EDMUNDS.COM 2005 TOYOTA ECHO
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2005 TOYOTA ECHO new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
With its cheap interior and wobbly handling, the Echo doesn''t seem like much of a bargain, especially when you consider the more capable, better-packaged offerings from Hyundai and Toyota''s own Scion division.
Pros
Good gas mileage, speedy acceleration, roomy and functional interior, Toyota reliability.
Cons
Cartoonish styling, annoying gauge placement, shaky handling, deceptively low base pricing.
What''s New for 2005
There are no changes for the Echo this year.
Overview
Introduction:
Despite what seems to be a pretty good deal, we think you''d be wise to shop around before settling on an Echo. Yes, it''s a Toyota, so it''ll probably run until your first gray hair sprouts. Yes, it gets great gas mileage, has a roomy interior and impressive acceleration for an economy car. But, when you cut through the marketing hype and peek behind Toyota''s veneer of bulletproof reliability, what you find might not be pretty. Neither is the Echo. Hey, styling is a subjective point, but even in the world of subcompact econocars, the Echo takes the cake for its uninspired design. But it''s cheap, you say. Indeed, the two-door''s MSRP with destination charge is less than $11,000. But in reality, when you''ve got the car optioned in a manner that makes it suitable as a daily driver, the value of the Echo starts to evaporate. Want to know what else you could buy with your hard-earned money? How about a certified used Honda Civic that''s bigger inside and won''t embarrass you when you meet potential in-laws? If you''re determined to buy a new car, try the more capable Hyundai Accent or the larger Hyundai Elantra, both of which are backed by a long warranty. Even a Scion xA would be a better bet than the Echo. Built on the same platform as the Echo and sold by Toyota dealers, the Scion is a better handler and its somewhat higher base price is offset by the fact that it comes fully equipped -- rather than stripped bare like the Echo.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Echo is available as a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. Standard equipment is basic, including an AM/FM radio, a tilt steering wheel, dual manual outside mirrors and 14-inch steel wheels. For many of the features people take for granted these days, you''ll have to go to the options list. Here, you''ll find an all-weather package (including a heavy-duty battery and rear window defogger), antilock brakes, air conditioning, side airbags, a CD player and keyless entry. Power steering is an option, as are power windows, power mirrors, a tachometer and a split-folding rear seat. Even the clock is optional. If you''re hoping to enhance the looks of the Echo, there are upgrade packages available that include sport body cladding; 15-inch wheels are a stand-alone option.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Echo comes with a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Thanks to dual-overhead cams and a variable valve timing system, it makes 108 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Though these aren''t big numbers, the Echo weighs only about 2,000 pounds. Consequently, acceleration is spirited. Fuel mileage is impressive, too; expect to get about 40 mpg on the highway. You can equip the Echo with an optional four-speed automatic transmission, or you can stand pat with the standard five-speed manual.
Safety:
Antilock brakes and side airbags are optional on the Echo. In government crash testing, the Echo earned four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, the car received three stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for the rear.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Without question, the Echo''s most impressive attribute is the amount of room afforded by its cabin and trunk. The tall greenhouse and narrow roof pillars offer unobstructed visibility and acres of headroom. Front seating is comfortable as long as the "propped up" feel doesn''t bother you, and there is plenty of storage available. Meanwhile, the Echo can easily accommodate a pair of adults in the rear seat, though parents may find it difficult to install bulky child safety seats.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Because of its standard 14-inch tires, tall stance and high center of gravity, handling is not the Echo''s forte. Even moderate crosswinds severely hamper the car''s ability to stay in its own lane. We''d definitely recommend going with the optional 15-inch wheels and tires if your budget allows. The Echo does have a couple advantages in cramped urban settings, as its small size makes it easy to park in tight spaces, while its soft suspension does a fair job of filtering out bumps and ruts.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ TOYOTA Information Index ] [ COUPE/HATCHBACK, SEDAN Information Index ]
|
