In general, Scion has been a car manufacturer that continues to climb in popularity. Perhaps no model exemplifies this more than the 2012 Scion tC. Back in 2011, Scion gave this vehicle a facelift and, by the following year, sales had skyrocketed by 75%. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a compact car, it’s defiantly worth seeing why so many fell in love with the 2012 Scion tC.
Key Features
One of the best things about any Scion is not so much its features, but all the features you can add on yourself. As perhaps the most customizable manufacturer on the planet, the sky’s the limit for what you could do with your tC.
That being said, the Pioneer Premium sound system has a lot of fans and for good reason. This amazing setup comes standard and that includes Bluetooth connectivity, so many of you can actually connect your phone to the car’s ample sound system. The vehicle’s two microphones also mean you can make phone calls hands-free.
The Star Safety System is a great feature too. Aside from the car’s eight airbags, knowing you have Toyota’s safety system in case something ever goes wrong is definitely reassuring.
Changes for 2012
As the 2011 model involved a design reboot, there aren’t a ton of changes with the 2012 Scion tC. The most noticeable addition is the 300-watt Pioneer sound system, which is definitely something to look forward to.
What We Like
The look of the 2012 Scion tC is unmistakable, even after someone’s customization efforts. This vehicle just looks fast and that appearance is one of the reasons it’s so popular with young drivers.
You get to choose between an automatic and manual transmission. While there is nothing wrong with the former, we were impressed by the latter option. Some might say it’s a bit soft, but the shifts seemed extremely precise to us.
What Concerns Us
The interior leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, all the tech is great, but otherwise, it’s pretty barebones in there. Some people seem to enjoy this minimalistic approach, but most will probably find it takes some getting used to.
Available Models
There are two main 2012 Scion tC models, the base version and the Release Series 7.0. Both come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. You can expect 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.
Major Recalls
The only recall ever issued for this vehicle was back in 2013 because some were sold with inaccurate labels regarding their weight. That makes them out of compliance with federal regulations.
Common Issues
Some owners have complained about the dash controls, but that’s about it. For the money, this is a great car.
