The Scion tC's interior is better executed, with metallic trim and a unique grain to the dashboard materials that was inspired by the texture of a popular Japanese parchment. Many of the parts are cribbed from the Toyota bin, meaning that they operate fluidly with nicely dampened movements. Thankfully, the gauges are properly located directly in front of the driver, rather than in the center like the Scion xA and the Scion xB.
Designed to be a comfortable place to spend time, the driver's seat provides both height and thigh adjustment, and the rear seats can be adjusted 10 different ways or recline to a 45-degree angle for road trip napping. Thanks to the hatchback design and the fact that all seats except the driver's can fold flat, an 8.5-foot ladder will fit into the 2005 Scion tC with the trunk lid closed.
Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof; high-output Pioneer sound; power windows, door locks and mirrors; keyless entry; air conditioning; cruise control; and a driver knee airbag. All Scion tCs will be "monospeced,"; meaning that options are dealer-installed.
Though the generic exterior styling underwhelms us, the 2005 Scion tC represents outstanding value. Why? Because the company claims that it will be priced well under $20,000 when it goes on sale in the latter half of 2004. Given its levels of refinement and the reputation for durability enjoyed by all Toyotas, Generation Y should be thoroughly impressed. Besides, a giant Scion decal dripping off the hood and onto the left front fender will spice up that exterior in a jiffy.
Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc.
About Christian Wardlaw Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
