2007 Scion tC

Bare Essentials

The sporty Scion tC coupe can be bought in a stripped-down 'tC spec' version, as a blank canvas for ultimate customization.

The tC coupe is the sportiest model in Toyota’s youth-oriented Scion line and is a bargain among small, sporty coupes. It offers style, lively performance and a versatile interior at a great price.

Since its introduction for the 2005 model year, the sporty Scion tC coupe has been popular with young drivers, particularly those in the so-called “tuner” crowd, who like to customize their rides with all manner of appearance accessories and performance modifications.

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Scion is catering to that market segment with a “tC Spec” Package (introduced for 2007) that’s essentially a slightly stripped-down “blank canvas” version, ripe for personalization.

The stripped tC Spec model rides on smaller, 16-inch steel wheels that beg to be swapped for larger ones made of exotic alloys and shod with low-profile tires. It also includes a fixed glass panorama roof instead of the power sunroof in the standard model, and comes with a cheaper steering wheel, which is also likely to be swapped out. The sticker price is about $1,400 less than the standard model.

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The front-wheel-drive Scion tC comes powered by a four-cylinder engine shared with base versions of the larger Toyota Camry sedan. This engine offers peppy acceleration, but those seeking more muscle can order an optional supercharger kit that adds 40 hp. This option is yet another nod to the tuner crowd that have made turbocharging and supercharging small engines a popular aftermarket modification.

The nice thing about Scion's supercharger, which runs a couple of thousands dollars, is that it was engineered by Toyota, so there's no risk of it damaging the engine with ill-fitting parts or over-boosted specifications — a common problem with aftermarket kits. In fact, Scion's supercharger can be installed at the dealer and is covered under warranty.

Scion tC Vehicle Summary

Based on our test-drive of a tC outfitted with the kit, performance is quite exhilirating. Supercharging the Scion tC's small engine transforms the vehicle into a hot rod.

A slick-shifting, five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional.

A four-wheel independent suspension combines with specially calibrated steering and braking systems to give this low-slung coupe spirited handling through the curves. The standard antilock brakes include electronic brake force distribution to maintain proper brake force between the front and rear wheels. A driver’s knee-height airbag is included. Front side and side-curtain airbags are optional. Unfortunately, stability control is not offered on the tC. This feature greatly enhances safety on slick roads and in emergency handling maneuvers.

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The Scion tC is attractive inside and out, thanks to its curvy, though tastefully sculpted, exterior and a well-finished cockpit. Although, few of the materials used inside betray this vehicle's affordable price.

Four average-sized adults can fit comfortably inside. Rear seat legroom is actually generous for such a small sporty car, though tall or large occupants up front might impinge on rear seating capacity as their seats may need to be moved farther back.

Standard convenience features on the “regular,” non-Spec model include a power sunroof, keyless entry and a CD stereo with MP3 file-reading capability. A premium sound system that incorporates an iPod adapter for connecting Apple’s popular audio player is optional.

The tC also offers a long list of dealer-installed add-ons for customizing.