|
|
|
 Blue Book® Suggested Retail Value  Fuel Economy (city/hwy) 
Tell us what you think...
The community thinks...
Owner
Exelent car
by Hector San Juan PR on 10/22/2008.
Trim: 2005 Toyota ECHO 2-Door Sedan, Owned 4 years.
2
Pros:
Its great
Cons:
nothing
Overall review:
exellent
Review ID: #533358
Is this review offensive?
Owner
A great, solid ride, albeit the "funny" shape...
by Jorge from Puerto Rico on 02/19/2008.
Trim: 2005 Toyota ECHO 2-Door Sedan, Owned 4 years.
1
Pros:
It is subcompact-sized on the outside but quite comfortable on the inside. Though not spectacular, its dynamic (handling, braking, accident avoidance) characteristics are good to excellent, even for a non-power-steered car like mine. This car has in fact more interior space than some larger compacts. The rear seat is quite usable for adults.
The fuel economy is extraordinary for a nonhybrid, normally-tuned gasoline car - still in the low 40 mpg measured by me, not some EPA or Toyota elucubration. The reliability is beyond reproach, even better than a 1997 Tercel I still own.
This particular car has over 131000 miles in it and still not even the check engine light has come on.
Cons:
It does have too much sensitivity in crosswinds, but it can be handled safely. And it rainy-road behavior is only adequate, I have to slow down then. Several components are modular and expensive, such as the rear-wheel housings - you can't disassemble them to fix damaged ball bearings.
The hatch version - marketed in Canada and Europe - should have been imported to the US market, it looks quite nice. There's something to the trunk that disbalances the car's proportions and makes it look ovoid and homely, not to say ugly for many people.
What really p***es me off is that the seat belts hang limp and very frequently the buckles interfere with the door closing. What's the matter, Toyota?
Overall review:
This car is carefully engineered, solid and affordable. Even with its "strange" shape it is a great deal, with a high value retention. Mechanicals and body are solid and it is said that its a crashworthiness is very good.
It's unfortunate that Echos are seen as student or poor people's cars. I have a professional degree and my car must take me to many job-related destinations in a day, averaging nearly 110 miles (175 km) daily, all year. I have never blamed a missing appointment on this car!
Stick shift - which I have - is powerful and responsive, though the lever is at times notchy. Clutch pedal feel is smooth. My driving environment is hilly rural roads, and this Echo makes a near-perfect match. Too bad I have no p/s, since parallel parking is a chore and the car's high stance make it difficult to judge space in these maneuvers. Toyota's option packaging made it difficult to get a car with desired options.
Nevertheless, it is an excellent investment and highly recommended.
Review ID: #523812
Is this review offensive?
Owner
Tremendous Unbeatable Value
by Echo Driver from Washington, DC on 04/05/2005.
Trim: 2005 Toyota ECHO 2-Door Sedan, Owned less than 1 year.
1
Pros:
Remarkably spacious, well laid-out interior in a compact package; quality craftsmanship and outstanding reliability; solid handling and road manners for a car in this class; Made in Japan (unlike a lot of other Japanese cars recently)
Cons:
Styling is not overly attractive, but moderately charming
Overall review:
A tremendous, unbeatable value for the money; why buy a used car, when you can purchase such a reasonable, reliable and efficient car brand new, with an excellent warranty and support.
Review ID: #466988
Is this review offensive?
Owner
ECHO-nomical and reliable
by An MSN Autos Consumer on 04/05/2005.
Trim: 2005 Toyota ECHO 4-Door Sedan, Owned 1 year.
1
Pros:
Much more room inside than it looks like it has from the outside.
Cons:
Wish CD or cassette player was std. not optional.
Overall review:
Love it, especially since gas is so expensive now.
Review ID: #466978
Is this review offensive?
Owner
The "Bang for Buck" KING!
by Spencer from St. John's on 03/10/2005.
Trim: 2005 Toyota ECHO 4-Door Sedan, Owned 1 year.
1
Pros:
Surprisingly roomy for such a small car...I don't feel like a "sardine" when driving. The gas mileage is also out of this world. I've owned one since December, and haven't quite put $200.00 in gas in the thing
Cons:
ABS doesn't come standard - same for side-impact airbags
Overall review:
If your in the market for a car that's both economical and fun to drive, the Echo is definitely worth checking out.
Review ID: #464562
Is this review offensive?
Information or opinions expressed in these reviews are not endorsed by Microsoft Corporation nor MSN Autos.
Have comments about MSN Autos' User Reviews? Send us an email.
Related ArticlesSave Time and Money:Top Competitors |
