2003 Toyota ECHO review from North America

This car has had no mechanical problems of any kind.

I bought the ECHO in northern Alberta in February of 2004. Features included an automatic transmission, Air Condition, rear spoiler, and mud flaps. I was looking for a cheap and reliable commuter so I researched all the subcompacts available which included: Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Aveo (same as the Swift), Honda Civic SE (not considered a subcompact, competes with Corolla, but I checked it out anyway), Volkswagen Golf (another Corolla competitor).

The ECHO came out on top as a subcompact as far as value and perfomance were concerned so I bought it. I've had it for a year now and I'm still impressed with the fuel economy and reliability. It has lots of room and is very easy to drive. It does have some weaknesses thought...

If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice then make sure you get some good snow tires for your ECHO. The ECHO only weighs about 1600 lbs so it can't rely on weight alone to stop on those all season radials.

The other weakness is looks. I have to say that I like the ECHO for its quirky, Volkswagon Beetle type styling, but some of the curves on it don't really work. People who buy the ECHO are practical types and put styling second in favor of value and economy (or you're secure enough in your ego that you don't need to pay big bucks to appease your insecurities).

The ECHO is not making huge sales figures in the U.S. or Canada, but they are respectable. I think that this is mostly because fuel prices have been stable and relatively low. People have money and they want SUVs, what can I say. Wait till fuel prices start rising again, ECHOS may just become very popular.