The 2011 Scion tC ranks 15 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 11 published reviews and test drives of the Scion tC, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Scion tC will be available in October, but so far, most reviewers aren’t pumped about the newly-redesigned tC’s debut. Critics say the 2011 tC is an improvement from the 2010 model, but none say the tC is a must have.
Scion tried to accomplish lot in updating the 2011 tC while still keeping the tC's price under $20,000. "Therein lies the problem, because the 2011 Scion tC is a car without a singular mission,” Edmunds writes. “This coupe-hatchback has to do too much. It has to give equal priority to style, feature content and out-and-out affordability. There's just not enough money left in the budget to do anything very exciting with the car's chassis."
The new tC is very similar to the outgoing model. The majority of the press agrees, however, that Scion made improvements in three key areas: the engine, the steering wheel and the stereo options.
Reviewers agree that the engine upgrade from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for the 2010 tC to a 2.5 four-cylinder is a huge improvement. The 2011 tC, however, doesn’t drive like a sports car. The tC handles like a “slightly more nimble Camry,” according to Popular Mechanics. That’s not a compliment in the world of sportier cars.
The steering wheel, however, isn’t something you’d find in a Camry. It’s flat on the bottom, wrapped in leather, fat and has titanium-colored plastic accents and audio controls. Motor Trend says it’s just as fat, if not fatter than BMW’s, and that’s a good thing.
Buyers will also appreciate three audio head units. The base tC features a 300-watt audio system, auxiliary audio and USB input ports, which includes iPod connectivity. Buyers can also opt for an Alpine plug-in for a navigation system or backup camera and an XM Satellite Radio. The top-of-the-line unit offers a built in navigation system.
In comparison to the engine, steering wheel and updated stereo options, the exterior styling experienced fewer changes, and has some reviewers calling the change a evolution, rather than a revolution. Scion straightened the 2010 tC’s curvy exterior to produce a more aggressive look. Some members of the auto press aren’t thrilled about the redesign. They say it’s an improvement, but that it’s rather unimpressive and doesn’t make a statement.
Overall, the 2011 tC is a solid car for youngsters who want to look good while they drive and want a solid list of standard features, but need to avoid steep car payments.
If you’re looking for a car with a sportier drive, the Mazda3 is a good alternative. In comparison to the tC, the Mazda3 provides a great driving experience and a refined cabin at a cheaper price. The base Mazda3 starts at $15,450, $2,320 less than the six-speed manual transmission tC.
However, the Mazda3’s smiling front grill may deter some buyers. In that case, the Honda Civic and the Ford Fiesta are cars with great gas mileage and outstanding performance that lack a toothless grin. The Civic and Fiesta also save buyers money. The Fiesta, ranked number one in the class, starts at $13,320, and the Civic costs a bit more at $15,455. Of the two, the Fiesta has received the highest accolades. It has hybrid-like fuel economy and an upscale cabin that offers a host of amenities that are unusual for the class, which makes the Fiesta a press favorite.
The 2011 Scion tC is a two-door coupe. The tC starts at $18,275 for a manual transmission, and $19,275 for an automatic transmission. The tC’s 2.5-liter engine four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. With a number of standard features, such as a 300-watt standard audio system, iPod connectivity and a luxury-style steering wheel, some buyers may choose not to add extra amenities. However, options like an Alpine Premium audio system are available.
