2006 Scion tC Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
22 -23 City / 29 -30 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
160
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Haley D
Cute and compact is one of the easier ways to describe it
My car has almost 225,000 miles on it and has NO problems whatsoever. I take it in for regular oil changes and stuff. It is such a reliable vehicle and it's VERY comfortable. Cruising down the freeway with some good music on makes for a great trip. It's such an amazing car. I love it so much. Just keep up on maintenance and stuff and there'll be no problems. This car will run forever
accountCircle Kelly B
That its dependable and has lasted for almost 200000 miles
It does not let me down. Has a Camry engine that let's it last longer than most vehicles.
accountCircle Larry Clark
Great value
Has been super reliable, replaced alternator under warranty, front break pads 110k, starter at 160k and clutch at 175k. Multiple performance upgrades for 158 who & 218 on nitreous and still get 31+ mpg @78 mph
accountCircle Caleb F
It is very reliable good on gas.
It has never failed me it has always been reliable I have never had anything break on it the only thing I have had to replace are tires.
accountCircle rafiq S
I would say my car is up to about 130 thousand miles, I would say the headline is this car and these car not only look nice but they are also reliable. I've had no trouble with my car so far.
I don't really have any complaints about my car, I like It's stylish body. If there is one thing I don't like about it ; It's the size It's a compact car with two doors. So in the future I would want a larger car with four doors and lots of room for passengers. That way I can use my car for lyft or uber and transport.
accountCircle Elizabeth M
It you need a back seat for people, this is not your car.
I love that my car is compact and gas efficient. It runs wonderfully, and has kept up to the Toyota reputation. I would love to get a nicer car next time, but it was perfect for now.
accountCircle Ashley B
Love it it's really cool and fun and silver and has 2 doors
It's cool and silver it's awesome it's fun it's a two door I like it mwah
accountCircle Beverly S
Great 5 speed with a sporty feel.
This car is really fun to drive. 5 speed and feels like a race car! I have owned it for 3 years and have had no problems with it. Our mechanic is impressed with the car's condition because of the age. If they still made this car I would definitely buy another one.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lisa B
It is not for people with back pain. (bucket seats).
I like the pickup speed and the fact that it is reliable. I dislike the blind spot caused by the body design, the wide swing of opening the doors, and the lack of access to the back seat. I also dislike the small tires – they do not handle potholes well.
accountCircle Navi S
It's a car that would suit perfectly to first time drivers.
The main problem with my car its the 2 door design it's really uncomfortable to get in and out, the heights also a major factor in my dislike. I like that its spacious enough to be comfortable for a road trip. The only feature I like it's the window in the ceiling. I think they could have done a better job with this car.
accountCircle Astra A
It has known issues unfortunately for being such a great car otherwise.
I love the hatch and the size. I also love that it is a stick shift and it is really cute. I do not love that the engine has known problems and it burns oil. It is also very loud on the freeway due to being a cheap car.
accountCircle Issak G
The trunk is very poorly made. Must open with minimum force
The Scion tC is a nice vehicle but the trunk is very poorly made. You have to manually open the trunk, there is not lever or button inside the vehicle. There was a recall on the trunk but my vehicle was not included for some reason. My trunk has been broken for over 10 years. Must open VERY gently when using.
accountCircle jackson h
That it shakes when idle at a stop light and the suspension is bad
I like that it rides like a sports car fast exhilaration. I don't like that it's a small car
accountCircle Hill B
It handles very well and is in great condition
It has many blind spots. I also don't like the black interior
accountCircle Page M
It has never let me down.
It's an older version and you can hear it starting to slowly die. It makes noises if raining or too cold out. It is very good on gas and has been reliable for the past 6 years. I enjoy the hatchback aspect and the trunk is huge. When I bought it there was an accident that already occurred and there are some cigarettes holes in the seat.
accountCircle Wesley C
Black scion tc with sunroof.
The scion tc is a good car. However it is made of plastic and breaks easily. In a car accident your scion will likely be completely destroyed. The airbag didn't deploy when I wrecked mine. I feel that Toyota did not do a good job with safety inspections.

Scion tC Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
3dr HB Manual
160 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
3dr HB Auto
160 HP 27-27 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2006 Scion tC Owner Reviews

4.27
66 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 48%
4 stars 32%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 2%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Joe on June 8, 2021
Break issues
My scion 2006 has the abs & brake light on, break pedal has no pressure but I Took it to 2 different mechanics and neither can't understan whats wrong sing everthing is ok with it. Has any one had this or heard of this happening ?
accountCircle Mary H on March 23, 2021
It fits my style, the size is just right for me, the hatch allows me to transport large items
Love the sleek style, love the panoramic sunroof, and the custom style wheels. I have absolutely no complaints about my Scion
View All Reviews (66) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Erwin C.

Reliable, has 210,000 miles on it. Good gas mileage at 30 miles/gallon. Great handling. Enough power. Easy to maintain. Can do most fixes yourself. Color is awesome at mica blue. Only 2500 of this model made, release series.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Erwin C.

The cons of this car is mostly the little things seem to break down as the car gets older. Linings of windows wear off, gas cap break, seat color is discolored from exposure from the sun. Otherwise great car.

Ranks #6 Small Cars by Owners

The 2006 Scion tC has an average owner rating of 4.27 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 22 other Small Cars.

1
car
2006 Volkswagen GTI
5
2
car
2006 Subaru Impreza
4.52
6
Tie
car
2006 Scion tC
4.27

Ranks #10 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2006 Scion tC has a combined MPG of 34 which ranks it #10 of 22 other Small Cars.

1
Tie
car
2006 Volkswagen Golf
44 MPG
1
Tie
car
2006 Volkswagen Beetle
44 MPG
10
Tie
car
2006 Scion tC
30 MPG

Is The 2006 Scion tC A Good Car?

Yes, very reliable. Been through multiple accidents and still runs well, fuel efficient and safe. Love this car.
Karyn K.
Yes my scion has been a great source of transportation to work and wherever I need to go. I have had the car for about 5 years now and I love it.
Monique P.
Yes it is. I have had this vehicle for over 2 years and have not had any problems at all with it I did replace the gasket under the motor for the oil but that is all that I have done other than oil... Read More
Louise M.
It is very reliable and good on saving gas. Drives smoothly and isn't loud when driving. Very spacious as well for being a sports car.
Zane F.

How Reliable Is The 2006 Scion tC?

Have some trouble with the axles being out of alignment and needing to replace tires frequently, but it is a great car. I love that it is simple enough to do some upkeep and maintenance myself.
Karyn K.
Transmission gave out a few years back but other than that there has been no issues. Maintenance for the car is affordable and can been done by any shop nearby.
Monique P.
Other than the trunk of the vehicle not staying open by itself everything else is in working order. I also had to replace a headlight bulb and the headlights do need to be cleaned.
Louise M.
It's very reliable and sturdy. Have not had any problems yet. Highly recommend it. The only issue it the back handle on the back of the trunk door. I have seen this same issue with other vehicles of... Read More
Brittany S.

Is The 2006 Scion tC A Good Value?

Good value. It was somewhere in the low 20s and maintenance had been pretty manageable. Does not have too much of a price hindrance with parts.
Karyn K.
I paid $10,000 for my scion in very great condition. It had some modifications but other than that I believe I paid what it was worth, it has really low militate for the year.
Monique P.
I paid $2,300 for the car 2 years ago. I have had no major problems. I did look it up not too long ago and they said the book value of this vehicle is only around $800. So I guess for what I paid I... Read More
Louise M.
It didn't cost much but it's very affordable and its value is great. Anyone can afford it. Payments can be low and affordable as well.
Jessica M.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Scion TC have a timing belt or a timing chain?

Answer: The 2006 Toyota Scion tC does have a timing chain. You will come across many issues with an engine. A spark plug may come off, causing engine issues. A gasket may become loose and that needs to be tightened up....
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety