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2008 Scion tC Performance Review

August 19, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

endearing and assertive
Car and Driver

a blast to drive
Kelley Blue Book

Impressive handling
Cars.com

acceleration that's ample though not outstanding
Edmunds

needs TRD accessories to be a sporting car
Road & Track

The addition of readily available TRD parts and pieces can turn a peppy, adequate 2008 Scion tC into a fast and furious hot hatch.

Equipped with a Camry-sourced 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing, the torque-rich engine generates 161 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. “The Civic Si and the Mazda 3 s have as much horsepower, but they can't match the tC's twist,” says Car and Driver, who, like many, contends that the tC’s generous torque down low makes it an agreeable, enjoyable motivator. They clock a five-speed model at 7.4 seconds to 60 miles per hour. Edmunds also appreciates the “meatier low-end torque than smaller-engined competitors like the Honda Civic.”

Buyers can opt for an engine upgrade in the form of a TRD supercharger that boosts the power to an even 200 hp and the torque to 184 pound-feet.

Getting the power to the ground is the previous-generation Camry’s five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Showing their age with a paucity of ratios, the transmissions nonetheless work well in the tC due in large part to torque-rich four. Kelley Blue Book finds that “the five-speed manual delivers crisp, short shifts,” but Cars.com mentions “the clutch can be jumpy.” Of the automatic, Edmunds deems it “hesitant and indecisive during enthusiastic runs on back roads.” ConsumerGuide complains that the autobox “wouldn't make a kickdown shift without flooring the gas pedal” at cruising speeds.

Labeling its chassis as “an underachiever,” Car and Driver explains “the culprit for the tC's otherwise estimable performance is weight.” Less than competitive skidpad numbers and a front-heavy, understeering demeanor can be cured by optional suspension bits that Road & Track assures “will help you get the suspension sorted.” And ConsumerGuide testifies to the platform’s basic goodness, claiming that “handling is entertaining and confident” and “steering has good feel and weight.”

Conclusion

While limited by front-wheel drive and a heavy nose, the 2008 Scion tC’s competent chassis shines with optional parts and pieces that complement its polished drivetrain well.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:endearing and assertiveCar and Drivera blast to driveKelley Blue BookImpressive handlingCars.comacceleration that's ample though not outstandingEdmundsneeds TRD accessories to be a sporting carRoad & Track The addition of readily available TRD parts and pieces can turn a peppy, adequate 2008 Scion tC into a fast and furious hot hatch. Equipped with a Camry-sourced 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing, the torque-rich engine generates 161 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. “The Civic Si and the Mazda 3 s have as much horsepower, but they can't match the tC's twist,” says Car and Driver, who, like many, contends that the tC’s generous torque down low makes it an agreeable, enjoyable motivator. They clock a five-speed model at 7.4 seconds to 60 miles per hour. Edmunds also appreciates the “meatier low-end torque than smaller-engined competitors like the Honda Civic.” Buyers can opt for an engine upgrade in the form of a TRD supercharger that boosts the power to an even 200 hp and the torque to 184 pound-feet. Getting the power to the ground is the previous-generation Camry’s five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Showing their age with a paucity of ratios, the transmissions nonetheless work well in the tC due in large part to torque-rich four. Kelley Blue Book finds that “the five-speed manual delivers crisp, short shifts,” but Cars.com mentions “the clutch can be jumpy.” Of the automatic, Edmunds deems it “hesitant and indecisive during enthusiastic runs on back roads.” ConsumerGuide complains that the autobox “wouldn't make a kickdown shift without flooring the gas pedal” at cruising speeds. Labeling its chassis as “an underachiever,” Car and Driver explains “the culprit for the tC's otherwise estimable performance is weight.” Less than competitive skidpad numbers and a front-heavy, understeering demeanor can be cured by optional suspension bits that Road & Track assures “will help you get the suspension sorted.” And ConsumerGuide testifies to the platform’s basic goodness, claiming that “handling is entertaining and confident” and “steering has good feel and weight.” ConclusionWhile limited by front-wheel drive and a heavy nose, the 2008 Scion tC’s competent chassis shines with optional parts and pieces that complement its polished drivetrain well.  2008 SCION TC STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “Handsome and intuitive dash controls” Motor Trend: “A hatchback hidden within a coupe form” MyRide.com: “too refined for the coolness factor of the brand” Autoblog: “striking in person” Sleek and restrained, yet taut and sporty, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For 2008, the Ford Focus is available in a new coupe body style; with a more distinctive, quieter interior than before and more available convenience features, such as the SYNC communications and entertainment interface, the Focus offers a very compelling package for the money, even if it isn’t as much fun to drive as the 2008 Scion tC. The Honda Civic coupe feels sportier than the Focus and the tC, but its engine isn’t as torquey for ordinary driving, and its interior feels a bit more cramped. Like the tC, it’s also quite loud inside on coarse surfaces. The Pontiac G5 and Hyundai Tiburon might also be worth consideration, but both of them feel rather outdated for different reasons. The interior of the G5 feels subpar in appearance and quality, while the Tiburon sacrifices a lot of interior space for a curvaceous exterior shape that is no longer in vogue.

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See the Scion tC in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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