Beginning in 2011, the tC was sold as the Toyota Zelas in the Middle East, China[3] and South America,[4] a name derived from "zelante", Italian for "passionate" or "zealous."

Standard equipment included power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry, mirror-mounted turn signal lights, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a 160-watt Pioneer sound system with CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic moonroof.

It was offered at a low (base MSRP of US$17,670 for the 2009 model with manual transmission) with the pure "monospec" pricing marketing style that Toyota adopted.

Meant to serve as a blank slate to the tuner market, the Spec Package was offered in only four colors: Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic.

[citation needed] The tC received a minor refresh in 2007 for the 2008 model year that included a revised grille and new, "Altezza"-styled head and taillights.

Car and Driver praised the 2005 tC for its list of accessories but criticized its low headroom in the backseat and limited cargo room.

[25] For the 2016 model year, the tC received some minor changes, such as a standard rear windshield wiper, new silver interior door handles, center console tray cover, and a leather-wrapped shift knob, the latter of which was formerly an optional upgrade.

[2] NHTSA crash test ratings (2011)[31] Similar to many other models of Toyota/Lexus/Scion, there are many upgrades available through the in house tuning shop Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

TRD used to produce performance parts such as lowering springs and racing struts, full coil-over suspension systems, performance brake kits, rear sway bars, front strut tower bars, limited-slip differentials, upgraded clutches, axle-back exhausts and cold-air intakes for the Scion tC.

[citation needed] Scion used a simplified "pure price" sales model that eschewed traditional factory options in favor of fixed base-vehicle pricing and buyer customization via dealer-installed accessories;[35] hence, the tC was offered in a single standard trim, with exterior colors and the choice of transmission typically being the only factory options.

Beginning in late spring 2004, Scion launched the Release Series (RS) line, limited quantities of their current vehicles pre-packaged with individual numbered badging, exclusive accessories, and other special features.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 The tC immediately became Scion's most popular model, representing almost half of the brand's sales in its peak years from 2005 to 2007, before being eclipsed by the redesigned xB in 2008.