2008 Scion tC Review

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TheCarConnection's Rating:

7.6
Out of 10

Read our editors'
Bottom Line

Review
Pictures (18)
Specifications (12 Trims)

MSRP: $15,300 - $17,800
Get a free price quote

By Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

How We Rated

Styling: 8; The tC is styled well, inside and out.

Performance: 7; It's not blazingly quick, but the tC handles well.

Comfort and Quality: 6; The rear seat will be cramped for adults.

Safety: 8; Side impact results are particularly impressive.

Features: 9; Scion lets tC buyers customize their car with a vast array of options.

2008 Scion tC
Enlarge Photo

Scion's 2008 tC sport coupe gets cleaner styling and more standard features as it soldiers into the new model year.

Now the oldest vehicle in the Scion lineup – the xB and new xD were unveiled at the Chicago show, and go on sale in April and August, respectively – the tC adopts a new front end that more closely resembles its new teammates. Projector headlamps are a part of the deal, as are round taillamps.

Inside the tC gets a standard iPod connectivity kit that allows the audio system to control Apple’s ubiquitous music player. A premium sound system is optional on the tC; its hallmark is an LCD screen that allows drivers to choose various “skins” and also plays four-second video clips downloaded from the Pioneer Web site (Pioneer makes the audio systems.)

Now standard on the tC are dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Also included are anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitors, and a driver’s knee airbag. The engine and transmissions are carried over from 2007 – a 161-hp four spins out power through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

The '08 tC is priced from $17,000 for manual-transmission models, and $17,800 for automatic-equipped cars. Neither price includes delivery charges. A special Spec package tC is priced from $15,300 with a manual transmission and $16,100 for automatic-equipped models; it's aimed directly at tuners who will modify the tC to their own specification.

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