2004 Toyota ECHO Base Sedan review from North America

My Brakes needed to be replaced after 55k.

Factory recall for rust-proofing in cabin floor.

Rear-defroster broke (replaced under warranty).

I bought this car new; my first Toyota. I was amazed at the operating cost (very cheap in maintenance and quite inexpensive in fuel).

I'm 6'5" and fit quite comfortably in the car. My original choice had been a 2001 Corolla, but I couldn't fit in it, despite it being slightly bigger.

The seating isn't great for long trips. There isn't an armrest, which got annoying after a while.

Knowing full well how small this car is, I must say that I found the car to be underpowered, especially in acceleration. Despite it's 5-speed manual transmission (certainly better than the automatic versions I've driven), it certainly lacked any ability to pass vehicles on the highway or simply accelerate up hills. Forget any form of power with more than two people in the car.

I must say, however, that the ECHO is an amazing, cheap, roomy, compact. Many of my friends have also purchased them and found them great for students and in the city.