Anybody got a toyota echo? do you like it?

[democrat in Tallahassee]

My liberal heart tells me this is the car to buy (40mpg). Anybody got any comments?

[billbuckhead]

1. My girlfriend's mom has one, It sucks.Even American cars are better

Tiny, tinny, odd dashboard and gets blown around on the freeway by wind and trucks. Get New Beetle diesel or wait for the advanced new Golf or Mazda 3.

[JohnyCanuck]

2. That's what my parents have.

They like it. What more can I say. I drove it myself when I visited with them a few months ago. Seems like a nice enough car.

[granolagirl]

3. I've rented them in the past

I don't own one, but have rented Echos in the past. I'd describe it as "zippy"...has some good pickup, at least these particular ones did.

The "cockpit" too is fun...much more roomy feeling than I'd expected. Dashboard is layed out well.

And, as you said, can't beat the gas mileage -- or the price, for that matter.

Good luck w/your shopping!

[newyawker99]

5. Hi granolagirl!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[SeveneightyWhoa]

4. I personally think that..

..its one of the goofiest looking cars on the market. But if appearance isn't important to you, give it a test drive.

[Bombero1956]

6. My wife has one

Leased it in May 2000 and now has 135,000 miles on it. She is seriously over on the mileage because right after getting it, she was hired by a computer software company 42 miles away, so she now commutes almost 85 miles every day. She has come to hate it. For one thing everytime she has to do a front brake job, she has to replace the rotors as well as the pads. During summer months it shows an overheating light when she has the AC on.The instrument cluster is at an angle so you have to take your eyes off the road to read the gauges. Shall I go on? Get the Prius hybrid instead.

[BiggJawn]

7. 3 "agin", 2 "fer" Don't look hopeful....

My GF is considering one of those as a possible replacement for her faithful 175,000 mile Civic...

[yellowdog]

8. I have a 2000 Echo.

I bought it new 3 years ago this month and have not had a single problem with it. I get about 32 mpg in town and 41 mpg on the highway. I have driven Toyotas for 22 years and can't imagine changing.

[maxanne]

9. I get the same mileage

with my new Corolla, which is roomier, and much better looking. ;-)

This is my second Corolla. The last one didn't survive a collision with a moose. Reliable, great mileage, good leg room - I'm 6'. My new Corolla is spiffy - got one with a sunroof.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

10. Do you have snow or ice anywhere in the vicinity of where you live?

I swear my 2002 Echo would sense a snowflake ten miles away and decide to swerve and skid. Strong winds and trucks also used to knock it around. The only plus is the gas mileage. I once made it to Boston (from North Jersey) on a tank of gas.

Right now, I drive a Saab. The gas mileage is okay but it is great in the snow.