Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Scion tC

*Est. $15,300 to 17,800

Pros

Stylish
Comfortable seating
Stable and confident feel on the road
Excellent value with above-average reliability

Cons

Stability control and traction control not available
Tight headroom in front seat
Scant cargo space in coupe and hatchback

Our Analysis

Despite the Scion tC's minor restyle for 2008, comparative reviews for this vehicle are relatively sparse. We did, however, find credible and detailed evaluations from Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com, where experts road-test most vehicles and rank each car. Comprehensive single-vehicle reviews for the 2008 Scion tC are offered at Edmunds.com and CarsEverything.com, though the Edmunds.com review seems to be the more balanced of the two. A shorter ""Ruthless Review"" from CarCritic.com examines some issues not often covered. Cars.com and Car and Driver magazine provide brief, capsule-style reviews of the Scion tC using a concise but clear pro/con analysis format.

Reviewers say the 2008 Scion tC, a compact coupe or hatchback, is one of the sportier choices in this segment. The Scion tC's cabin is said to be fairly spacious, with a serviceable back seat – unusual in a 2-door compact. Split-folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat add cargo volume and versatility. Some reviewers say that the 2008 Scion tC's list of standard equipment is the best in this price range, but that some newer safety features aren't available. A few critics point out the Scion tC isn't as sporty as it purports to be; a dealer-installed supercharger can boost horsepower without compromising fuel economy, but it's expensive. The top-rated sporty compact, the Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295), also gets pricey when heavily optioned.

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2008 Scion tC

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports reviews the Scion tC coupe, along with virtually every economy car on the 2008 market. The analysis here focuses mainly on ride quality, handling, safety and predicted reliability.

Review: 2008 Scion tC, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

The thoroughness of ConsumerGuide.com's performance analysis – along with editors' value-based recommendations – make this a helpful resource. The editors choose the Scion tC as one of their "Best Buy" picks among sporty performance cars.

Review: 2008 Scion tC, Editors at ConsumerGuide.com, July 31, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors say that the Scion tC has an unexpectedly roomy cabin, good features and an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for buyers seeking an economical sports coupe.

Review: 2008 Scion tC Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

CarCritic.com's Don Vorderman reviews the Scion tC enthusiastically, highlighting above-average reliability and resale values as strengths and labeling the 2008 tC "a winner in every possible way".

Review: 2008 Scion tC, Don Vorderman

5. Cars.com

The Scion tC is included in Cars.com's annual compilation of Best Bets – a fairly long list with attached reviews that aren't lengthy or comparative. Cars.com also provides consumer reviews and a side-by-side comparison tool.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

6. CarsEverything.com

This meticulous and informative single-car review discusses not only the Scion tC's performance, but also more subjective issues such as styling and comfort. This article isn't as critically balanced as some others but is still worthwhile.

Review: 2008 Scion TC Road Tests, Editors of CarsEverything.com

7. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Car and Driver offers a brief capsule review for the 2008 Scion tC, neatly summarizing its assets and shortcomings. The editors say the Scion tC looks good but isn't as sporty as it appears.

Review: 2008 Scion tC, Editors at Car and Driver

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