SCION tC Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Scion brand lived just enough to make two generations of the sport-compact vehicle, the tC. The two initials meant touring compact and it was intended as a car for the Y generation. In 2013, due to slow selling of the vehicle, the Scion tC received a facelift to bump the sales. A new bumper appeared. It was inspired by the design of the FR-S and hoped for better sales.

The new front bumper featured a big center lower grille and two side-scoops for venting the brake discs. Along came the 18” light-alloy-wheels, body-kit, a sport tuned suspension, and a short-shifter. Inside, the standard infotainment system featured a touchscreen display. On top of that, new LED taillights were installed.

Under the bodywork was the same Toyota Avensis platform and under the hood was the 2.5-liter gasoline engine from the Toyota Camry, which offered 180 hp. The transmission was either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The stick version was able to do a 0 to 97 kph (0-60 mph) sprint in 6.5 seconds, while the automatic sibling was almost one second slower. A special edition with special color and few gimmicks inside were meant to make the car more attractive. But the car didn't have a long life. In 2016, the Scion brand was axed since the sales didn't match the expectations.

A proud successor to the Toyota Celica, the Scion tC was introduced for the first time in 2004 based on the initial concept car.

The tC nameplate stood for “touring coupe” and the tC was designed to appeal more to the young buyers, thus it was not an expensive car and additional features could easily be added.

While the base model was well equipped, Scion offered the tC as a bare-bones version only, named the Spec Package.

The Spec Package was a less expensive option of the basic tC that cut many of the options available as standard such as smaller steel wheels with wheel covers, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls. Only four colors were available with the Spec Package.

The base model came with air conditioning, power steering, sport bucket seats with cloth upholstery, reclining front and rear seats, keyless entry, a cargo cover and many other features.

Unlike many other cars, the tC came with a list of “only” 40-items options that could add a supercharged kit with 200 hp, different chrome and leather shift knobs, bigger alloys and others.

Inside, the tC came with great surprises. The materials used were of high quality, with everything beautifully blending together into a great interior design.

Offering a quiet ride, the tC was equipped with a smooth engine, but nevertheless, powerful. The steering and handling were accurate and offered a fun ride.