2001 Toyota ECHO Review

TOYOTA ECHO

Prices:
$9,995-$11,325
Likes:
Roomy. Solid. Lively acceleration. Agile. Sparkling fuel economy.
Dislikes:
Narrow tires. Not much standard equipment. Occasionally choppy ride.

The spunky, youth-oriented Echo is sort of the Ford Model T of the Toyota line in that it's a basic, very affordable model. Despite its status as an entry-level, economy car, the front-drive Echo has lively acceleration and surprising roominess for one of the smallest subcompact cars. This Toyota is fun to drive, although the steering should be sharper and the narrow tires handicap handling. The suspension is supple, but a short 93.3-inch wheelbase occasionally causes a jerky ride. The brake pedal has a nice feel, and the car stops quickly.

The Echo comes with two or four doors. The base two-door coupe costs $9,995 with a slick five-speed manual gearbox and $10,795 with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. The four-door sedan is $10,525 with the manual, $11,325 with the automatic.
Standard in the solidly built car are a tilt steering wheel, front bucket seats, center console, AM/FM radio, color-keyed bumpers and door handles and dual outside mirrors. This clearly isn't an entry-level car known for a long list of standard equipment. Rather, it's made desirable by such things as a clever design, high economy, reliability and a respected nameplate.

Many buyers might want options such as the $270 power steering, $925 air conditioning and $270 AM/FM/cassette/CD. Not to mention the $205 rear defogger needed for Chicago winters, $225-270 (depending on model) power door locks and $615 power window/remote keyless entry option. The trunk is fairly big, and the $165 split-folding rear seat with its flip-forward seatbacks significantly enlarges the cargo area.

The seatbacks fold flat, but the pass-through opening from the trunk is only moderately large. The Echo has high quality, but cost-cutting is shown by the unfinished look of the interior trunk lid. Echo buyers can get a lot of equipment in several "Upgrade" option packages and the new, $3,234 limited-production Roxy package--offered only with the four-door sedan with automatic transmission.

The Roxy package is associated with young women's clothing for active lifestyles and looks as if aimed at California teenagers who spend lots of time at the beach. It contains items such as graphics with simulated blue waves on the sides of the white body, water-resistant seat covers with a bizarre upholstery pattern, wet-gear storage compartment and a roof rack with blue covers for surfboards.

The Roxy package is rather offbeat, but so is the Echo's styling. However, the short, high body allows upright seating and comfortable room for four tall occupants--although the driver's seat should slide back more. The interior is generally quiet, but could use more sound insulation. Also, the exhaust is loud during hard acceleration. Narrow rear door bottoms impede entry and exit in the sedan, but the car's 57.9-inch height makes it pretty easy to get in and out.

Climbing in and out of the coupe's rear area is more difficult. There's a big windshield, which contributes to the airy interior and good visibility. A high, center dashboard pod looks peculiar, but angles gauges toward the driver to allow them to be easily read. Too bad a tachometer isn't offered for the high-revving engine. Handy interior touches include unique upper and lower glove compartments, a storage bin on each side of the radio and front-door storage pockets. Sound system and ventilation controls are large and easily reached, but dual cupholders on the console might lead to spills because they're set low.

The four-cylinder engine is one of the Echo's high points. Although small at 1.5 liters, it develops 108 horsepower because of its dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve design and variable valve timing. Acceleration is lively, at least to 65 mph, because the Echo weighs only 2,035 to 2,105 pounds. The 65-75 mph passing time is average with the automatic transmission, but 75 mph cruising is no problem.

The low weight contributes to excellent fuel economy: an estimated 34 mpg in the city and 41 on highways with the manual transmission and 32 and 38 with the automatic.While small and light, the Echo has standard front air bags, $250 front side air bags that are new for 2001 and $590 anti-lock brakes. A trapezoidal front structure helps absorb energy in a front-end collision.The Echo is likable and efficient. In its day, the same could be said for the Model T.