The 2001 TOYOTA ECHO- Who says a first car has to be used? The new Toyota Echo gives you a new car odometer reading with a low price that should appeal to many people. The younger, more budget minded crowd will love Toyota's styling that maximizes interior space; and that isn't the only thing this econo-pup has got going for it. Following suit of a successful sister launched in Europe and Japan, the strong structure, which only weighs a hair under 1800 pounds, has enough space in it to handle four adults with relative ease or two full-sizers and a trio of children. This might be the first true-to-heart sub-compact sedan offered in a long time, and it has storage bins.

With a gutsy step in styling, Toyota has once again added an affordable model to its lineup.

The first thing you notice, besides the oblong height versus width image, is a centrally mounted instrument cluster, composed of speedometer, gas gauge, and grouped warning lights. Toyota claims this is not just a styling gimmick, citing that less eye movement is needed to scan this highly legible, driver-oriented array than would be required by a conventionally located grouping. Young drivers agree, however an older crowd decides this is mere gimmick and found it difficult to adjust to.

"More Cars to Review"
RETURN TO ALL AUTO PROFILES

Powering the Echo is an all-new 1.5-liter DOHC four crowned with a version of Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing system. Paired with the standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic, it develops a respectable 108 horses and 105 pound-feet of torque. With the five-speed, our tester hit 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds and toured the quarter mile in 16.5 ticks at 84.5 mph. That's darn quick (speedier than a Lexus RX 300) especially, given that this Echo variant also gets 34/41 city/highway EPA mpg.

The Echo utilizes a MacPherson strut/torsion-beam suspension, tuned to balance out this seemingly top-heavy cruiser. The standard 175/65SR14 all-season tires are none to beefy, but still guided the Echo to a 62.9-mph slalom best and pulled 0.79 g on the skidpad. An optional ABS on the vented Disc/Drum's stops the Echo in a confident and solid 129 feet.

Other attributes notwithstanding, for many, the Echo's major attraction lies in Toyota's proven ability to crank out low-maintenance/ultra-reliable vehicles like clockwork. The price/value issue, on the other hand, is a bit less clear. Although a base coupe starts at $9995, our fairly well-appointed four-door commanded $14,264-and that without things like power windows or mirrors, which are not available-or an $800 automatic transmission, which is. Even so, brisk initial sales indicate the Echo may end up enjoying cult status among both the young and the young at heart.

Toyota has once again added an affordable model to its lineup: With a gutsy step in styling, Toyota has once again added an affordable model to its lineup. With an interior that's quite ergonomic and efficient, drivers should find this car perfect for everyday life, albeit a life of commuting and, maybe, carpooling. With the ability to house a group of people, or comfortably transport a duet to a romantic outing, this car is a divine answer to the shopper looking for a lot of car for a not-so-a-lot price . AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

SEE BELOW FOR THE NEW TOYOTA ECHOSPECIFICATIONS