2000 Toyota ECHO Review

The new 2000 Toyota Echo is functional, affordable and fun to drive. It also looks a little wacky.

But the styling of this small car, aimed mostly at children of baby boomers, might be no drawback; young drivers in Europe and Japan like offbeat-looking cars if they're fashionable and well-built. And just look at how Americans have embraced Volkswagen's New Beetle, which won't win beauty contests.

The short, tall Echo replaces Toyota's drab Tercel entry level model and sits below the automaker's slick, costlier Corolla, which is a sedan. The $9,995-$11,095 Echo comes with two or four doors and drives like it costs more than it does.

Standard are an AM/FM stereo, tilt steering, color-keyed bumpers and door handles and manually adjustable front seats. You can't get power windows, but the Echo offers stand-alone options like $590 anti-lock brakes, $925 air conditioning and a $100 rear spoiler.

Some might want option packages that contain power steering, split-folding rear seat, intermittent wipers, outside mirrors, deluxe sound system and power door locks. However, the Echo lures you with its essential goodness, not a long equipment list.

For instance, the new 1.5-liter dual-overhead-camshaft engine is a gem. The smooth 16-valve motor provides 108 horsepower and lively acceleration--especially with the slick manual transmission that works with a light, short-throw clutch.

Helping performance and economy is the Echo's light weight: 2,020 to 2,080 pounds. It delivers an estimated 34 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway with the manual and 31 and 38 with automatic.

The solid Echo is designed to disperse impact energy in a crash. It's fun to drive, with quick power steering, easily modulated brake pedal and nimble handling. However, handling would be better if wider wheels and tires were offered. The ride is comfortable, despite the Echo having only a 93.4-inch wheelbase.

The car's airy, quiet interior has large, comfortable front seats and a compact sedan's roominess. It holds four 6-footers and has lots of cargo space.

The split-folding rear seat increases cargo area, but the opening from the trunk area to the back seat should be larger.

The four-door model's rear door bottoms are narrow. But the Echo's 59.1-inch height makes it easy to get in or out. With that height, huge windshield and upright seating, the car almost makes you feel as if you're in a small sport-utility vehicle.

The high, center-mounted instrument cluster looks strange, but allows a driver to process information more quickly with less eye strain. Too bad no tachometer is offered. Controls work smoothly and sound-system controls are commendably large. But the plastic inside door handles feel cheap. Dual cupholders on the console are too low, which could lead to beverage spills.

Rear windows roll down all the way, and the manual window controls work so deftly that some people might not miss availability of power window controls.

The Echo is an above-average new small car that's significantly different and affordable. It should appeal both to young singles, frugal empty nesters and young families wanting a reliable, economical auto with a roomy interior.