#15

in Affordable Small Cars

Based on analysis of 47 tC reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $17,000 - $17,800
Invoice: $16,150 - $16,910
MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.8
Performance:7.8
Exterior:8.0
Interior:7.1
Safety:9.3
Reliability:4.0
Research we analyzed for this review

Prices

See what others recently paid in your area for the tC.

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Scion tC has not been crash tested, but the 2009 tC, which is virtually the same, did very well in federal government crash tests. The 2010 tC comes with a long list of standard safety equipment, including side curtain and driver knee airbags, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. In addition, tCs are built with an impact absorbing body structure to disperse the force of collisions so that passengers are less harmed.

But despite Scion's safety precautions, critics are split on the driver's visibility.

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2009 tC five out of a possible five stars for driver protection in frontal offset crashes, and four out of five stars for the front passenger. The tC also earned five out of five stars for both front and backseat protection in side impact crashes.
  • "Thick rear roof pillars partially obstruct vision from the driver's seat." -- MSN
  • "Visibility is good, but the sloped hatch window lacks a wiper and washer." -- Consumer Guide
Review Last Updated: 6/25/09