As most of you are aware, Toyota launched its Scion division about a year ago in California to try and, well, conveniently discard its reputation as an old-folks car. The xA and xB were launched together – the xA looked like a Toyota Matrix that backed into a big rig, and the xB looked like it was conceived by a big rig designer. Both were essentially the same underneath the skin, meant to be inexpensive utility vehicles for generation Y (or whatever the hell we’re labeled as now). To date, I’ve seen four different xBs, and one xA – and I go to a high school campus, which is part of Scion’s target demographic, and I live in southern California, where Scion first set shop. Can you say “duds”?
As most of you are aware, Toyota launched its Scion division about a year ago in California to try and, well, conveniently discard its reputation as an old-folks car. The xA and xB were launched together – the xA looked like a Toyota Matrix that backed into a big rig, and the xB looked like it was conceived by a big rig designer. Both were essentially the same underneath the skin, meant to be inexpensive utility vehicles for generation Y (or whatever the hell we’re labeled as now). To date, I’ve seen four different xBs, and one xA – and I go to a high school campus, which is part of Scion’s target demographic, and I live in southern California, where Scion first set shop. Can you say “duds”?
But, as of today, I’ve totally forgiven the Scion brand. Why? Because of the tC.
First off, few cars can touch the tC’s bang-for-buck status. For $16,465 USD, you get a panoramic sunroof, a Pioneer CD player that can play MP3s and satellite radio streams, airbags galore, myriad thoughtful accessories such as keyless entry, cruise control, A/C, and power windows, and a healthy 160-hp and 163 lb-ft of twist.
Oh, and, have you seen the interior of one of these things? For a “cheapo” car it’s 1) downright beautiful, 2) looks more expensive than that of many $30,000 cars’ interiors, and 3) even uses a little bit of real aluminum. The exterior is equally wonderful — taut, modern, sophisticated, and not embarrassing (unlike its xA/B siblings).
While its engine specs won’t make most car enthusiasts’ hearts flutter too much, it’s still impressive – it beats the Honda Civic Si, Saturn Ion quad coupe, and Mini Cooper, all cars that are more expensive than it, and cars that don’t have anywhere near as many standard accessories. Car and Driver has reported that its driving is very sporty, responsive, and displays “minimal understeer and moderate body roll and an eagerness to be pushed harder… The faster you go, the better it feels.”
So, what’s my point? Honda better brace itself, because the tC is poised to overtake the Civic as the new gotta have it car for teens and plenty of sensible adults too. Toyota has a hit on its hands – the Echo is boring, has the most convoluted driving position I’ve ever had the displeasure of being in, and looks like it would tip right over if it took a turn too fast; the Celica is on its way out, and didn’t score too high in the standard equipment department; and the xA and xB are simply too dorky. The tC will be a success though, because it doesn’t suffer from any of these shortcomings, and it has Toyota reliability standing behind it.
One year ago, I thought that the Scion brand would be a flop right on its face. Now, I believe that the tC alone will help carry the brand to success, and I also predict that within the next year or two, tCs will become as commonplace as Civics. Every small car manufacturer, not just Honda, should watch their backs for this hidden gem.
16 comments so far
” taught, modern, sophisticated, and not embarrassing (unlike its xA/B siblings).”
I think it’s “taut”, not “taught”
Anyway, the xA and xB models have grown on me. I have two friends, one owns the xA and one owns the xB. Had I not bought a Protege 5 two years ago for the same price as the Scion I’d consider buying one. They’re really nice cars and a good value for the money. Toyota has invested some serious money in creating an aftermarket for them as well, unlike some cars where you have to wait two or more years after introduction to start messing with its internals.
November 8th, 2004 at 8:43 am
Vinnie what is this a spelling bee…? I think we got the point and come on they grew on you? Ya me to like a fungus on my face pouring out with puss. But enough with that I really like this tC I hope it blows the civic out of the water I think the civics have gone down hill the last couple of years def not as hot as they used to be… Maybe this will cause them to step it up, gotta love a little competition its what moves everything forward.
November 8th, 2004 at 9:36 am
The tC will likely be my next car. Can’t beat the price, and it’s easy to customize it to your liking, even from the factory. Pretty versatile too, you can make it look like a $30,000 luxury car, or a sporty import, depending on the extras you add to it.
November 8th, 2004 at 9:44 am
Yes, I agree that the tC is the car that’s gonna make the Scion brand… however, I still stick to my assertation that they look great in photos but like chubby little blobs in person.
Still, ya can’t beat the tC’s amount of options and their totally adequate performance for the price. The current Civic Si is a complete dud. Honda has to practically give them away to move them off of dealer lots and the recent incarnations of the “regular” Civic have had basically any inkling of “sporting” intentions sucked out of them putting squarely back into their intended role of economical little commuter cars.
The Mazda 3s, however, is still a very nice and capable car for the money with basically the same specs as the tC. Wonderful interior as well. Personally anyone who is in the market for a new cheaper/compact car should be taking their hardest looks at the Scion tC and the Mazda 3s as anything else is just a) blahsville or b) doesn’t offer as much for the money.
November 8th, 2004 at 10:15 am
I agree with the other Eric…
When I first saw the tC photographed my immediate reaction was “wow, Scion finally got around to making a car that doesn’t look like ass.” I hate the xA and the xB because they’re so aethestically dismal that it’s shameful. Sorry but there’s no excuse for making an automobile where the bumper can double as a park bench.
November 8th, 2004 at 11:28 am
eh, everyone has their opinions on looks… this is my little soapbox for a second
marketing hype has to be dissected. Do you really think Toyota was marketing at teenagers? Yeah, yeah I know they say that. But how much money does the average teenager have to spend on a car? Yes there are exceptions to the rule but by and large teens don’t hold the spending dollars.
It’s always sought but not quite grasped 18-35 year old male (yes I know there are 2 teen years in there but we’re looking at big picture) is the real market. With an average buyer age of 36 (i.e. to get that you’ll need a lot of younger buyers) compared to an industry norm of high 40s I think Scion has nailed it.
as for looks the xB by itself comprising 5% of all car sales for Toyota (39k for YTD end of October out of 800k total Toyota) with Scion as a whole doing about 10% sales it shows not everyone shares your tastes in cars. I think the tC looks to damn plain for my tastes but I know it functions as bringing in the peeps who can’t value stepping out of the box when it comes to design and need a more conventional car.
As for standard options the entire Scion line comes with them and my g/f wants the tC, so much for tastes in cars.
p.s. no I don’t drive the xB, too damn common for me I drive an xA
p.p.s. I drive around here in the Bay area and can’t go anywhere without seeing a few xBs/xAs
November 8th, 2004 at 8:08 pm
Yes, Vinnie, you’re correct. Please excuse the brain fart.
Also, some of you have probably picked up on the fact that I didn’t mention anything about Scion’s “pseudo-aftermarket” options. I purposely did this, because I wanted to prove the appeal of the car even without all of that extra stuff (a lot of it being useless in my opinion). There’s something to be said about a car that can hit its target even without its “magic bullet”.
And while I didn’t mention it, Eric brings up a good point with the Mazda 3. However, with Mazda’s not-too-stellar reputation, I don’t think it’ll sell anywhere near as well as the Scion (not that I think it’s a bad car, and not that I think Mazdas are crappy, but the company has a bit of a hurdle to get over).
November 8th, 2004 at 8:21 pm
I dunno, I’ve always liked Mazda’s… love the RX-7 and quite like the new RX-8 as well. I had an opportunity to drive both a Mazda 6 and 3 at the Mazda Rev-it-up event in Chicago this past summer and I must say the 3 really impressed me. Even with the darn “manumatic” auto tranny the 3 was a blast to drive. More fun than the 6 IMO. Interior fit and finish was great. Also, considering the fact that only a few cars were being passed around between hundreds of people whose sole purpose was to beat the shit out of them all day long I think they held up great.
November 9th, 2004 at 11:19 am
I was just out at SEMA in Las Vegas last week and the Scions were VERY VERY popular. There were more tuner Scions then any other single type of car - and last year there were just a couple. Scion has really clicked with the tuner market. One of the other auto sites I visit has some videos of SEMA - there are a ton of cars, but you’ll some some really cool tricket out Scions.
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/v2_player/v_player.asp?v_id=video5
I really like the looks of the Tc - Scion has a massive hit on its hands!
November 10th, 2004 at 11:57 pm
The TC is untouchable at its’ price. Avoid the white ones with vanilla wheels. However, the silver with the upgraded wheels is fabulous, and the interior is stupendous. My 20 year old son just bought one, luckily he is stationed in California or I would have stolen it from him. Fully loaded at $19K, I think only a few add ons from TRD were left off. The five speed is very nice. Note: At the recent car show in Seattle the Scion exhibit was pretty crowded, and the factory hotted up Tc was very popular. Oh, the Chevy Cobalt, a supposed competitor? Locked and lonely off in a corner of the Chevy exhibit.
November 13th, 2004 at 12:53 pm
It caught my eye as I was jogging about a week ago. I actually said “What is THAT?” as I went past it. My favorite car right now, however, is the new (2005) Mustang. I had a 1969 that needed tons of work and I never drove it. Had to sell it to make space in the garage. The 2005 is very much like the 1969. But, I digress. The Tc is going to be a winner. I agree.
November 17th, 2004 at 10:00 am
I keep seeing these around the SF Bay Area, and I have to admit, if I were younger and smaller (I weigh 235 pound and stand 6 feet tall), I would think about getting one as a second car. They’ve got a lot of features for the money, and they are reasonably fast. In typical Toyota fashion, they’ve created another reasonable car!
April 3rd, 2005 at 2:43 pm
I am an old guy who saw a tC last Wednesday and bought one a week later. I wanted a car to commute 40 miles to work on country roads. I wanted a car with a good sound system and the moon roof. Once I drove it with a 5 speed MT, I was hooked. This is a great car for the money and maybe I will let my teenagers trick it out at some point. Like Cliff above I said “what’s that?” Now I know a whole lot better. Great Car.
March 3rd, 2007 at 3:41 am
anyone know what the tC is supposed to stand for … um… maybe “the Coupe”,
Jonathan
June 11th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Vinnie what is this a spelling bee…? I think we got the point and come on they grew on you? Ya me to like a fungus on my face pouring out with puss. But enough with that I really like this tC I hope it blows the civic out of the water I think the civics have gone down hill the last couple of years def not as hot as they used to be… Maybe this will cause them to step it up, gotta love a little competition its what moves everything forward.
http://www.carforall.net/
March 28th, 2009 at 10:43 am
i dont like the scion appearance, but kind have an interest of the capability of that car. really nice.
May 24th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
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