Is Scion tC the same as Camry?
The Scion tC and Toyota Camry are not the same vehicle. The tC was a compact hatchback sold under Scion, a short‑lived Toyota sub-brand, while the Camry is Toyota's long‑running midsize sedan. They share corporate roots and some engineering, but they occupy different segments and serve different buyer needs.
Overview: two distinct Toyota legacies
Understanding their roles helps clarify why the tC and Camry aren’t interchangeable in practice.
- Body style and size: The tC is a compact hatchback with sporty styling; the Camry is a larger four‑door sedan designed for comfort and cargo space.
- Market positioning: The tC targeted younger buyers seeking style and value; the Camry targets families and commuters prioritizing interior room and a smooth ride.
- Platform and engineering: Both draw on Toyota engineering, but they sit on different platforms tailored to their sizes. Some components may be shared across the broader Toyota parts family.
- Production history: The tC debuted in 2004/05 and was produced until 2016, when Scion was discontinued; the Camry has been in continuous production across multiple generations since the 1980s and remains in production today.
- Powertrains: The tC used a four‑cylinder engine (notably a 2.4‑liter unit in earlier generations); the Camry has offered a range of four‑ and six‑cylinder engines and, in recent generations, hybrid options.
These distinctions illustrate why the two cars serve different needs and why they should not be considered the same model despite sharing Toyota lineage.
Brand history and current status
Scion was created by Toyota to appeal to new buyers but was phased out in 2016, with its models and branding folded into Toyota’s lineup. The Camry continues as Toyota’s flagship midsize sedan, evolving through new generations and trim levels, including hybrid variants.
Key takeaway
Bottom line: The Scion tC is not the Camry. They differ in size, body style, market focus, and production era. If you’re evaluating them, compare them as distinct options rather than as variants of the same car.
Summary: No — the Scion tC is a compact hatchback from the now-defunct Scion brand, while the Camry is Toyota’s long-running midsize sedan. They share corporate roots and some components, but they are different vehicles built for different purposes and years.
What years of Scion tC to avoid?
The main Scion tC years to be cautious about are 2007-2009 due to a known issue with excessive oil consumption caused by faulty piston rings. Additionally, while generally reliable, early models might have issues like clutch failure in manual transmissions.
Years to be cautious of
- 2007-2009: These years are most often cited for a manufacturing defect in the 2.4L engine that causes it to burn oil excessively. This can be a serious problem, so it's crucial to check the oil level regularly if considering one of these models.
- Early models (like 2005-2007): While generally reliable, some owners of the first generation (2005-2007) reported issues like oil consumption and clutch failure in manual transmissions.
Why these years?
- Oil Consumption: The 2.4L engine (2AZ-FE) used in the first generation tC had piston ring issues that led to high oil consumption in the 2007-2009 models, says CarParts.com and Reddit users. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored.
- Engine Sludge: Both oil consumption and engine sludge can be a problem, especially if the car was not properly maintained with frequent oil changes.
What about other years?
- Second generation (2011-2016): The second generation of the tC is often viewed as more reliable, with fewer widespread problems reported compared to the first generation, according to PartsHawk. However, some model years did have recalls, notes Consumer Reports.
Recommendations
- When buying any older vehicle, it is essential to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues before you buy.
- If you are looking for a Scion tC, a second-generation model (2011-2016) or a well-maintained first-generation model that has a clear history of oil changes might be a better choice.
Does the Scion tC have the same engine as a Camry?
It received a performance bump; with the new engine being carried over from the Toyota Camry being a 2.5 liter I4 2AR-FE engine producing 180 hp (130 kW) and 174 lb⋅ft (236 N⋅m). Like the first generation, the chassis remained a variant of the Toyota Avensis, the model using the third generation chassis.
What is the other name for the Scion tC?
The tC was Scion's best-selling model, constituting almost 40% of total Scion sales. The name tC stands for "touring coupe." Beginning in 2011, the tC was sold as the Toyota Zelas in the Middle East, China and South America, a name derived from "zelante", Italian for "passionate" or "zealous."
Why did Toyota kill off Scion?
Toyota discontinued the Scion brand due to a combination of declining sales, a failure to connect with its target young demographic, and the brand becoming redundant and a financial drain. Scion cannibalized its own sales, the cars were often more expensive than comparable Toyotas, and the lineup struggled to maintain interest, especially after a change in direction from the initial quirky designs. Toyota ultimately decided to absorb the most popular models into the main Toyota lineup.
Key reasons for the discontinuation
- Failure to connect with the target market: The brand's initial goal was to attract young buyers, but it failed to maintain a significant connection with them. The target demographic's purchasing power was also impacted by economic factors like the 2008 recession.
- Internal cannibalization: Scion's cars were sold at Toyota dealerships, and many buyers were also considering Toyotas. This meant Scion was often just selling to existing Toyota customers at a lower price, which hurt revenue.
- Aging and unappealing lineup: After its initial success with models like the first-generation xB, Scion's subsequent redesigns and new models were seen as less appealing and failed to generate excitement. The lineup was also considered small and expensive.
- Redundancy and lack of clear identity: As the brand matured, the gap between Scion and Toyota narrowed, with Toyota's own cars offering a similar blend of quality, reliability, and style that also appealed to younger buyers. The need for a separate brand for entry-level models diminished.
- Financial and strategic considerations: Ultimately, Scion became a financial liability for Toyota. Discontinuing the brand allowed Toyota to focus on and consolidate its resources on the more profitable and stronger Toyota brand. The Scion nameplate was officially retired in 2017.
