I saw one dark blue on the road a couple of months ago, it's sharp (I want dark blue)....I have the light blue...you are right, the car is adorable..happening and sporty....not ugly in the least:)
and there is nothing wrong with having a car that "reeks family sedan" but for me, its just not what I want in life right now...sorry if my earlier post was in any way offending to anyone, it was in regards to my own personal feelings...
Do you know that your Echo has an all stainless steel exhaust system? Not bad for an "economy car". Your comment about the muffler on the 92 Corolla reminded me. You won't have to change your Echo muffler for a long while.
As far as I'm concerned, like Kniesel says, a car is basically a ride from a to b. In that vein, the stainless exhaust, electric cabin heater, light weight, low drag styling, and fuel efficiency are far more important to me than arm rests and tachometers.
I chose the Echo after doing a ten year life-cycle cost analysis with Focus, Corolla, Civic, and Neon. It was a couple of thousand less over 10 years than the next one (bCorolla, I think). Gas mileage was the big decider even assuming current costs. If gas goes way up as i expect it will be way ahead of the pack.
Beyond, this actually preferred Echo's styling, maintence (Tercel's) record, and interior design and styling. Plus the highest technology engine of the bunch was a clincher. Imagine: 10.5:1 compression ratio and 1.2 HP/Cu.in. on regular gas !! Nobody else was in the same class !
I took my ECHO to the dealer last Monday and presented the following 4 problems to the service manager at Toyota of Garden Grove, CA. His name is Ingram. After leaving the car there for 5 hours were the results: 1) Engine knocking: Ingram said there is nothing wrong with my engine noise...I don't think so, it always knock upon accelaration. Ingram told me that I should use 92 gas octane and never use 87 or 89 (i was kind a upset but I am not arguing with him because the manual recommends 87...I told him I have tried 89 octane but engine still knock) 2) hub caps make noise: Ingram wrote down on the service paper that the car making noise when windows are down (he supposed to write down so the technician knows where the problem come from)..result is the technician only lubricate the windows...I was upset when I picked up the car so Ingram said he will order for me new hubcaps and they will be in last wednesday. Wednesday I called Ingram he said that he ordered the part but it did not come in so he had to oder again. Sorry I have to go now...will post more later.
Regarding the engine knock: perhaps it has something to do with a faulty oxygen sensor or computer glitch. I have never had my car knock on 87...I still choose to run it on 89 minimum though. I've noticed that my engine does make a unique whistling noise though. The only other vehicle that makes a similar, albeit louder, noise are buses running on CNG. Otherwise, it's the most silky and satisfying 4 I've driven!
Anyone who buys an Echo is buying a car designed to deliver function instead of flash. Cars like these's could change peoples motives as to why they buy cars. A few years back no one cared about reliability or safety in a car. Car makers don't sell style or horse power for less than function. With the Echo you pay for what you need and not what you don't need.
I recently bought a Civic (10/2000) and just bought an Echo (1/2001). I looked at the Echo last year but was turned off by the styling - from the back it reminded me of Mr. Magoo's car (cartoon from the early 60's).
Now that I own an Echo, I actually prefer it to the Civic. It feels roomier, I prefer the higher seating, and I just find it more fun to drive. It reminds me of driving a VW Bug back in college. Admittedly, this is partially due to the fact that it's a 5-sp whereas the civic's an automatic.
As to the styling, I spent a little extra to get the sports cladding though it still looks a little funny from the back. But as others have said, this car is about function for the money spent (aka: value) and I think it has plenty of this.
BTW, I love the placement of the speedometer as I've always had a problem viewing this through the steering wheel.
My only regret is that we bought it for the kids and that I'm still stuck driving the Windstar. I'll just have to borrow it often.
Purchased many items that overflowed a huge shopping cart. All fit easily into the Echo trunk. I had mixed emotions about this, since this was the first time the trunk has been used for foodstuffs. No drips, no runs, no errors. But placed an old spread in the trunk just in case. I read somewhere that you can tell if the engine is cared for by looking to see if the trunk has has TLC. Just don't want any mistakes on these "the very first time" trips. So will not seem as bad if boo boo is made after the first time.
I took my ECHO grocery shopping yesterday instead of my wifes Honda Accord Wagon. I have a new reason to like ECHO now because the trunk is much higher than the rear of the station wagon making it easier for me to get the groceries out. Everything we usually buy fit inside also. I'm noticing a lot of posts that can best be summerized as "I thought the car looked funny when I bought it, but it works so well I like it now" This is very remenisant of the VW beetle (old) Toyota advertising should tap into this fact, its very powerfull. Maybe they could reserect old VW ads. "Ugly Is Only Skin Deep" etc.
Gee, everyone must be out driving their ECHOES! Sure has been quiet here today! Just wanted to add my two-bits on the Echo's looks. I fell in love with its appearance immediately -- primarily because it was unique and quite DIFFERENT from all the other boring-looking sedans out there. I like its classy, minimalist styling and uncluttered look, exemplified by the less-is-more dash w/ center gage. My next door neighbor, who is an artist and design expert LOVES the look of the Echo.
Many counties in Florida are under severe water restrictions due to severe drought conditions. Unfortunately this means that car washing is limited to either Wednesday or Saturday mornings between 4 and 8 am. As much as I love my Echo, getting up that early is for the birds!! Oh well, my poor little Echo won't be getting its baths as often then.
Signed up all my cars to use a gas station where I can use a key. Don't have to wait for someone to scratch off lotto tickets or buy beer. I will receive itemized list of how much gas each vehicle uses per month and I pay only once per month. Can't remember what this set-up is called so someone remind me. Now I can show the wife the difference between the Echo excellence and her Blazer gas buster. Filled up the Echo and figured at least 35 mpg in stop-and-go city driving. I don't think the gas use report will sway her away from her beloved SUV but surely will make me feel better.
Well, "Major Tom" (my four door, Black Sand Pearl baby) got his third bath since my buying him. On the way back, I saw two Echos. One was a gray two door with a young couple in it. Looked like they were poor, but if so, their poverty caused them to buy a very good car. The other was a green four door with an older couple occupying the Echo. I waved at both of the couples with no reaction, but not sure they really saw me.
As I stated previously (in another post), I went to my mother's for the weekend to do laundry. Had a very nice surprise when I got down there. My girls were visiting the grandparents so I got to see them and show them my car. They really liked it and were very happy to take a drive on Sunday.
In case you cannot figure it out, this is the former Echoluvrst. Why the name change you ask? Well, someone mentioned how the Echo was a space oddity in that the inside is bigger than the outside would indicate. I am a fan of David Bowie and his song Space Oddity which is about an astronaut named Major Tom. Given this, things just clicked and I thought it would be a great nickname for my car and for vanity plates. It also ties in with my last name.
Maybe my car is female and I have heard of a Boy Named Sue, but who ever heard of a female named Tom? So I think my Echo is my first male car.
I wanted Major Tom as my new Edmunds' name, but it was taken as was Major Tom Echo so I became Major Thom Echo although as far as Edmunds is concerned, it is all lower case and written as one word.
I am fighting a cold so I am going to lay down for a while.
The echo is a very different looking car. When I first looked at the echo, I thought it was odd, not ugly as some would say. Within five minutes, I fell in love with the looks. It is different. In my opinion, different is good. So many cars look exactly the same. The road is boring. There are a select few(including echo) that just catch your eyes when you pass them. To me that is good. To others that is bad. People making fun of my car bothered me at first. Now, I just think, who spends 30.00 a week on gas?? Who's has a car that is the same as the car right in front of it in the right turning lane?? Not me. I have a unique, stylish, fuel efficient car. So haha to all you echo haters. You are the ones that are missing out.... NOT ME.
That's a very true statement, about your car being unique. It seems as if everyone is driving a Camry or Civic. I don't see many Echo's around here at all. When I do, they always catch my attention.
When I first saw the Echo I thought it was "avant garde" in it's styling, but now that we're close friends it looks just plain friendly, like the sight of home after a long absence.
Oh boy, just what I need! Another woman in my life. : )
Let's see I have my roommate, my former roommate, my mother, my sister, my two daughters, and my grandmother. All good women.
I would say I could use a bad woman, but I have two exes. : (
I have filled up before this, but I checked the mileage for the second time and I got over 38 miles to the gallon. This is on combined city/highway driving.
There are lots of Echos up here in Winnipeg. I think I read somewhere that the Corolla was the most popular car in Canada though so that probably explains why. Toyotas in general are very popular here. I think it's got a lot to do with reliability. there's nothing like -40 degree weather to separate the men from the boys, er women from the girls.
You had mentioned in earlier posts re. cruise control that the installer at SCS "swapped the nut and bolt on the end of the SCS control to improve clearance with the fan shroud." What did he put in its place or specifically do to make that safer? I am going to have this done at an SCS place on Wed. and would like to be specific to the technician doing the work. Thanks for the help!! Don
You asked awhile back about getting sap off of the car? I use Goo Gone -- takes a little elbow grease and a soft cloth, but nothing else that I had would work.
Put my ECHO in the shop to repair the little fender-bender I had in Oct. I'm driving a 2001 Mirage, OK, but not fun.
I had to smile when you mentioned your Echo looking "just plain friendly." :-) I couldn't agree more! My friends think I'm insane, but I'm just so happy to see her again at the end of the day after work... when I disarm the alarm, her little chirp and lights flashing are always like she's welcoming me back. Or possibly, the single mom life has finally cracked me, and I really need to get out more. ;-)
No, it's not just you. I work in retail and after a long day, I look forward to the drive home! I've owned everything from the original RX-7 to a Tracer LTS. It's the user-friendliness of the Echo that puts a smile on my face. As for paint care, Nu Finish has done a superb job on all of the cars I've owned. Great for removing marks left by black bumpers too!
SCS ( Specific Cruise Systems) installed an electronic cruise in about two hours for about $310. The servo unit was connected to the firewall and the mechanic said there was no problem to get the throttle control at the sams ditance as the actual.Looks like that on inspection and the unit works well!!Makes any extended driving for me a lot easier.Don't know why Toyota doesn't offer this as an option since it was so easy to do.Otherwise vehicle is very efficient and driveable for a small car w/lots of room. Still really don't know if it is really good-looking car or not but did not buy it for that reason. $9998 PRICE FOR 2-DOOR- no AC ETC. BUT A VERY GOOD VALUE-but if you read a lot here you probably know that already. P.S. Have a "big brother ECHO" on order too- Prius. Don
This morning one of my co-workers who parked her car beside me asked me "what happened to your car" not knowing anything had happened I ran outside and to my disappointment..there was dents, scrapes and scratches from my front passenger side tire to about the middle of my from passenger door...I figured it happened the nite before while I was parked at the mall... someone must have driven their white car and continued to scrape it along the side of my black ECHO, even my hubcabs are scraped...there are dents not only in the moulding but also the car...I cried my eyes out, this is my first car and I have only had her for 3 months...I called my insurance co. and they told me to get a quote of the damage..my mom came to work and got the car, the damage is just over $1,400 CDN...now I have to go to the police reporting center...and then my car will be in the shop for 2 days next week...this is not how I want to spend my free time...I am disgusted that someone would hit a parked car because they are too stupid to drive in a mall parking lot and then drive off...my poor ECHO
My little accident was mostly my fault, but it was minor, only a little over $500 damage. My ECHO is in the shop now. I'm driving a rental, a Mitsu Mirage. Just not the same. Hopefully I'll have her back tomorrow.
And report my five month old ECHO just went over 24,000 miles. My wife and I are doing all the travelling we said we would do and we are getting 38-40 mpg, consistently. Another road trip is planned for the end of the month, which will add 2000 more to the ODO. The way it's going, I bet I'll be the first ECHO owner to hit 100,000 miles. Look for us on the road, white 4 door ECHO, Emerald Isle NC plates on front, NC retired USN plates on rear. We will smile and wave!
My condolances to those with scratched ECHO's, it must be brutal to have such a thing happen to such a happy car like the ECHO. I've lobbied for state mandated video cameras/recorders (like black boxes for cars) to be installed on all new cars so creeps like the ones who trashed your ECHO could be caught. But NOOOO!!!! You're lucky the airbags didn't go off....they HAVE TO BE replacedin that event and their very expensive.
Emerald Isle, huh? Love the place. My husband's parents live in Greensboro and from '91 to '96 they would rent a house in EI for a week every summer and the family would join them. We would always get the same house, on the beach and a couple of us would sit on the deck facing the ocean almost all night and watch the stars - meteor showers(if we were there at the right time)- lightning out over the ocean,etc. Haven't been there since the kids grew up and moved out. Do miss it though.
In the 17 years I've been driving, my accident was the first that was my fault (was making a right turn, driver in front started to go in earnest and then stopped - 'cause I was watchin on coming traffic instead of her, I hit her -- she could have gone,too) At least I learned a lesson from it. LOOK FORWARD FIRST EVEN IF YOUR SURE!!!!
I didn't even have 5,000 miles on my ECHO. It happened in Oct, but we just got her into the shop. Hopefully we get her back today and she'll look like new again!
Your tale reminds me of my friend Leon who drove a Pinto. (years ago) He was behind a four wheel drive International Harvester Scout at an expressway on ramp in his Pinto when there was a gap in the traffic. Leon saw the Scout move, but while he was looking at the oncoming traffic the Scout stopped and Leon ran into the back of him. The Scouts engine mounts must have been broken before the bump because the impact shoved the engine into the radiator, ruining it and the water pump. $1400 as I recall. We told Leon, "Leon, Pinto's are supposed to blow up when they get into accidents, but yours just trashed an International Scout! Where is this car we have to see it!"
Damn! Well I was lucky not too much damage --dented the right corner of the bumper, pushed the right headlight slightly out of alignment and scratched the hood a little. The car I hit was an '85 Honda Accord Hatchback, rusty as heck, really pushed her fender in and rust flakes falling all over the place. I had little over $500 for repairs for the ECHO and a verbal warning from the State Trooper. Judging from what her car looked like I would say that the Ins. Co probably totaled it.
Sorry I didn't check in before your appointment, but it sounds like you got a good install anyway. The problem I had with the initial installation on my SCS cruise is that the nut and bolt that connect the throttle cable to the (new) throttle control arm were installed backwards so the bolt stuck through the arm and rubbed on the fan shroud. The result was an occasional fast idle which is very disconcerting with an automatic trans. It felt like my little filly was taking the bit in her teeth !
You can check clearance under "worst case" conditions by leaving the car in park or first (if 5 speed),with the ignition off. Then watch the clearance as described above while "rocking" the vehicle back and forth from the front. This takes either one big person or two smaller ones to force the car back and forth against the resistance of the "locked" transaxle. The resulting torque absorbed by the engine mounts causes the engine to rotate forwards and backwards (technically, about the "pitch" axis) as a result of the strain induced on the motor mounts. This test will give you a feel for the extent of movement of the engine relative to the body under use, and help you to decide if the clearance I mentioned is adequate.
Note that Toyota designed their throttle control with lots of clearance in this location, but the SCS unit (as installed on my Echo) uses up some of this clearance, and therefore creates a risk of interference if not installed carefully.
$15759 CDN (about 10,560 US) for 2dr with auto - no other options, but I got $1000 CDN more for my trade than was prepared to take, (and anyone else offered) so I count it as $14,800 CDN or about $9920 US.
Note that the Canadian Echos include the following as "standard" equipment: Block heater (called a $100 mandatory option), Folding rear seats, Rear window defroster.
I called SCS about a cruise control and the person there said they don't make one for the ECHO. Did you use a Tercel one or something? Forgive me if you've already posted on this but I didn't feel like combing through the previous posts.
My 2001 two door, five speed, ac, 3in1,floormats, ps,folding seats was $13,100 out the door tax included bottom line. The dealer I bought the car is now offering the same car exactly as mine for 11,995. My price before everything else was 12,200.
Looks just like new, like she should -- except for a scratch unrelated to the accident that we had asked them to try to buff out and I don't think they even touched it.
Comments
As far as I'm concerned, like Kniesel says, a car is basically a ride from a to b. In that vein, the stainless exhaust, electric cabin heater, light weight, low drag styling, and fuel efficiency are far more important to me than arm rests and tachometers.
And the avant-garde styling does grow on you....
Beyond, this actually preferred Echo's styling, maintence (Tercel's) record, and interior design and styling. Plus the highest technology engine of the bunch was a clincher. Imagine: 10.5:1 compression ratio and 1.2 HP/Cu.in. on regular gas !! Nobody else was in the same class !
like these's could change peoples motives as to why they buy cars. A few years back no
one cared about reliability or safety in a car. Car makers don't sell style or horse power
for less than function. With the Echo you pay for what you need and not what you don't
need.
Now that I own an Echo, I actually prefer it to the Civic. It feels roomier, I prefer the higher seating, and I just find it more fun to drive. It reminds me of driving a VW Bug back in college. Admittedly, this is partially due to the fact that it's a 5-sp whereas the civic's an automatic.
As to the styling, I spent a little extra to get the sports cladding though it still looks a little funny from the back. But as others have said, this car is about function for the money spent (aka: value) and I think it has plenty of this.
BTW, I love the placement of the speedometer as I've always had a problem viewing this through the steering wheel.
My only regret is that we bought it for the kids and that I'm still stuck driving the Windstar. I'll just have to borrow it often.
All fit easily into the Echo trunk. I had mixed emotions about this,
since this was the first time the trunk has been used for foodstuffs.
No drips, no runs, no errors. But placed an old spread in the trunk
just in case. I read somewhere that you can tell if the engine is cared
for by looking to see if the trunk has has TLC. Just don't want any
mistakes on these "the very first time" trips. So will not seem as bad
if boo boo is made after the first time.
Everything we usually buy fit inside also.
I'm noticing a lot of posts that can best be summerized as "I thought the car looked funny when I bought it, but it works so well I like it now" This is very remenisant of the VW beetle (old) Toyota advertising should tap into this fact, its very powerfull. Maybe they could reserect old VW ads. "Ugly Is Only Skin Deep" etc.
Don't have to wait for someone to scratch off lotto tickets
or buy beer. I will receive itemized list of how much gas each
vehicle uses per month and I pay only once per month.
Can't remember what this set-up is called so someone
remind me. Now I can show the wife the difference between
the Echo excellence and her Blazer gas buster. Filled up the
Echo and figured at least 35 mpg in stop-and-go city driving.
I don't think the gas use report will sway her away from her
beloved SUV but surely will make me feel better.
As I stated previously (in another post), I went to my mother's for the weekend to do laundry. Had a very nice surprise when I got down there. My girls were visiting the grandparents so I got to see them and show them my car. They really liked it and were very happy to take a drive on Sunday.
In case you cannot figure it out, this is the former Echoluvrst. Why the name change you ask? Well, someone mentioned how the Echo was a space oddity in that the inside is bigger than the outside would indicate. I am a fan of David Bowie and his song Space Oddity which is about an astronaut named Major Tom. Given this, things just clicked and I thought it would be a great nickname for my car and for vanity plates. It also ties in with my last name.
Maybe my car is female and I have heard of a Boy Named Sue, but who ever heard of a female named Tom? So I think my Echo is my first male car.
I wanted Major Tom as my new Edmunds' name, but it was taken as was Major Tom Echo so I became Major Thom Echo although as far as Edmunds is concerned, it is all lower case and written as one word.
I am fighting a cold so I am going to lay down for a while.
1) They're beautiful.
2) They're curvaceous, er aerodynamic.
3) They're efficient.
4) They're sensitive.
5) They're kind to mother earth.
etc. etc.
What more can I say, except....
"Every man needs a good woman"
Rob
Let's see I have my roommate, my former roommate, my mother, my sister, my two daughters, and my grandmother. All good women.
I would say I could use a bad woman, but I have two exes. : (
I have filled up before this, but I checked the mileage for the second time and I got over 38 miles to the gallon. This is on combined city/highway driving.
Anyway, the best was 51 MPG (Imperial gallon), about 43 MPG US. That was at 55 MPH (90 klicks), on flat terrain. That's all we've got around here.
Don
Put my ECHO in the shop to repair the little fender-bender I had in Oct. I'm driving a 2001 Mirage, OK, but not fun.
-gina-
RX-7 to a Tracer LTS. It's the user-friendliness of the Echo that puts a smile on my face.
As for paint care, Nu Finish has done a superb job on all of the cars I've owned. Great for removing marks left by black bumpers too!
P.S. Have a "big brother ECHO" on order too- Prius.
Don
My little accident was mostly my fault, but it was minor, only a little over $500 damage. My ECHO is in the shop now. I'm driving a rental, a Mitsu Mirage. Just not the same. Hopefully I'll have her back tomorrow.
BTW I'm in Delaware.
I didn't even have 5,000 miles on my ECHO. It happened in Oct, but we just got her into the shop. Hopefully we get her back today and she'll look like new again!
And I guess the best thing is nobody got hurt.
Note that Toyota designed their throttle control with lots of clearance in this location, but the SCS unit (as installed on my Echo) uses up some of this clearance, and therefore creates a risk of interference if not installed carefully.
Note that the Canadian Echos include the following as "standard" equipment:
Block heater (called a $100 mandatory option),
Folding rear seats,
Rear window defroster.
I called SCS about a cruise control and the person there said they don't make one for the ECHO. Did you use a Tercel one or something? Forgive me if you've already posted on this but I didn't feel like combing through the previous posts.
Thanks,
Randy
immediately. Of course, the 2001 can get it as well because that is the same. No problems so far!
Don
Silver 4door, AT, PS, AC, 6speaker 3-1 Stereo, Sport cladding, rear DF, cargo net, floormats, 60/40 rear split seats, spoiler, all weather package, basically everything except ABS, cruise control and power locks, 11,900+tax= @12,500.