The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: A Very Competent...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2010 Scion tC Safety Review

September 1, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Neither traction control nor [stability control] are offered
ConsumerGuide

Five stars, driver frontal impact, side front and rear impact; four stars, passenger frontal impact and rollover resistance" Cars.com: "a wide variety of standard safety features
NHTSA

While the 2010 Scion tC rates almost perfect for crash protection, and has a comprehensive set of airbags and standard anti-lock brakes. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard. But Car and Driver notes that it is hurt by its lack of traction control or stability control, neither of which is available even as an option.

Listing its crucial safety standards, Edmunds runs down the list of equipment: the Scion tC "comes with antilock disc brakes, a first aid kit and a driver knee airbag as standard equipment." Strangely, they then write (incorrectly) that "side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are optional." Side and curtain airbags are standard.

Edmunds notes that with its (standard) side airbags, the tC earns "a perfect five stars for driver protection" in the critical National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-testing regimen. As for other NHTSA tests, the tC got four stars for rollover resistance, four stars for passenger frontal impact, and five stars for side impact protection for both driver and rear passenger.

Finally, ConsumerGuide reports, "Visibility is good, but the sloped hatch window lacks a wiper and washer."

Conclusion

The 2010 Scion tC fits seven airbags as standard and scores five stars for driver protection in NHTSA testing, but its lack of electronic stability control puts it a little behind the times.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Neither traction control nor [stability control] are offeredConsumerGuideFive stars, driver frontal impact, side front and rear impact; four stars, passenger frontal impact and rollover resistance" Cars.com: "a wide variety of standard safety featuresNHTSA While the 2010 Scion tC rates almost perfect for crash protection, and has a comprehensive set of airbags and standard anti-lock brakes. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard. But Car and Driver notes that it is hurt by its lack of traction control or stability control, neither of which is available even as an option. Listing its crucial safety standards, Edmunds runs down the list of equipment: the Scion tC "comes with antilock disc brakes, a first aid kit and a driver knee airbag as standard equipment." Strangely, they then write (incorrectly) that "side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are optional." Side and curtain airbags are standard. Edmunds notes that with its (standard) side airbags, the tC earns "a perfect five stars for driver protection" in the critical National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-testing regimen. As for other NHTSA tests, the tC got four stars for rollover resistance, four stars for passenger frontal impact, and five stars for side impact protection for both driver and rear passenger. Finally, ConsumerGuide reports, "Visibility is good, but the sloped hatch window lacks a wiper and washer." ConclusionThe 2010 Scion tC fits seven airbags as standard and scores five stars for driver protection in NHTSA testing, but its lack of electronic stability control puts it a little behind the times. 2010 SCION TC STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "styling has become a bit familiar" Cars.com: "looks more aggressive than its Toyota siblings" Kelley Blue Book: "At a certain age, you might think the interior is a little too hip" Motor Trend: "gets only revised interior fabrics" ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Two years ago, the Ford Focus came out with a new coupe; it offers a distinctive, and quieter interior than before and many more convenience features, including the wildly popular SYNC communications and entertainment interface. The Focus is an attractive value, even if it isn't that much fun to drive compared to the 2010 Scion tC. The Honda Civic coupe feels sportier than even the tC, let alone the Focus, but its engine isn't as torquey for ordinary driving, and its interior can feel cramped. And just as the tC is, the Civic is loud inside on bad roads. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is the newest and most refined of all the competitors, and our reviews gave the Forte line good marks for driving satisfaction, refinement, and passenger space. The 2009 Hyundai Tiburon might also have been worth considering, but it is no longer made; it was replaced by the larger, rear-wheel-drive 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2010 Scion tC from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2010 Scion tC

Check Financing Rates

for the 2010 Scion tC

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2010 Scion tC near you

See the Scion tC in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy