Test Drive: 2005 Toyota Echo

When it first came here anxious mothers covered children's eyes and elderly ladies looked the other way. The Toyota Echo was one of the oddest-looking small sedans to hit our shores. But in a few short years the 4-door Echo became an accepted part of the landscape (the 2-door, homeliest of the pair, has been dropped). What saved it could simply be described as common sense. Backed by Toyota reliability, the Echo delivered surprising comfort and outstanding economy. A face only a mother could love? Maybe, but now the kids can peek.