with the herd, seeing at least one other tC every mile might get annoying after a while, regardless of how many options for customization from both Scion and third party manufacturers are out there.
But if you don’t mind being part of the herd, and you don’t need a vehicle with more than two doors, you can’t really go wrong with a Scion tC.
