Scion tC

Name: 2012 Scion tC
Brand: Scion

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The tC is a well-equipped, small, affordable coupe. The 2.5-liter, 180-hp engine provides good acceleration and very good fuel economy, when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic is available as well. While not as sporty as some more performance-oriented competitors, the tC has responsive handling. Though a two-door, it benefits from the versatility of a hatchback and the front cabin is quite spacious. However, a jittery ride and noisy cabin detract. Interior fit and finish are unimpressive and rear visibility is compromised.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Scion tC

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

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Road test

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Features & Specs

coupe

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2011-2016

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a power boost to 180-hp, and a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, but the noisy cabin, mediocre handling, and jittery ride remained. We like the value for the money proposition and the versatility of its hatchback design. However, fit and finish are lacking. Rear visibility is somewhat constricted as well. On the positive side, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard equipment. Updates for 2014 included some styling tweaks, new suspension and steering calibrations, and a six-speed automatic transmission. 2016 was the tC's last year together with the Scion brand.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

The small sporty coupe offers a lot of features for the money, such as a dual-panel sunroof. Power comes from a 160-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. Handling is fairly nimble, but not exactly sporty. Ride quality is pleasant, the rear seat is relatively spacious for a small coupe and reclines for passenger comfort. The hatchback body adds versatility. Expect very good fuel economy. However, this version of the tC is not recommended due to the lack of ESC and unimpressive IIHS crash tests.