2013 Scion tC

The Scion brand started as a youth-oriented division of Toyota, offering smaller, less-expensive coupes and hatchbacks with sportier designs. Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020. The rear-drive Scion FR-S lives on as the Toyota GR86.

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.