Scion tC

Name: 2013 Scion tC
Brand: Scion

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall 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.

2013 Small cars Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Scion tC

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

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Crash and Rollover 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 and Rollover 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

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash and Rollover 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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2013 Small cars (2-door) Ratings

2013 Scion tC

$7,800 - $8,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2013 Honda Civic

$8,300 - $13,350

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2013 Hyundai Elantra

$6,000 - $7,000

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2013 Hyundai Veloster

$5,750 - $6,725

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2013 Kia Forte

$5,375 - $6,750

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2013 Volkswagen Beetle

$7,325 - $11,350

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small cars (2-door) Ratings

Features & Specs

coupe

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2011-

Current Generation

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.