2004 Toyota Echo Hatchback (Canadian model) - READ ONLY

52 messages, Last post on Dec 22, 2003 at 3:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota ECHO, Hatchback

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#23 of 52 Small is the future by weelz Aug 16, 2003 (6:41 am)
North Americans have just not figured out yet how ridicoulous they look driving huge gas guzzling vehicles.Once everyones throat has closed up and cannot breath in large cities from all the pollution spewed by these vehicles the little "tiny" cars may start look look a tad more appealing.Why is it one of the most popular vehicles in Europe and Australia for the past 3 years?Car of the year in 2000 over there? When gas prices begin to increase you will see alot more of these types of vehicles and for good reason with 46 MPG.If you think you are safer in a truck or SUV you might be surprised looking at some of the crash stats on them.
#24 of 52 if you don't believe it by nippononly Aug 17, 2003 (5:00 pm)
check out all the minicars that are coming from Europe in the next couple of years, starting with the Smart...and the Japanese may respond by bringing some of their microcars over as well... many of those will make the Yaris hatch look enormous by comparison...
#25 of 52 Smart by odman Aug 18, 2003 (4:00 am)
The Echo Hatch is the closest thing we have to the tiny SMART car in Europe -- for now. Americans will be getting the 4-seater fourfor model when it comes out, but Canuks will get the original 2-seater. It would be ideal for Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal (okay, it might have trouble in the snow drifts). I'm all for the creation of affordable, economical but high quality small cars. The Echo is no Lanos. It's something that will still be drivable in 10-years time.
#26 of 52 Security system by bodble2 Aug 30, 2003 (9:47 pm)
Is it just an oversight on the Toyota.ca site or is it really the case that only the 5-Dr LE is available with a dealer-installed security system? Seems kind of weird since even the RS cannot be configured with a security system. Has anyone any real-life experience on this issue?
#27 of 52 by bodble2 Aug 30, 2003 (9:52 pm)
The Echo Hatch may be the Japanese rebirth of the Honda Civic hatch from the '70's and early '80's -- basic, simple, funky-looking, but well-built and a blast to drive. The quintessential car for college student on a budget. Earlier models such as the Tercel and Nissan Micra tried and performance-wise they were slugs.
#28 of 52 security by weelz Sep 01, 2003 (4:56 am)
I have the 4 dr. LE.I did not get the security package on it but I can tell you that I found out keyless entry only comes with one remote.There is still alot of dealerships with this car on the lot who don't know it until the customer picks up the car? I asked why that was not listed on the website too?You would have to ask a dealership and "possibly" they "might" have an answer for you.Or make up some BS to sell you the car anyway. It is reliable car so far for me.Not much power but I did not expect it to have it anyway.It is good enough to get you around town and enough on the highway but not a rocket.It is however very quick and agile in the city,the small size really allows you to get in and out of traffic easily.Parking it is like parking a go-kart If you want a new car under 20K that gets more points and stares than a 40K car buy one.It is funny seeing all the folks stare down your "econobox" be it a good or bad reaction
#29 of 52 Highway by odman Sep 02, 2003 (3:28 am)
Hey Weelz, good luck with the Echo HB. What colour did you get? What's it like out on the highway at 120+?
#30 of 52 color & speed by weelz Sep 02, 2003 (9:57 am)
I got the millenium gold color.Very bright and gets alot of attention. I am still breaking the car in and I am just over 1500 K now.1800 k is supposed to be the break in point so I have not taken it over 100k too often. I have passed a few cars without problem.there is enough power there with the 1.5 litre and the car is so light it moves quick enough for me. The car is surprisingly quiet.When you are at a light you do not even hear the motor.For a cheap econobox it rides well and handles good both city and highway.I would say it is very quick in the city and easy to weave in and out of traffic because of the small size of the car.It moves 4 people easily but don't expect to bring alot of cargo These days I cannot see spending alot on a vehicle unless you want to store it in the winter and keep it as a classic.This car is good on gas (very good) and the money I save there will cover the increased insurance all drivers have faced this past year not to mention increased fuel costs. Like I said before if you want speed and luxury look elsewhere.If you want to save some coin and have decent car proven free of problems and re-calls.....this one seems to deliver.
#31 of 52 I've driven one yesterday ( the RS) by alexradu Sep 03, 2003 (7:19 pm)
unfortunately for a (very) short time. It drives really well, and it looks great. Isn't this very cute ? http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/images/04echo_hb1.jpg Me being an European, I've been waiting for this kind of cars for quite a long time - I also hope that the A-Class Merc, the Swatch, and the new Peugeots also make it here - sorry, but I really dislike most American cars - with a few exceptions (some Chryslers, for instance, which at least look good). I might be moving to the States (with the job) so I really hope that this little gem will be available in the US as well, pretty soon.
#32 of 52 US by odman Sep 04, 2003 (3:22 am)
I know there are a bunch of rules for importing a brand new car into the USA to sell to a new owner, but what about someone who already owns a car and isn't selling it. Do you still need to have the odo/speedo changed, etc? If your job is a short-term one, you might be able to just take it with you. BTW: Thanks for the photo link. It looks great in blue.