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Scion tC - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Scion tC ranks 15 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Scion tC, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Small and sporty, the tC is an affordable coupe with pleasing performance and plenty of customization possibilities.

Sleek, sporty and affordable, the 2010 Scion tC is still distinctive among small cars for providing high quality standard features and an assortment of funky customization options that appeal to a younger demographic.

But it's been several years since the tC first entered the market, and neither its design nor its features have changed much. Over the years, some of the car's flaws have become more apparent to auto writers, such as its cramped space for both rows of seats. The tC's aging design might also lead you to look elsewhere. If you're looking for more room to stretch out and a more eye-catching design, consider the MINI Cooper. The MINI doesn't offer much passenger room overall (it is a coupe, after all) but experts say the front row's space is surprisingly roomy for the car's size.

Regarding the 2010 tC, our analysis finds one other reason to keep your options open. "Note that the tC is not a performance car," says Edmunds, "so if it's back-road thrills you're after, we'd advise you to look elsewhere." The 2010 Mazda3 makes a great alternative if you care more about power than tuning. Available in sedan and hatchback styles, the 3 has a sleek design and more impressive engine performance than the tC. Its performance variant, the Mazdaspeed 3, offers even more oomph on the highway.

Still, the tC has much to recommend it. Folding the tC's 60/40 second row unveils nearly 35 cubic feet of cargo space -- a rarity for a coupe. And with a base price that shouldn't go over $19,000, the 2010 Scion tC is one of the most affordable cars in the class.

The tC is only offered in one, two-door coupe trim, but numerous aftermarket options are available. 

• "The 2010 Scion tC is a two-door hatchback coupe that parent company Toyota has aimed squarely at the 20-something crowd. These drivers likely want rides that are stylish, customizable and affordable, and the tC is a success on all three counts." -- Edmunds
• "tC offers strong audio options and decent performance, but leg- and headroom are limited for taller people." -- CNET
• "The tC is a solid hatchback that combines sporty performance, surprising space, and lots of standard features -- all at bargain prices -- which earn it a high rating." -- Consumer Guide
• "The little tC is more than just a good value -- it has become the poster child for the lucrative aftermarkets parts and customization business." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Maybe the bottom line on the tC should be: A great bargain...for anyone under six feet tall." -- BusinessWeek

tC Performance - 7.8 (Good)

The tC isn't as sporty as some class cars, but reviewers are satisfied with its engine power, and commend its cornering and lack of understeer. Best expressed by Edmunds, "The 2010 Scion tC handles nimbly enough, though you certainly won't confuse it with a sporty rival like the Mini Cooper." Read More

tC Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Even with a mid-cycle refresh in 2008, the tC's look has changed little since it was first introduced in 2004. Still, reviews like Kelley Blue Book say the car is "handsome, but not revolutionary," and generally approve of the car's tasteful design. For 2010, Scion adds a new exterior color for its tC -- Nautical Blue Metallic, slated to replace the current Blue Ribbin Metallic option. Read More

tC Interior - 7.1 (Good)

Many test drivers applaud the tC's cabin features and comfortable seating. But the praise is mitigated by mixed impressions of the coupe's leg- and headroom. Some also find the tC's materials too simple for the raising class standards. Read More

tC Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2010 Scion tC has not been crash tested. However, the 2009 model did well in federal government crash tests. All Scions come with an extensive list of standard safety features. Read More

tC Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Scion tC reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 tC has a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More