1999 Toyota Echo

Summary:

Great on gas, surprisingly roomy, reliable

Faults:

Two recalls: one for a fluid hose and another to improve rust protection under the car.

General Comments:

The Echo has a tonne of room, not only for passengers, but also for cargo. The trunk is surpisingly large and the back seat fold-down is extremely handy.

The car is supremely good on gas. I drove from Hamilton to Kirkland Lake on one tank.

The car fares less well on gas if it is absolutely full, or if you are using the air conditioning for the whole trip.

The Echo has been particularly reliable, without any major problems other than the two recalls.

The car tends to get caught in the wind, especially if on a tall bridge during high winds. Beware on bridge such as the Burlington Skyway.

I have enjoyed my Echo, the pickup is fine, speed is fine. It's easy to drive and has great vision through the windows and the back.

It is a tad noisy, but has held up well on some particularly long drives (eight hours or more.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2006