 |
|||
Scion rocks - but does it roll? Before we talk about driving the 2006 Scion Tc, let's talk about rock and roll. The Scion brand, while attractive to all ages was designed specifically by Toyota to meet the needs, wants and pocketbook of young adults. Regardless if you think music is a need or a want, superior audio equipment is essential to young buyers. However, if you think that the desire for mobile sound equipment is unique to this generation you would be sadly mistaken. Harry S. Truman may have been President before rock and roll but he was a car enthusiast and he wanted good sounds in his cars. Trading vehicles every year or two, he demanded the best in mobile audio equipment. Tour the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri and you'll see his 1941 Chrysler Royal Club Coupe equipped with the optional Philco Model 800, 8-tube radio "designed to assure long, uninterrupted, high quality reception and service." In-car audio has come a long way from when Truman was President or even when I was installing bigger Radio Shack speakers in my 1965 Mustang so the aftermarket under-dash 8-track player could blast away. Listening to those that listen in their cars, Scion designed the Tc from the ground up to accommodate the need for tunes. Understanding that audio now comes from a variety of sources, the optional Pioneer stereo deck in my test car played mp3 CD discs holding many more tunes than standard CD's. The AM/FM/CD system includes a port to hard wire an Apple iPod directly to the car's audio system. Allowing the driver to control iPod functions directly from the dash or steering wheel mounted controls is a safety consideration. An apple ipod may hold up to15,000 songs, but you can also listen to satellite radio for coast to coast coverage. The 12" VS subwoofer by Bazooka handled all of the volume the 160-watt Pioneer sound system could dish out. From Bluegrass to techno, the 2006 Scion Tc can handle your music desires because the entire Scion brand was designed around and marketed to an entertainment lifestyle. Personally I don't understand the Scion marketing philosophy. We know that Toyota's demographic profile was aging noticeably and a decision was made to create a separate youth oriented division much like Lexus was created to appeal to luxury buyers. Yet unlike separate Lexus dealers, Scion is sold by the same old Toyota dealer group who got rich creating the aging Toyota demographics in the first place. Scion may have a separate showroom but this is still a Toyota at heart. Scion understands who it is, but I fear many local Scion dealers still don't "get-it" when it comes to the youth market. We know that Scion rocks, but how does it roll? As a Toyota, the quality of a Scion is unquestioned. Drivability is superb. This is a quiet, well-built vehicle. It is attractive both from the modern sweeping exterior design to the functional interior. Gauges and instrumentation are easy to read and adjust. Aside from wanting more travel in the front seat for extra legroom the 2006 Scion offers a roomy cabin for this class of vehicle. The 160 horsepower 2.4Liter 4cylinger offers sports car like performance even mated with the available 4-speed ECT-i Automatic Transmission. Even a rock and roller understands reality. We might want to drive a Lamborghini but needs and pocketbooks always modify wants. Scion rocks because it combines a low price with high feature content. There are several fine automobiles priced competitively with the Scion. But few have the extensive list of standard equipment found on the $17,000 Scion Tc 2 door lift back with Automatic. Even a Panorama Glass Moonroof with power tilt slide is included without additional cost. My evaluation model was loaded with dealer installed options like wheels, ground effects and spoilers, but it still carried an MSRP of only $21,467. Fuel economy is estimated to be 30 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city with the automatic transmission. Yes the Scion Rocks and it is rolling off dealer lots in droves. The only thing Scion may have underestimated is that when you offer an exceptional stylish vehicle equipped with really cool features for a low price even old folks will take notice. Don't let it discourage you when you see Toyota dealers walking their older clients over to the Scion showroom for a nostalgic walk down rock and roll lane.
2006 Scion Tc 2 Door Liftback 2.4 Liter 4 Cyl DOHC 16 Valve VVT-I EFI Engine
Base MSRP $17,000 MSRP as driven $21,467 Estimated Mileage 23 city / 30 Highway Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2006 - Stan Risener