2005 Toyota Echo Test Drive

Okay, so it's funny-looking by most standards of style, speed, and image. But the 2005 Toyota Echo was never meant to cut it on Rodeo Drive, and a remarkable number of women and older folk have found the Echo to be a perfect urban tool. Not what Toyota had in mind when aiming at a young market, though. We drove both the sedan and Canada-only hatchback. Base price sedan: $10, 355, warranty 3 yr. 36,000 mi. total car; 5 yr. powertrain.

First Glance

In the often contrary world of car ownership, there are many diverse needs and tastes. The Toyota Echo is perfectly suited to the canyons of Manhattan or the roller coaster hills of San Francisco. In both cities, parking is at a premium and nimble handling becomes an advantage. In LA or Dallas, where speed on expressways is important, the Echo can hold its own but may not be the best choice when performance matters. Here in my seaside retirement town, it's a big hit with ladies young and old. Which just goes to prove there really is a place for a small, homely, well-built car that sips gas like a child sucking the last drops of a milkshake through a straw. Because we have many viewers in Canada I also drove the Echo hatchback that Toyota USA chose not to import rather than risk taking sales from its Echo-platformed Scion brand. Bear in mind that my hatch was a base model with "power nothing" whereas the base Echo at least comes with power steering.

In the Driver's Seat

You may know by now that I value ease of access to a car's interior, as do other older folk, tall people, and young guys and girls whose body is none-too-supple. If ever there was a reward for this category, the Echo would win; it was a rare pleasure to slide in and out and never have to twist or duck. The instrument panel, such as it is, is contained in a center-mounted pod (just like my Morris Minor of decades ago: location didn't bother me then, doesn't now). Info is limited to speed and rpm's, plus a small digital display showing fuel-remaining via a bar graph. Additional info comes by way of warning lights. Storage capacity for odd and ends is phenomenal; under the dash, in the glovebox, map pockets in the doors, small tray between the seats, two humungous bins either side of the instrument pod. Your only problem may lie in remembering where you put what! Back seat passengers should be pleased because they'll sit higher than in front and get a decent view, but they'll be less happy with the firm cushions and upright seatback. That seat, by the way, is a 60/40 folding type, a boon when trunk space needs to be expanded. Of course the hatchback is even more adaptable but Americans will have to buy a Scion to get one.

On the Road

Although a 1.5 liter, 108 horsepower 4-cylinder engine doesn't promise much on paper, on the road the 2005 Toyota Echo performed quite well, especially in the nip-and-tuck of city driving. I didn't find a problem on the expressways when travelling with a friend but load it up with four passengers and luggage and this might be a different story, especially in hilly country. As always with a low-powered car, the trick is to modify your driving habits accordingly. Both of my test cars came with 5-speed manuals, making it easier to maintain best performance, though they weren't the slickest 5-speeds I've ever encountered. Perhaps they'll loosen with use as the cars came to me with little mileage. Economy with the manual was phenomonal; even with the automatic it will save you a small fortune in gasoline costs. In spite of its tall-car stance and relatively unsophisticated suspension, the Echo corners well and remains stable on the highway; this plus the small size actually makes it fun to drive. A tight turning circle and clear sightlines add to the ease with which it can be parked in small spaces.

Journey's End

My only serious beef was with the Canada-only hatchback, an absolutely base model that didn't come with power steering or power windows. I could live with the latter but so much effort is needed to turn the wheel at slow speeds that I had to sit up straighter than normal. Fortunately the sedan includes power steering as standard. Of course, one doesn't expect much in the way of fancy stuff at these prices but you can buy a well-equipped Korean-made product for considerably less cash. The Echo does, of course, come with Toyota's vaunted quality reputation, yet the other guys are also making tough cars and offering longer warranties. Ignoring that for a moment, I'd say the Echo has several desireable attributes that make it a good purchase for anyone looking to save money on initial purchase and fuel economy. It's comfortable, reliable, holds the road well, and for many drivers is all the car they really need. If it came with the full power-assist package I'd prefer the hatch for its versatility and funky looks but it doesn't, so most folks will be advised to stick with the 2005 Toyota Echo sedan. Or buy a Scion xA.