2001 Toyota ECHO review from North America

No problems so far.

The first few times I saw an ECHO I laughed out loud it was so funny looking. All distorted and mis-shapen like a toy. But after 35 years of working on used Fords, I needed a replacement for my dead LTD, something I didn't have to work on. I drove some Hyundia's because of the price, but a friend asked me to look into Toyota's because of their reliability. My first test drive of an ECHO convinced me. After punching the gas I said out loud to the car salesman, "I gotta get me one of these!" My love for this silly little car is just as strong after 2 years.

Performance is great. It squirts away from a stop and pulls hard for as long as you have the nerve to push it. I would describe it a very eager.

Interior space is great. I regularly put a 275 pounder in the back seat. With the fold down rear seats and dashboard cubby holes, you can put a couple 8 foot 2 X 4s in, with the trunk closed! The other day I lined the very roomy trunk with a tarp and fulled it with mulch. It took me 6 wheelbarrow loads to empty it!

Gas mileage is great. 32-33 city, with the air conditioning on! 34-35 MPG city, without air conditioning. Well over 42 mpg on the highway.

I highly recommend this car to anyone who doesn't have to have all the luxury appointments, but just need a great little car.