2000 Toyota ECHO review from North America
"Fun and Cheap to Drive -- and Reliable!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Absolutely Nothing.
I replaced the tires at around 55,000 miles.
General comments?
I love my ECHO!
Mileage - Based on my research, this is the most fuel efficient car that is not a hybrid. Excellent.
Specs - Compare an ECHO brochure to a Prius, they are nearly identical (with the exception of the "hybrid" aspects).
Comfort - The area around the driver's seat is very roomy. There is plenty of room for your legs and knees. There is much more room in the ECHO than in my friend's Acura 3.2 TL.
The high seating position makes you feel like you are driving an SUV (almost).
Pick - Even though the engine is small, is is really peppy. In city driving, you will "beat" everyone at the start up. On the interstate, there are times when you feel that you need more power (usu. when you have the air conditioner on). I have been amazed by the "performance" of my tiny car.
Cargo - Not a ton of room in the trunk, but the shape of the trunk allows for bigger things than other, much larger, "luxury" vehicle trunks. It fits my baby's stroller pretty well. The storage compartments all over the dashboard are excellent & huge cup holders!
Rear Seats - Ugh! Here is the ECHO's weak point. The rear seats are tiny, and it is a bumpy ride in the back of the car. With the infant car seat behind the passenger seat, the passenger side of the front is pretty cramped.
Looks - I bought it because of the futuristic look. To me, it is a beautiful car.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 7 miles |
| Most recent distance | 65000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota ECHO |
| Date of Entry | 23rd July, 2004 |