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Scion tC Review

2007-12-06T07:27:49Z

75.84.82.12: /* High Points */

[[image:Light blue left.jpg|right|350px]]
When [[Scion]] debuted in the North American market, the company began with two models taken from existing [[Toyota]] models in Japan. The goal was to aim a new brand at a youth-oriented market. With the [[Scion tC|tC]]'s arrival in 2005, it was evident that [[Toyota]] was hoping to win back fans of the discontinued MR2 and Celica models. The tC is the first Scion model to be designed exclusively for the Scion marque, and with stylish looks, a healthy dose of power, and a strong set of features, it looks as though Toyota has succeeded again in deciphering what it is consumers are looking for in their cars.

See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Scion tC]]'''.

==High Points==
*Cheap
*Quality built interior
*Stylish design

==Low Points==
*Slow acceleration
*Interior headroom a bit limiting
*Interior accents too gaudy for older folks
*Heavy, not as sporty as one might think
*Not exclusive, too common to be unique

==Performance and Handling==
[[image:Scion_tc_engine.jpg|right|350px]]
The [[Scion tC|tC]] is fun to drive. The engine is quiet, smooth, and plenty powerful in a 2900-pound car, and at full throttle, it sounds powerful without being intrusive. The 2.4L double overhead cam, 16-valve engine is tuned to 160[[hp]] and 163lb.-ft. of torque. This engine has been around Toyota in one form or another for many years and it has been continuously improved for power, torque, quietness and reliability. Choosing between the five-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] and four-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] involves tradeoffs. The automatic is easier and, remarkably, more efficient, while the manual offers quicker acceleration performance.

The steering, ride quality and overall handling of the Scion tC are commendable. Ride quality and stability are enhanced by its 106-inch wheelbase, longest in the class. It steers with a hefty touch, but accurate pointing and transitions are easy and without drama. Overall, though not a true sports coupe, the tC handles well enough and provides enough punch to make it a fun drive nonetheless.

==Gas Mileage==
The [http://www.fueleconomy.gov FuelEconomy.gov] website has the following city/highway numbers available for the [[Scion tC]]:
*4-cylinder [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 23/30 mpg
*4-cylinder [[manual transmission|manual]] - 22/29 mpg

In a Compact Car category on [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=mpg&year=2006 Autos.com] populated by models like the [[Toyota Prius]] and [[Honda Insight]], these numbers place the tC quite low amongst its peers for fuel efficiency.

==Safety==
Currently, the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] provides no safety information for the [[Scion tC|tC]]. However, according to [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com,] the tC ties for fifth in Compact Car safety with several other models, including the [[Honda Civic]], [[Hyundai Elantra]], [[Mazda Mazda3]], and [[Toyota Corolla]].

==Reliability and Maintenance==
[[Scion]], the recently introduced [[Toyota]] brand intended for a younger market, is itself a very young company, and the [[Scion tC|tC]] debuted only a year ago. Reliability information for it is therefore not yet available. However, if [[Scion]] is able to maintain the same kind of quality that [[Toyota]] has come to represent, the future is bright for tC owners.

==Interior and Comforts==
[[image:Scion_tc_interior.jpg|right|350px]]
The quality of the [[Scion tC|tC]]'s interior is surprisingly high. Everything fits together beautifully, works intuitively, and looks great.

The front bucket seats look and feel like they were designed for racing, but that doesn't mean to say they're too narrow or too hard. We found them very comfortable, with enough fore/aft adjustment to suit tall American drivers regardless of age. The rear seats recline through 10 stops and 45 degrees of recline to convert the interior into a conversation bin. With seats up, there's more than 26 inches of cargo length there; with the second seats dropped, almost 60 inches; and with the front passenger seat folded over, almost 104 inches of cargo length available.

Attention to detail is evident in the mechanical seat position memory on the front bucket seats, the 60/40 split folding rear seat, the dead pedal for the driver's left foot, fully closing vents, and a cover for the stereo faceplate. The Pioneer single CD system that comes standard features a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 capability, four speakers and 160 watts. A 10-inch subwoofer is optional and XM Satellite Radio is available at extra cost, and an iPod upgrade is available.

==Exterior==
[[image:2006_tC_onstreet.jpg|left|350px]]
The [[Scion tC]] was built for customization. This is nowhere more evident than on the exterior, where the design is attractive but relatively simple, merely hinting at its potential to be a hot item for after-market mods. It doesn't come with spoilers, rocker moldings or wings, but all the ingredients are there.

One of the unique design elements incorporated in the tC is its panoramic sunroof, which is very wide and extends across the front and rear seats. It's a nice touch that adds to the driving experience for the passengers as well as the driver.

The doors are also quite long for such a small car, and the door handles are of the reach-around-and-pull variety. The long rear side window suggests a two-door sedan more than a hatchback coupe, and makes the design flow from front to rear gracefully. The body panels fit tight and straight, and quality leaks from every pore. The tC generally has a nice build all around.

==Styles and Options==
One of [[Scion]]'s strongest selling points is customizability. As such, the [[Scion tC|tC]] comes in a single trim with a ton of standard features and customizable options. The tC's engine is an impressive 4-cylinder with 160[[hp]], powering a 5-speed [[manual transmission]]; an optional 4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] is also available. Other standards include 17" wheels, cloth interior and trims, express sunroof, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, and power locks, windows, and mirrors.

Optional items include leather seating, leather accents for the steering wheel and shift knob, mud flaps, body colored fender flares, cargo net, and a stereo upgrade.

==Main Competitors==
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Toyota Prius]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Subaru Impreza]]
*[[Volkswagen Jetta]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]
*[[Ford Focus]]

==External Links==
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''

'''''Community Sites'''''

[[Category:Model Reviews]]

Scion tC Review

2007-12-06T07:27:38Z

75.84.82.12: /* Low Points */

[[image:Light blue left.jpg|right|350px]]
When [[Scion]] debuted in the North American market, the company began with two models taken from existing [[Toyota]] models in Japan. The goal was to aim a new brand at a youth-oriented market. With the [[Scion tC|tC]]'s arrival in 2005, it was evident that [[Toyota]] was hoping to win back fans of the discontinued MR2 and Celica models. The tC is the first Scion model to be designed exclusively for the Scion marque, and with stylish looks, a healthy dose of power, and a strong set of features, it looks as though Toyota has succeeded again in deciphering what it is consumers are looking for in their cars.

See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Scion tC]]'''.

==High Points==
*Surprisingly powerful engine
*Quality built interior
*Stylish design

==Low Points==
*Slow acceleration
*Interior headroom a bit limiting
*Interior accents too gaudy for older folks
*Heavy, not as sporty as one might think
*Not exclusive, too common to be unique

==Performance and Handling==
[[image:Scion_tc_engine.jpg|right|350px]]
The [[Scion tC|tC]] is fun to drive. The engine is quiet, smooth, and plenty powerful in a 2900-pound car, and at full throttle, it sounds powerful without being intrusive. The 2.4L double overhead cam, 16-valve engine is tuned to 160[[hp]] and 163lb.-ft. of torque. This engine has been around Toyota in one form or another for many years and it has been continuously improved for power, torque, quietness and reliability. Choosing between the five-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] and four-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] involves tradeoffs. The automatic is easier and, remarkably, more efficient, while the manual offers quicker acceleration performance.

The steering, ride quality and overall handling of the Scion tC are commendable. Ride quality and stability are enhanced by its 106-inch wheelbase, longest in the class. It steers with a hefty touch, but accurate pointing and transitions are easy and without drama. Overall, though not a true sports coupe, the tC handles well enough and provides enough punch to make it a fun drive nonetheless.

==Gas Mileage==
The [http://www.fueleconomy.gov FuelEconomy.gov] website has the following city/highway numbers available for the [[Scion tC]]:
*4-cylinder [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 23/30 mpg
*4-cylinder [[manual transmission|manual]] - 22/29 mpg

In a Compact Car category on [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=mpg&year=2006 Autos.com] populated by models like the [[Toyota Prius]] and [[Honda Insight]], these numbers place the tC quite low amongst its peers for fuel efficiency.

==Safety==
Currently, the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] provides no safety information for the [[Scion tC|tC]]. However, according to [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com,] the tC ties for fifth in Compact Car safety with several other models, including the [[Honda Civic]], [[Hyundai Elantra]], [[Mazda Mazda3]], and [[Toyota Corolla]].

==Reliability and Maintenance==
[[Scion]], the recently introduced [[Toyota]] brand intended for a younger market, is itself a very young company, and the [[Scion tC|tC]] debuted only a year ago. Reliability information for it is therefore not yet available. However, if [[Scion]] is able to maintain the same kind of quality that [[Toyota]] has come to represent, the future is bright for tC owners.

==Interior and Comforts==
[[image:Scion_tc_interior.jpg|right|350px]]
The quality of the [[Scion tC|tC]]'s interior is surprisingly high. Everything fits together beautifully, works intuitively, and looks great.

The front bucket seats look and feel like they were designed for racing, but that doesn't mean to say they're too narrow or too hard. We found them very comfortable, with enough fore/aft adjustment to suit tall American drivers regardless of age. The rear seats recline through 10 stops and 45 degrees of recline to convert the interior into a conversation bin. With seats up, there's more than 26 inches of cargo length there; with the second seats dropped, almost 60 inches; and with the front passenger seat folded over, almost 104 inches of cargo length available.

Attention to detail is evident in the mechanical seat position memory on the front bucket seats, the 60/40 split folding rear seat, the dead pedal for the driver's left foot, fully closing vents, and a cover for the stereo faceplate. The Pioneer single CD system that comes standard features a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 capability, four speakers and 160 watts. A 10-inch subwoofer is optional and XM Satellite Radio is available at extra cost, and an iPod upgrade is available.

==Exterior==
[[image:2006_tC_onstreet.jpg|left|350px]]
The [[Scion tC]] was built for customization. This is nowhere more evident than on the exterior, where the design is attractive but relatively simple, merely hinting at its potential to be a hot item for after-market mods. It doesn't come with spoilers, rocker moldings or wings, but all the ingredients are there.

One of the unique design elements incorporated in the tC is its panoramic sunroof, which is very wide and extends across the front and rear seats. It's a nice touch that adds to the driving experience for the passengers as well as the driver.

The doors are also quite long for such a small car, and the door handles are of the reach-around-and-pull variety. The long rear side window suggests a two-door sedan more than a hatchback coupe, and makes the design flow from front to rear gracefully. The body panels fit tight and straight, and quality leaks from every pore. The tC generally has a nice build all around.

==Styles and Options==
One of [[Scion]]'s strongest selling points is customizability. As such, the [[Scion tC|tC]] comes in a single trim with a ton of standard features and customizable options. The tC's engine is an impressive 4-cylinder with 160[[hp]], powering a 5-speed [[manual transmission]]; an optional 4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] is also available. Other standards include 17" wheels, cloth interior and trims, express sunroof, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, and power locks, windows, and mirrors.

Optional items include leather seating, leather accents for the steering wheel and shift knob, mud flaps, body colored fender flares, cargo net, and a stereo upgrade.

==Main Competitors==
*[[Mazda Mazda3]]
*[[Toyota Prius]]
*[[Honda Civic]]
*[[Subaru Impreza]]
*[[Volkswagen Jetta]]
*[[Nissan Sentra]]
*[[Ford Focus]]

==External Links==
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''

'''''Community Sites'''''

[[Category:Model Reviews]]

Mazda Mazda3 Review

2007-12-06T07:21:08Z

75.84.82.12: /* High Points */

[[image:2006_Mazda3_hatchbackleft.jpg|thumb|350px|right|2006 [[Mazda Mazda3]] hatchback]]
See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Mazda Mazda3]]'''.

==High Points==
* Fun to drive
* Great gas mileage
* European exterior styling
* Good list of options for reasonable price

==Low Points==
* Engine not very powerful compared to some competitors
* Lack of foot room for rear passengers
* Lower quality feel of hand dash controls
* Manufacturer tires only last 30k miles

==Performance and Handling==
[[Mazda]] has designed a vehicle for everyone in the [[Mazda Mazda3|Mazda3]], whether a family of four needs a new sedan or an adventurous driver in search of more power. For the former, any of the i- or s-model Mazda3 trims will be more than sufficient, with a choice between a 2.0L 148[[hp]] engine or a 2.3L 156[[hp]] engine and a tight suspension that leaves the driver in control. For the latter, the Mazdaspeed3 would do nicely, with its powerful 2.3L 263[[hp]] engine, MacPherson struts, sport-tuned exhaust, and [[Mazda]]'s Advanced Torque Management System.

The Mazda3's handling is surprisingly crisp and responsive, even at high speeds, and its acceleration and brake response are both excellent. Many reviewers were impressed by the performance of this compact car, and as fun as it is to drive, it should certainly succeed in attracting significant attention.

==Gas Mileage==
In a Compact Car category that includes the [[Toyota Prius]], [[Honda Insight]], and [[Honda Civic Hybrid]], the [[Mazda Mazda3|Mazda3]] ranks 10th in fuel efficiency, as ranked by [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=mpg&year=2006 Autos.com]. Mileage will vary, dependent upon engine and drivetrain. The city/highway numbers for the different versions of the Mazda3 are as follows:
* 2.0L 4-cyl. [[manual transmission|manual]] - 28/35
* 2.0L 4-cyl. [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 26/34
* 2.3L 4-cyl. [[manual transmission|manual]] - 26/32
* 2.3L 4-cyl. [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 25/31

==Safety==
Test performed by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] yielded mostly good ratings for the Mazda3. In front impact and rollover tests, the Mazda3 earned 4/5 stars, while it received 3/5 stars for its side impact results.

Some of the standard safety features found on the Mazda3 are 4-wheel [[anti-lock brakes]], driver and passenger front [[airbag]]s, occupancy sensors, and side impact bars.

==Reliability and Maintenance: 5 Stars==
With proper maintenance, which is reasonably priced (approximatley $100 every 10,000 miles excluding regular oil changes), the Mazda3 performs well day in and day out.

==Interior and Comforts==
[[image:2006_Mazda3_interior.jpg|right|350px]]
For someone less than 6' tall, this compact car is extremely comfortable. The drivers' seat offers lumbar support as well as vertical and horizontal adjustments. The gear shift sits at a comfortable distance from the drivers' seat, as do all controls.

Some of the options found across all trims are air conditioning, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, power locks, and driver adjusted lumbar support. Options such as a sunroof, leather seats, heated seats, and a safety options package are all available for extra cost as well.

==Exterior==
This car is very well styled for a compact vehicle under $20,000. It looks much more like a European compact car than a Japanese econo-vehicle. It's sporty, with a bit of an aggressive look to it, comprised of angled edges that sweep backwards and a stance that seems to lean just a bit forward.

Even the hatchback has been designed to look more stylish; the Mazdaspeed3 trim, after all, is only offered in hatchback form. This trim in particular features a rear spoiler, larger and wider wheels, and foglamps.

==Styles and Options==
[[image:2006_Mazda3_sedan.jpg|left|350px]]
The 2006 [[Mazda Mazda3|Mazda3]] comes in three major trim models: the 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and the hatchback Mazdaspeed3. With the first two, you have a choice between one of two engines and either a [[manual transmission|manual]] or [[automatic transmission]], all of which will have an impact on the price of your Mazda3. The sedan is available in i- or s-models, whereas the hatchback is only available in an s-model, and aside from base models, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring packages are also available.

However, the Mazdaspeed3 might be considered its own model, for it is equipped with a much more powerful engine and more sporty options which are not available on either the Mazda3 i or the Mazda3 s. The Mazdaspeed3 is powered by a 2.3L 263[[hp]] I4 engine and comes with features like 18" aluminum alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, standard heated front seats, a Bose premium audio system, and automatic climate control. The Grand Touring version of the Mazdaspeed3 adds even more standard features.

Some of the options found available on the i-models are 16" silver alloy wheels, air conditioning, SIRIUS-ready stereo system, cruise control, and power locks and windows. With an upgrade to the s-model, buyers may opt for 17" wheels, halogen fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seats.

==Main Competitors==
* [[Ford Focus]]
* [[Toyota Corolla]]
* [[Honda Civic]]
* [[Honda Civic Hybrid]]
* [[MINI Cooper]]
* [[Volkswagen Jetta]]
* [[Pontiac Vibe]]
* [[Toyota Prius]]

==External Links==
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''
*[http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsAllMZ3 Mazda3 homepage]

'''''Community Sites'''''
*[http://carscarscars.blogs.com/index/2004/04/review_mazda3.html CarsCarsCars!]

[[Category: Model Reviews]]