First Test: 2011 Scion tC

The introduction of the second-generation tC a few years ago was significant -- until the FR-S arrived on the scene, the tC was the sole sporty offering in Scion's lineup. The front-drive coupe filled that role well enough, and only heightened its perception of sportiness with edgier body lines and a more potent engine for the second-gen model. But is that perception backed up by its performance? Based on the 2011 Scion tC we recently tested, we'd have to say no.
We should mention that the car we received for testing had already seen a hard life, with almost 7000 miles showing on the clock. That may be just a drop in the bucket for the average new car, but for a press car that lives much of its life above the 5000-rpm mark and gets passed around by scores of lead-footed auto journalists, 7000 miles is pretty close to retirement age. Not surprisingly, this particular tC didn't impress.
We requested a stripped down six-speed manual model, so our tester was a relatively economical $19,005. Like all tC models, our car came equipped with a 2.5-liter I-4 producing 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. A curb weight of 3069 lbs gives the tC a power-to-weight ratio of 17.1 lb/hp. On paper, the car looked to be a solid performer. But sadly, that's not the way things turned out.
Stepping inside the tC, you notice that the interior is cleanly laid out, if not a little plain. The dash and gauge cluster have a modern feel, but not to the point where the cabin will become dated in a few years. The oblong, flat-bottomed steering wheel and driver-centric orientation of the center stack contribute to the sporty feel of the tC, and make the driver's seat seem particularly inviting every time you enter the car. Our editors found the seats cushy, a feature which proved particularly useful on a long drive from our test area in Fontana to San Diego. The front seats are also supportive enough to handle anything the tC can dish out, providing cushioning where it counts to help counteract any lateral forces applied to the occupants. The rear seats were also surprising, supplying passengers in the back with ample legroom. But the one aspect of the car's interior almost universally derided by our testers was the ancient-looking double-DIN factory radio. While this design likely makes stereo customization easier, as many aftermarket head units will fit in the stock radio's place, it also makes the car look like it's stuck in the '90s, and brings down the quality of the interior.