Car Review: The 2007 Scion TC

All too often, the search for a reasonable new car can become nothing short of endless frustration. After all, it is very difficult to find a new vehicle which offers good pricing, dependability, and impressive features.

Trying to group these three factors together is a rarely seen thing, and although we may hope to find the perfect new car, all too often we are greeted only with failure. Still though, despite the many disappointments, hope still remains. Although it may be surprising, those who are looking for an excellent car for the money may find success in the new Scion tC.

For those who are not aware, the Scion tC is a two door coupe that promises customization, moderate performance, comfort and reliability. Add all this to the fact that the tC clocks in just under $17,00 for the base model, and we seem to have found a vehicle which is too good to be true. However, does the tC live up to its promises? Or is it simply one more disappointment in the automotive world.

From the outside, the tC offers a bit of interesting contradiction. The car, with its aggressive front-end styling and swooped body design manages to look slightly aggressive. However, it is hard to say that there is not something strangely professional about the tC. If anything, perhaps the tC represents the evolution of the two door coupe, it is stylish and sporty without looking childish or appearing as a toy car.

However, while the styling may not agree with everyone, when the basic body design is coupled with the stock rims and wheels package, and fitted with Scion's rear end spoiler, the look really is impressive, and although it may not turn every head, the tC is guaranteed to get some appreciation wherever it is driven, especially with the panoramic moon roof.

While the outside of the tC may be appealing, by far the best thing about the car is the inside. The inside of the car is both stylish and modern, and at no point does it ever feel as though one is driving a car that starts under $17,000. The tC incorporate many interesting ideas, including standard iPod integration, panoramic moon roof, a panel which covers up the stereo if wished, and over 10 possible colors for the radio backlight.

The sound system in the tC is nothing short of amazing, and the many options that one can configure are almost unlimited. It may sound strange, but the tC is really a music lover's car. Add this to the over forty possible accessories that one can order to customize their vehicle, and the tC becomes a car which can be tailored to any driver in order to fit perfectly. Overall, while the interior materials may sometimes not be of the best quality, it adds to a car which is definitely one of the most comfortable (and most customizable) that one can imagine.

Even though one might not expect the tC to be the best driving car in the world, the overall quality of the ride and driving experience is surprisingly high.. The car comes equipped with a 160 horse power four cylinder motor, and although the automatics tend to be a bit sluggish and awkwardly timed with the shifts, the experience of driving the manual tC is genuinely enjoyable.

The shifts are quick and precise, and the motor is capable of delivering surprising power and acceleration when the time comes. The tC handles well around corners, and the engine is very quiet, even when traveling at higher speeds on the highway. Fuel economy is great, around 25 to 30 miles a gallon, and the ar rides very comfortably considering the short wheel base.

Indeed, even though the tC may be one of the cheaper new cars on the market, it may also be one of the best deals as well. The tC drives and looks as good as cars that cost twice as much, and for those who may be in the market for a new car, the tC is an overall excellent choice. From the quality of the drive, to the endless options and great design of the interior, and even to the surprising, but impressive exterior design, the tC delivers in almost every respect possible. A great choice for a new car that exceeds all expectations set for it.