Echo- Bad Press

[Vesta]

I would like to buy a early Echo, but I have found reviews that slam the car. Like body roll, speedometer placement. But I like the body and the fuel mileage. Are they fun to drive?

Thanks, Joe

[mek42]

I have over 240K miles on my 2000 Echo. It was not until exceeding 200K that I needed to start replacing components such as wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, water pump and alternator. I also need to replace my stabilizer bar link bushings. Yesterday was my first headlamp replacement (left) and I bought this car new. If I don't exceed 50-55 mph I still see 43.3 mpg. My overfill relief valve doesn't properly function either since about 200K miles - my local dealership says I need to replace the entire charcoal cannister unit for $300 just for the part. Also I have needed to have some exhaust work done at ~7 years (this was ~210K on the one I bought new, recently ~100K on our used one, both 2000 year 4 door) - the gasket at the manifold needed replacement (sometimes including the springs / bolts) and the pipe connection to the muffler fails.

When I first received my Echo, it took a little while to get used to the speedometer placement, particularly at night with the lack of a glow from under the wheel. After this initial adjustment period it all becomes natural. Also, the Echo speedometer placement keeps more of your peripheral vision on the road when checking the speedometer console.

I am not familiar with the term "body roll" but I have found my 2000 Echoes to be very dependable vehicles.

[Skuz]

Body roll isn't something to be concerned about, UNLESS you're driving a sporty car. Most reviewers don't understand that, they are so spoiled by powerful sports car they don't remember what it's like to pay LESS and therefore have LESS features and "sporty" behavior.

Yes, there is some body roll, I don't even notice anymore and I don't care since I drive in a normal way. Toyota sold an optional suspension for racing wannabes that minimizes this.

The cluster, some people don't get used to it. Personally, I was already used to it after a single test drive. Getting back in my old car I already had the reflex to look down right to see the gauges.

If you choose your tires wisely and have a light foot, you can achieve a Prius' MPG rating.

[Vesta]

I think I will look around more for a used Echo, seems car dealers want alot for their used echo's. I have a private car wholesaler looking for less money. I'm hoping I can buy one for $3,000 or less.

I think a lot of the reviewers of cars like the Echo don't understand a good economy car. Like your saying it's not meant to be driven like a sports car.

[jambo101]

My 2001 Echo now has 200,000kms and have never had a problem,basically all i've done is Oil changes,air filter once a year, due for a gas filter,just did my second brake job..So the car is reliable,mid 40's mpg,and no complaints from the wife and two kids about comfort when we go on long trips. I think you're main problem is going to be finding an early model Echo as they weren't popular in your neck of the woods so you may have to look further afield to find one. good luck eh.

[Dake]

I'll echo (haw) what's been said already. The Echo is a great little car. It does suffer from body roll, but only if you drive aggressively. I joke I don't mind b/c it makes me feel like I'm going faster than I really am and it keeps me out of ticket trouble! But for normal driving, it's not an issue.

The center cluster is awesome imo. I actually prefer the Echo's over the Yaris, b/c the Echo's cluster is turned towards the driver just a bit. This makes a big difference - I find the Yaris' flat cluster to be more annoying, but not so much as to worry about. Furthermore, it's great to not have those lights right in your face when driving at night; you'd be surprised how much of your night vision that washes out.

It is subject to crosswinds on the highway. It might be a little startling if you're used to driving a heavier, lower car - but it's easy to get used to. But it will run with traffic no problem. I don't get the best gas mileage b/c I do 75 to 80 on the highway in the fast lane with everyone else (I average about 34mpg with very aggressive driving).

I bought my '01 used with 75k miles a little over four years ago and have done nothing except change the oil. I love my Echo.

[ECHOKnight2000]

In the U.S. the ECHO got crapped on my most. I think it has to do with U.S. culture. sure the ECHO has its quirks but what car doesnt?? I think it does it job well as far as reliable and fuel efficient. If you are looking for a commuter car, A to B then the ECHO is a great value. If you want sat nav, and sporty handling I'm sure there is a BMW dealer near. Just generally stating.

At first I didn't care for the ECHO. But when I saw the restyled 03 models (the one i have) I liked it more. Its nice that its small for many reasons. To navigate through traffic and get by people is fun and easy for the most part. I've come to welcome and appreciate the earlier models quirky looks.

if you aren't hung up on the looks then its a good car practicality wise. You have to remember those reviewers are probably spoiled and also it was back when gas was 1.40 or so a gallon and SUVs ruled the land. Not anymore!!

Best of luck. Even though the ECHO never caught on in the U.S. like Toyota hopped it too, they are rare because of gas prices or other reasons. They are a sought out item. My how times have changed!!!

[dgavel]

Have an 03 echo with 400000 +. Love it. Just replaced exhaust this last summer. Still getting 650 to 700 k per tank

[toyotachodriver]

I just got an Echo from a work buddy, and the engine light is on. I checked into it and got codes P0440, P0441, and P0446. Anyone have a clue what the problem is and how to fix it? -Jeff

[jambo101]

Welcome to the forum .http://www.google.ca/#sclient=psy-ab...iw=768&bih=461