My friend who just bought a new Scion Tc in flint mica exterior color, let me test drive it this weekend.

For reference: http://www.scion.com/drive/gallery/d...c_gallery.html

All I can say is for a $17K car (loaded with dual sunroof, power everything, 17" wheels, etc...) , it feels and drives like a $30K+ car! (i.e. baby lexus?)

The interior is fantastic including the fit and finish. The engine is very strong for this size of car (160HP, 163 lb came from Camry?) and it felt very smooth all the way to redline. It gets great mileage 23 city and 30 hwy. The interior space for the rear passenger seats were unbelievably spacious - more then my 330xi!

Very competitively priced to the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Ford Focus, to name a few. Howver, after you see what the Scion Tc has to offer, not sure if you would even consider anything else. So if you are in the market for a sporty 2 door, check out the new Scion Tc.

 

This is suprising. First things I have really heard about the scions. I have not seen very many around here yet.

 

I'm going to have to disagree on the interior part. It's made of pretty cheap material, and the standard features are almost bare minimum. That's why they can sell it so cheap.

Otherwise it's a pretty damn good car (I like the wheels too). It drives pretty well, I was surprised when I took it to the line in 3rd gear. Pretty good for a 4-banger. I'd definitely take the Scion over the cars mentioned above. But that may have something to with how common those cars are compared to the brand new Scion.

 

I'd much rather rock the Mazda3. And it starts at 14.5k w/ two extra doors and tons better exterior and interior styling. The tC looks good from the front but the profile & back are unimpressive. I thought the Mazda was very well sculpted, especially for a car that cheap.

The 3 "s" version w/ Xenon projectors, Moonroof, 6 CD changer, Side Skirts, ABS, SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS & CURTAINS, and 17" rims is well under 20k, still. I call that a _value_ And mind you, that car comes with a 160hp engine just like the Scion. From reviews on Cars.com, it handles very nicely and the ride is controlled too.

Not saying the Scion is bad, just pointing out that it does have some stiff competition. It isn't as much of a bargain as it seems.

 

Much like our cars, when they were out, for the price you can't beat em.

Very sharp looking cars.

 

^^^ It does look a little better.

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but tell me with a straight face that this looks like an economy car/belongs in the same league as the Scion:

 

I agree I like the styling of the new Tc.
But not everyone wants those two extra doors, I personally don't need two extra doors for anything. I do agree that the Mazda 3 gives the Scion competition, but I would also be more inclined to go with the Scion due to Toyota's reliability record. Ultimatley I think it will come down to what the buyer needs/wants, both are very well priced for what you get/can get on them.

 

As with anything bro, it's all matter of opinion. I, for one do not think the Scion screams economy, nor does the Mazda. I guess the manufacturers are showing that even though it's cheap it can still be exciting, and I think that is the whole point with both of these cars.

 

Well put, most definitely. And also, about Scions inheriting Toyota reliability: they didn't. I hear from a lot of sources that they're mechanically not nearly as solid as Toyotas, far be it from them to be compared to a Lexus. But as you said, matter of opinion. I was just shedding some light on the "screaming economy" aspect.

 

^ Interesting, I didn't know that about them not inheriting the reliability. I guess only time will tell what the reliability wil truly be.