Upgraded cloth seats represent the only change to the Scion tC for 2009. The four-seat, two-door tC sports a coupe profile and a long list of standard features attractive to young buyers on a budget. Its customizable standalone options (versus forced option packages on many cars) remain an appealing attribute.
Offered in one trim only, the front-wheel-drive 2009 Scion tC looks sportier than it performs. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline four delivers 161 hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque, and comes paired with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It seats four, with reclining rear seats, which might come in handy to compensate for its modest 33 inches of rear legroom. The coupe profile hides a roomy interior. Rear seats split-fold and the front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing cargo capacity to expand from 12.8 to 60 cubic feet.
The 2009 Scion tC comes well equipped. It earns four stars from the NHTSA crash tests, thanks to standard ABS brakes and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. Standard features are impressive, with a sunroof, power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, a CD player, and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls all included in the base price. Although its underpowered engine remains a bit of a drawback, the tC's looks, value, and Toyota reputation continue to impress.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Although the car is an older model, my daughter lover everything about the car especially the moon roof. Scion are excellent cars so overall I do feel the car is of good value.Aug 24, 2022
by Alfonso O
Jan 08, 2021
Great service. Fast. Made feel secure. Will buy from again.Jan 08, 2021
by Nathan H
Feb 10, 2014
Could use some more top end power, and I wish it didn't run at four thousand rpm's at 80 miles per hour. Fun to drive with simple but classy styling. Love the availability of Toyota Racing Development parts. Toyota reliability. Feb 10, 2014
User rating:
by Marie W
Aug 24, 2022
Although the car is an older model, my daughter lover everything about the car especially the moon roof. Scion are excellent cars so overall I do feel the car is of good value.Aug 24, 2022
by Alfonso O
Jan 08, 2021
Great service. Fast. Made feel secure. Will buy from again.Jan 08, 2021
by Nathan H
Feb 10, 2014
Could use some more top end power, and I wish it didn't run at four thousand rpm's at 80 miles per hour. Fun to drive with simple but classy styling. Love the availability of Toyota Racing Development parts. Toyota reliability. Feb 10, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2012
Great appearance, good gas mileage,minimal maintenance/ low maintenance costs. The panoramic sunroof and reclining back seats are awesome,. Pioneer sound system sounds great. Easy to park and super fun to drive! Looks nice and sporty without the high costs!
Nov 25, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 08, 2012
An awesome way to spend a long road trip. Almost 0 road noise. Elecronically sound all around. The 5 speed and lower gear ratio make it have a lot of get up and go. I feel safe in it knowing it has air bags all the way around. When on windy roads, it hugs the turns with nearly no body roll. Very tight suspension, and a ton of cargo space, and plenty of leg room in the back seat. When you need to stop fast, the braking is not grabby. Only costs to maintain were tires and oil changes (which were all free for 3 years due to the warranty and maintenance plan we purchased). All around I love this car and I have driven TC's since 2005 when they first came out. Trust me you will love this car too.Aug 08, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 04, 2012
Just got it. First car to own and it is great to have because i play sports and its easy to go from place to place with good gas mileage, and great room for lax and hockey bags, i love ScionAug 04, 2012
by Cody G
Mar 07, 2012
it is a fun fast sports car it was very fun to drive has power when u want it it is an
fun car i so happy to own it i love it evry time i behide the whee it is an very asome
car to dirve i love so much would never trade for any things eales i love itlMar 07, 2012
by Josh K
Jul 08, 2010
its ok for commuting and lite so its fun to drive. but mines not stick so i do not like my car that much. if it was a stick shift then i prolly like it more than rite now lolJul 08, 2010
by Paula U
Jun 27, 2010
Performance- great acceleration, great handling and great braking...can really maneuver around cars smoothly even at high speeds
Build Quality- no repairs needed
Appearance- fairly sleek inside and out, love that it has a moon roof along with the sun roof...but since the top of my car is basically all glass, its a lot to clean sometimes
Cost of Ownership- gas mileage is ok
Fun Factor- extremely fun to drive (especially on the highway) and love its technological compatibilitiesJun 27, 2010
by Miriam F
May 12, 2010
I hate this car because I cannot go over 140~ I wish I drove a faster car with better handling. I am hoping to buy the new Infiniti after I graduate in 2012. We will have to see what happens in the next few years to come.... May 12, 2010
by Mo D
May 11, 2010
The factory handling on this car is great right out of the factory. The only thing that sucks is the gas mileage =) But that could just be my heavy foot. I totaled my first one so I can vouch... its pretty safe. May 11, 2010
by Devin C
Jan 23, 2010
Car is very fun to drive especially with a stick. Pretty quick
acceleration for a 4-cylinder, previously 4's I've owned
have all had less than adequate power but the tC definitely provides quick acceleration and power
throughout all gears. The car handles above average as
well, I wouldn't say sticks like glue handling but the car
grips well through bends and is fun to drive on windy back
roads. The car comes with Z-Rated tires from the factory
and that may play into it as well. One complaint would be
the roughness while hitting any sort of bump or pot-hole,
you can tell this has a lot to do with the "sportiness" of the
handling and the way the suspension is designed. Gas
mileage is fair, It consistently gets about 26 MPG combined
and I would say I'm an aggressive driver.
Most people think the car is small from the outside but
practically everyone who gets in the back is stunned at the
amount of room. Compare to similar or larger 2-door
vehicles the back seats are very usable even for the
tallest of people. 4 adults should be able to fit comfortably
for a few hour trip. Additionally the back seats recline back
and completely forward. At one point I had a full size
recliner in the back with the hatch tied down. The car is a
hatchback as stated and this is another benefit I believe
that helps make the car have a much bigger feel. The interior quality is good as well, the highlights include Full
Glass Roof with Moonroof, Tire Pressure Monitoring
System, 9 Airbags, and The Pioneer Sound System which I
think sounds terrific and I am very particular about my
audio hardware. The car came with an direct iPod
connection and let me control the iPod through the stereo
and I added in the Sirius Satellite Package and that turned
this stereo into a powerhouse, the only complaint would be
the bass drowns out a bit when have the stereo turned
up.
Negatives include the last of any sort of traction control
system which can hinder winder driving if you aren't the
best winter driver. Also, depending on speed, you can feel
the car slide a bit through bends, again this is more noticeable at higher speeds but a stability control system
may help with this problem. The moonroof has been
creaking a lot lately, could be due to very cold weather,
but I will have Toyota check that out on my next visit.
Finally shift through gears (manual transmission) can be
tricky if you don't got slow enough. I'm considering getting
the TRD shortened shifter to make shifting quick and to
the point.
I currently have 23K (owned for 17 months) on my tC and
am just about ready to replace the tires which from an
online retailer is going to cost around $450.00 for Z-Rated
BF Goodrich plus installation. The car has had 4 factory
services, 3 costing around $100.00/per for regular
maitence, 1 was a 15K major checkup which cost roughly
$150.00 and they needed to tighten the e-brake ($30.00),
Replace the In Cabin Filter ($50.00), and the air filter
needed replaced which I replaced with a TRD high
performance filter I ordered from another Toyota dealer
online for $50.00.
My tC like all tC came as a base model, the accessories I
choose for mine were the carbon fiber door sill
enhancements ($60 online), Scion Dual Season Floor Mats
(very nice but a complete ripoff ($300+) when purchased
from the dealer.), Scion Ground Effects ($1100, Dealer
had to install them and they had to replace several pieces
for defects as well as the whole rear bumper for a huge
indentation.), and Sirius Radio Kit.Jan 23, 2010
by Rachel C
Jan 14, 2010
performance=amazing
no repairs have been needed in the 2 years i have
had it
blue outside, spoiler added, black and grey interior,
with blue neons
20 bucks to fill up the tank, no maintence really
this car is amazing!Jan 14, 2010
by Becca J
Jan 14, 2010
gets 28 to 32 miles to each gallon sporty and fun yet very said fast and responsive ...handles curves like awesome ... easy to work on ....onesun roof and one moon roof all in one car thumping base ...........no complaints at all Jan 14, 2010
by Harold B
Nov 11, 2009
no traction control, and you can't adjust the height of the seat belt, toyota needs to add a 6 speed tranny, gas mileage sucks if you drive over 75mph which is breaking the speed limit, but the car is fun to driveNov 11, 2009
by Christopher O
Oct 03, 2009
This is my first new car and I really love it that is why I have bought HID's for it and I also got a TRD Cold Air Intake to make it sound a little better. Really fun to drive I wouldn't trade it in for anything, except a Corvette.Oct 03, 2009
by Andrew T
Sep 30, 2009
its a custom scion tc with axis reverb i did the borla cat back exaust pioner d3 navi head unit its prety quick have a cold air intake its a fun car to drvive i love the carrrr its coolSep 30, 2009
by Vincenzo C
Sep 16, 2009
the car is good for my age, im only 18 and its a nice car for its price. i got mine for $20,000. and i got the trd exhaust, trd cold air intake, spoiler, the whole five axis lip kit, and shifter and pedals...i love my car, but its in a desperate need for a turbo...Sep 16, 2009
by Ron L
Sep 08, 2009
The 2009 Scion Tc with the complete sports package is awesome! Mag 8 spoke rims, optimal stereo system, dual moon roof...etc. I could go on and on! Handles great with little to no lean to it, and acceleration is outstanding!Sep 08, 2009
by Zach W
Aug 31, 2009
This car is not a race car, but it holds it's own. It's
style, reliability, slight performance, and affordability
all rolled into a great package. After all that, it makes
you eligible to join some awesome clubs and meet
some awesome people.Aug 31, 2009
by Stan S
Aug 23, 2009
Awesome car. Handles very well. there are alot of things you can do to upgrade it and increase performance. i would recommend to a friend. best deal for the money. very stylish and looks good on the road when clean.Aug 23, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 18, 2009
I love my scion! it is a great commuter car, with air
conditioning, a very good clean sounding, ipod friendly stereo,
and a open, comfortable cabin. It has few rattles or bumps at
10,000 miles, and I don't expect many in the near future.
Cost of ownership has been gas, oil changes and the car
payment. Not bad at all! Aug 18, 2009
by Al L
Aug 09, 2009
It's FWD therefore I will never love it. It has a rather
beefy 4 cylinder with 2.4 liters. It accelerates rather
fast until you get to 3rd fear. The brakes respond
very well and the handling is like a sports car. It
hasnt needed any repairs since I've had it but there
are a few rattles in the car. The car has a very
sporty look on the outside as well the inside. As far
as everything else goes its a fun car to drive and is
pretty zippy. I can't say I won't trade it in soon for
something with a V8 though.Aug 09, 2009
by Luis O
Aug 08, 2009
its very fast, and smooth on the road. its sexy, and
its stick. plus it has a killer pioneer sound system..
and i got a full body kit for it, and a spoiler. and
some rims ofcoarse. my car is black on black
niggaz Aug 08, 2009
by Evan S
Jun 11, 2009
likes-limited edition trd only 2000 made,looks
good,very smooth,lots of space
dislikes-ok so it only uses the lowest grade fuel but it
uses allot of it so overall it costs more and insurance
kicks my ass big timeJun 11, 2009
by Sarah H
Nov 10, 2008
COMFORTABLE, SMOOTH, SLEAK, ROOMY AND CUTE!!!!!The acceleration on the car is awesome, the nice Jap. car is strong, the interior and anterior is perfect! and the gas mileage saves me money, and i love driving it in the rain!!Yes!I would recommend this car to a friend definitely! Nov 10, 2008
by Hannah F
Oct 07, 2008
Performance - nice short throw, acceleration is decent but not impressive, steering is fairly tight
Build Quality - great, no rattles or squeaks
Appearance - great! awesome panorama sunroof
Cost of Ownership - relatively good
fun factor - a little more power could help
i would definitely suggest getting the manual! it makes the drive much more fun.Oct 07, 2008
by Michelle W
Aug 24, 2008
I LOVE THIS CAR !!! It handles well is very comparable to the honda civic but it is more adorable then the civic. GREAT stereo with a cd player as well as a navigation system in the dash. GAS on it is GREAT!!! I get 35 to the gallon. Just took it on a long distance road trip and it handled Great driving to PA for the day. Great leg room for someone who is tall has a mini sunroof in the back as well as a moon/sunroof in the front for the driver and passenger. PAID $17900 FOR THE CAR.
YOU CAN GET 29-31 ON THE STREETS 31-35 HWY
IT COST ME 31.00 TO FILL THE TANK BUT I PAY 3.29 A GAL FOR GAS IN NEW JERSEYAug 24, 2008
while driving my car would start to shake and loose power like it was going to die.. when i give it more gas it would accelerate extremely slow and when i slow down it would eventually end up shutting off completely before i could get the car stopped... its happened a couple times now and when it happens it wont start unless i waited for a half hour to and hour then it would start up and be fine.... but this last time it happen i cant get it to start up
I just got a battery installed in my 2009 Scion tC. When I turned on the vehicle I noticed my radio station settings were different and my clock was way off. What reasonings could be behind this besides the mechanics trying to annoy me and make life complicated?
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation