Rattle in the rear window.
Possible bearings in the alternator.
A great car, in every direction... except your friends. As they belittle you about driving an economy car, little do they know that you are paying half for your gas, half for repairs, and probably have more interior room.
Unless you've been in one before, don't comment on the interior room. It is massive, the trunk space is massive. The gas mileage is great, even while speeding. Cruise control is definitely a plus. No real repairs to date.
It is a very peppy car, beating all econo boxes in acceleration. The variable timing helps it cruise along with 4 passengers, even with the A/C on.
The only complaint I have is my friends who think otherwise!
Ha ha... maybe you should consider trading your friends in for a better model! j/k.
I love the fact that I can go a week and a half without fueling up my little Echo. I'm aghast at what other people are paying to gas up their vans and SUVs. Maybe if your friends don't know the advantages of buying a reliable economy car, you should direct them to this site. The fewer people we have blowing around in gas guzzlers in this country, the better.
Your fuel savings will be worthless when you are dead from the accident the car could not save you from. I have seen Echos on the road, and they look like tiny death traps. The way people drive today, I want something big and safe! Unfortunately, this almost always means lower gas mileage.
I have a 2003 Echo. I loved the car until I got it out on the highway a few times in slightly bad weather. The reason it has such great acceleration is it only weighs 2000 pounds. I find driving on the highway with normal gusty winds to be very nerve wracking, almost scary. I feel like I'm gonna get blown off the highway in strong winds. I just don't find the car safe to drive on the highway. It's too light and tends to loose control with a little wind. If they had made the car heavier, with a bit lower roof line, it would have been a perfect car.
I agree with your assessment of the Echo in bad weather. Its tall profile, while providing a huge amount of interior and trunk room makes it very vulnerable to wind. You get blown all over the road in wind. I also find it harrowing to drive in winter conditions, but that' mainly due to skinny tires. My old Suzuki Swift felt much more secure in winter conditions, and windy roads. Otherwise, I really love my Toyota Echo.
Frank S.
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