Should i buy toyota echo

Top speed is governed to We won't repeat the host of small refinements we wrote about in our October issue that account for its overall hustle. All you need to know is that the little engine revs to its rpm rev limiter eagerly and smoothly. Unfortunately, you won't know how fast the engine is spinning -- a tachometer is not offered. We think a tach is a must, given this motor's revvy nature. At a minimum, Toyota should have marked the speedometer with shift points so the driver would have at least minimal info to indicate when it's time to shift.

On the downside, the shifter has a lifeless, stuck-in-the-mud feel. Although the Echo can compete in acceleration with compacts like the Neon, it doesn't corner as well as the big boys. Skidpad grip, at 0. The Echo feels like what it is -- a high, short-length sedan on skinny tires. There's a good amount of body roll, and the tires tend to squeal when charging around off-ramps.

The body roll isn't offensive, however, and the Echo doesn't bob around when you lift off the gas in a turn; rather, it obediently tucks in the front end. What's rewarding about driving the cars in this class is the fact that you can wring out every last ounce of their limited performance on your way to work, something we wouldn't recommend you do in, say, a Corvette.

And there's lots more performance to wring from this Echo than you'll find in a Chevy Metro or Daewoo Lanos. We also appreciated the firm brake pedal. As for its styling, we didn't notice pedestrians and other drivers, young or old, swiveling their heads to get a better look.

But let's give Toyota credit for coming up with an original shape. Up front, the niftiest aspect of the Echo is the five storage compartments in the dash and the doors, and that doesn't include its two glove boxes. The instrument binnacle, which is positioned in the middle of the dash instead of in front of the driver, is interesting at first glance but soon gets plain weird, especially at night when the dash area in front of the steering wheel is unlit. The flat seats are firm, and all the needed controls fall right to hand.

As small, low-priced cars go, the Echo is excellent transportation -- provided you don't load it up with every option, at which point the bigger compacts may make more sense.

It's relatively quick and comfortable, and it fully utilizes every inch of its small dimensions. Who knows? Maybe that, plus its original styling and funky center gauge cluster, will make the Echo the hottest item since Pokemon cards.

Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving. Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size. Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned. Great view in the drivers seat! Dont be afriaid to try something different!!

PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car. I really love my Toyota Echo I purchased brand new April, Its a beautiful red color that still loos brand new.

Im a travel Nurse and bought it in my home town in For Lauderdale, Fl. It ha saved me quite a bit of money when the gas prices soared over 2. Very dependable. Never worried about being stranded especially in a City miles away from my family.

Our Echo sedan has been one of the best cars weve ever owned. Remember, its not a Cadillac! Its great on gas, fun, and easy to drive, and very reliable. Seats 4 very comfortably. Our 19 yr old daughter now has K miles on it. Good quality overall, and reliable! I just cant say enough about this little gem. What I "sacrifice" in luxury and styling and not a big sacrifice, its a conveyance, not a living room! I make up in performance and fuel economy.

I have had this car for 4 years and have, admittedly, been pretty rough with it. I havent yet had it in the shop except for yearly inspections. Recently, on a long, flat, straight trip, I traveled miles on a tank of gas.

I estimate the tank to be about 11 gallons so you do the math! Its easy to park and easy to drive. If you want a reliable car and feel responsible for environmental impact, this is the way to go. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment.

Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary. Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto. Sign In Sign Up Account. Write a Review. You'll find all our Toyota Echo reviews right here. Our reviews offer detailed analysis of the Echo's features, design, practicality, fuel consumption, engine and transmission, safety, ownership and what it's like to drive.

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