Background: That smooth-running, four-cylinder engine sound you hear could be an Echo. Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, debuted the subcompact, front-wheel-drive Echo in the fall of 1999 as a 2000 model year product. The diminutive, entry-level vehicle; available in two or four-door models, eventually replaced the Tercel in the lineup. The long-running Tercel took its final bow in 1998. Many interior and exterior styling changes are on tap for the Japan-built Echo in 2003. Overall length increases by 1.6 inches. New competition has entered the low-cost, sub compact field recently while others have fled. The Big Three U.S. automakers have all but abandoned the subcompact field for the time being while Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia continue offering a wide selection of low-cost, entry-level vehicles. Two long-running small cars, the Chevrolet Metro and its Suzuki Swift twin, bowed out of the U.S. market at the end of the 2001 model year. About the same time, the stylish, retro-looking MINI Cooper arrived from parent company BMW. The subcompact market appeals to several audiences including those with limited automotive budgets as well as shoppers who wish to spend $12,000 or so on a new vehicle rather than a pre-driven model.
Engine and trim levels: The sole powertrain offered is the economical 1.5-liter aluminum alloy, double overhead cam engine delivering 108 horsepower. Fuel estimates for the five-speed manual editions check in at an impressive 35 miles per gallon city travel and a more eye-popping 43 m.p.g. highway. With the four-speed automatic transmission, the figures drop to 33 m.p.g. city and 38 highway. Regular, 87-octane fuel is recommended for the 11.9-gallon fuel tank. The vehicle comes in two and four-door bodystyles with one base trim level, and several option packages.
Price: The folks at Toyota supplied the Daily Herald with a five-speed, two-door model with a starting price of $10,105. With options including air conditioning ($925), rear spoiler ($300), carpet floor mats ($87), heavy-duty battery ($275), deluxe radio ($140) and a sports option package (power steering remote control mirrors- $1,095) the bottom line totaled $13,412 including a $485 destination charge. A two-door Echo with automatic transmission starts at $11,450. Sedan models began at $11,180 for five-speed manual and $11,980 with automatic. Competitors in the 2003 model year include the Kia Rio subcompact starting at $9,250 for a five-speed manual and $10,125 with automatic in sedan models while wagon versions start at $10,750 with manual and $11,625 with automatic. The trendy MINI Cooper two-door hatchback starts much higher at $16,425.
Standard features: Echo includes a limited number of standard features including four-speaker AM/FM radio and tilt steering wheel. The long list of options include air conditioning, rear window defroster, compact disc player, front fog lamps, power door locks, power steering, rear spoiler and digital clock. Several option packages are available to mix and match these features.
Inside: The first thing I notice every time I slip behind the wheel of the Echo is the generous headroom and high seating position the front bucket seats provide, two factors missing from the quintessential subcompact. One is also drawn to the simplistic instrument panel positioned high on the center dash facing the driver rather than behind the steering wheel. The oval-shaped panel includes half-moon speedometers and tachometers along with a bar fuel gauge. This is a four seater so two riders is all the back seat will accommodate. Maneuvering into the back is made easier from a driver's side bucket seat that slides forward on a track for more wiggle room. Backrests have two pull knobs at each end to help fold down each side of the optional 60/40 split. With the backrests folded, access is gained to the large, 13.6 cubic-inch trunk for carrying larger objects. A temporary spare tire situates under the trunk's flat floor. Back seat riders have access to three cup holders, although only two people can fit comfortably in back. The center console in front includes a large, stand-alone digital clock on top with a row of buttons including air conditioning, flasher and rear window defroster below. Three large, easy-to-grab dials monitoring ventilation controls reside in the middle with the stereo system and compact disc player is below. Dual, permanently-molded beverage holders rest on the floor in front of the gear shift. The hand-operated parking brake is in this region as well. Headlights monitor from the turn signal stalk and front windshield wipers operate from a right-hand side stalk. Windows and side-view mirrors are both manually operated.
Outside: Echo incorporates a round, pod-like shape with a high, roundish roof line. Generally, it's a like-or-dislike type of styling evoking strong opinions from both sides. I happen to enjoy the dare-to-be-different edge. Flush-mounted door handles share body color, but the breakaway side-view mirrors are black. The locking, square fuel door is on the right rear fender. Both the tri-angular shaped headlights and tri-color taillights are very large when compared with the overall tiny size of the vehicle. The high trunk lid contributes to the generous trunk volume. The car rides on 14-inch tires on steel wheels, fifteen-inch tires are optional.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 93.3 inches
Overall length: 164.8 inches
Overall width: 65.4 inches
Overall height: 59.4 inches
Weight: 2,035 pounds
Safety features: Dual stage driver and front passenger air bags come standard; side impact air bags are optional. Also optional are: anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and keyless entry. Rear child safety locks are standard in sedans.
Warranty: The Echo powertain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). The basic warranty package is for three years or 36,000 miles. Corrosion warranty coverage is five years with unlimited mileage.
Final thoughts: With fun styling, easy entry and exit, good headroom and a reputation for four-cylinder dependability, the subcompact Toyota Echo is one of the top choices in the subcompact segment. Interestingly, the arrival of the MINI Cooper last year sparked more interest in the subcompact category since the 1970s oil embargo. The retro-looking MINI Cooper is a dazzling competitor, but dealer supply is short and starting pricing remains about six thousand dollars more than Echo, a substantial chunk of change in the price-sensitive sub-compact segment. With the departure of the Chevrolet Metro and its Suzuki Swift twin, the subcompact sector is left largely to the Echo, MINI and entrants from Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia (Accent and Rio respectively). These two automakers have successfully carved a niche in America, appealing to price-conscious shoppers with limited budgets who desire buying new rather than used vehicles. While the Korean automakers have addressed and effectively tackled quality concerns that have lingered since the late 1980s, Toyota's reputation for dependability is well documented since the company's arrival in the United States in the 1960s. Toyota gained a foothold in the U.S. market by selling dependable, low-cost transportation. While Echo's starting price is about $800 more than Accent or Rio, it could be money well spent if purchasers can swing the extra cash. Plus Toyota builds quality, fuel efficient four-cylinder engines as good, if not better, than most competitors. Keep in mind Echo has less standard equipment (including air conditioning) than the Korean competitors, so add ons add up quickly. |