Topic: Comments on the Toyota Echo?

[Kellym]

 My 1990 Ford Tempo is on the verge of dying a slow and painful death. I would like to replace it with a late model used car (i.e. 2000-2002). Most of my driving is in the city/suburbia, with short highway drives thrown in. I want something small and economical.  

I have done some reading about different car makes and models. I like the reliability of Toyota, the reported fuel economy of the Echo, and its size and price. Does anyone else have an Echo? Any opinions on how it might compare to a Ford Focus, Chevy Cavalier, or Pontiac Sunfire? I've heard nothing but stellar things about Hondas but would I be better off spending the same amount of money on an older Honda Civic/Accord or a newer Toyota? I'm also considering the Corolla since I don't want to have my heart set on one model and because quite frankly, there don't seem to be many used Echos available (which may very well be a good sign). Any comments/suggestions?

[neil]

 The Echo is physically a smaller car than the others mentioned.  It is classified a Sub-compact, vs compact for the others.  The only other Canadian sold vehicles in it's class are the Accent and Rio.
It has excellent interior volume for such a small car, and of course Toyota reputation for reliability and resale values.  The room is achieved by a very tall body, and most complaints I have heard of it being a sail to any form of cross winds.  The styling has been describes at love it or hate it, the 2 door especially looks like an ugly duck, and most repulse at the central guages, even though apparently they work well once accustomed.

[inco]

 Just from a preference perspective I would choose the Corolla. I like the looks of it better, but down the road it might also be worth a little more.

Both the Echo and Corolla have great reputations and so you are on the right track. Now it's just a matter of which one suits your budget.

The Honda Civic should also be in there as a consideration if you can't find others that suit you.

[Giant Dwarf]

 I'm in line with that thinking.  You'd be hard-pressed to go wrong with a Corolla or a Civic.  Both are excellent cars.  

After spending 600 km's worth of seat time in the backseat of a brand, spankin' new Protege5 this past weekend, I'm astouned at how quiet, refined and well-equiped modern "economy" cars are.  For just a tick over $20,000, this gleaming black Mazda had all the power bells and whistles, beautiful, big 16" alloy wheels and the practicality of a wagon format.  But its relatively compliant ride, and quietness were what really blew me away.  My parent's old '97 Accord should have been so good (and well equipped!).  It looks sharp, is economical to 'feed' and reliable.  Mazda has done a great job with this little wagon.

Anyhoo, my points are these:  1) Maybe consider the Mazda Protege too. And 2) I suspect you'll be elated to find how much car you'll get in any of the three I've discussed here (especially after having been driving a Tempo!)

Happy hunting!

[wing]

 Echo hatch Yeah!  I'd buy it!

What about a hyundai elantra or Sonata.

My neighbour just bought a Sonata (moved from a corola, he is MUCH happier)  he also said his payments are lower for more car!

I wish he would have talked to me before buying though, he seems to think he got an awesome deal because it was end of month..... oh well, but I'm sure I could have helped him out somehow.

[new2me]

I've had an Echo for 2+ years now and have nothing but good things to say about the car.  Yes, it does sway a little in high winds.  Other than that, it's great.  I driven the car to PEI twice and for about $75 for gas one way at about 110 km/hr average, you can't beat the mileage.  Also the reliability of a Toyota cannot be beat-bar none.

[doublestop]

I've got a 2000 2dr 5spd.  The downsides are: not very sexy (but at least it doesn't look generic), no external housings on the side mirrors so mirrors get bumped out of place, and long shifter makes 1-2 shift not so quick and smooth.  On the plus side its extremely light so you get decent acceleration (0-100kph in 8.5-9s), the highest fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid gas car, and one of the lowest TCOs thanks to fuel efficiency, reliability and low maintainance costs.  The hatchback looks much better, you lose the trunk, but a hatch makes getting large objects in the back easier, but the HB was introduced in 2003 so you're not likely to find many used ones around.  For a small and economical vehicle I don't think you can beat an Echo.  In general I'd recommend a manual transmission in a small car like, but that's a personal choice.

[Smainville]

We bought our Echo Dec. 99.  This is the best car we have ever owned!!  A trip to Kawartha region last summer we got 53 MPG!! Trouble free since day 1 need I say more.

[saint11]

those commercials about echo's having good space is not a lie at all! I sat in the sedan, and it sat 4 very comfortably. BUt like everyone is saying, there are many choices in this sub compact, compact segment. Many of the cars, u just can't go wrong with.

[Ze5wy6]

My sister has a 2001 Echo and hasn't had any problems. As far as Sunfire and Cavalier's go, they usually end up with more reliability problems and headaches.