Toyota Yaris / Echo Hatchback

I’m usually quite fond of the cars in Europe. They have a very distinct style and look about them. Often times car companies provide the European market with the nicer, top end cars then we have here in North America. American cars are big, comfy, cheap and easy. They are not know for style or performance, but for so called “reliability and cost effectiveness”. But I’ve hardly known a good American car. Designs are often cheap looking. Interior design is always the worst in NA cars. Cavaliers and Sunfires just blow my mind with how well they sell. Sure, they’re cheap from the get go, but they are often filled with trouble and headache. Plus can you say ugly? Some NA cars are slowly getting there. Since teaming up with Benz, Chrysler has been looking and feeling better. Now this can also be true with European cars and Japanese cars, they’re not perfect. (though close) I know, I have a Nissan Maxima that’s been a lot of issues the last few months, but it’s also 9 years old and still a slick looking car. It works great when needed, providing me with a lot more horse power and pull then then the new 2004 Cavaliers would ever do (can you tell I’m not a GM fan?). Great weight for the highway, and comfort during speed. The interior design is gorgeous and it still has a great comfortable over all feel. Personally I feel you could never go wrong with a German made car. Those things were designed with toughness in mind. They keep going and going and always look good. Over all I think import cars are the way to go. Mind you, you still need to learn to weed out the bad ones there also. Be careful of such junk as Hyundai and Kia. I’m sure those cars are recycled Honda parts. That’s trouble waiting to happen.

Renee, did you buy a manual or automatic? And is there a large cup-holder type thing in the middle of the back seat?

I’m now the proud owner (leaser?) of a silver 2004 4-door Echo hatchback standard.

I was stationed in Italy from 1998-2000, and I agree, the Euro cars are just so much more interesting and innovative and yes, NOBODY would ever buy a Cavalier over there. I liked the Focus and the Yaris, and bought a new 2000 Focus when I returned to the US. All the research seemed to point to a great car, I still agree the idea WAS great, but the execution still leaves a lot (A LOT) to be desired. Last time I am buying Ford OR GM, Toyota is definitely looking better, if only for the reliability. Toyota is probably one of the most conservative of the foreign car makers, but quality will win you over in the end, after the new-car smell fades. I’ve owned two Toyotas (I’m a multi-car guy) and I love(d) them both, 1975 Corolla 1200 Sport Coupe and a 1971 Corona that I still own (bought used). The only thing I don’t like about the Yaris is the center-mounted instrument cluster a la Twingo, OK bows to world car, but what about that crimp in my neck when driving ? I am sick enough of my Focus to consider a Yaris/Echo NOW ! but definitely as the next new car.

I love my Echo Hatchback…. It’s a beautiful silver RS with all the toys. Dropped a poundin’ system into it and 15” rims and watch people almost crash tryin’ to figure out what it is while driving. Corners like a dream, holds all my equipement (musician), punchy for it’s size, and chicks dig it!!! I’m happy.

Here’s something else that people should worry about. This is a serious design flaw in the Echo/Yaris models. The forward pillars on each side of the windshield are thicker than most cars (designed for crash safety). Unfortunately, they reduce visibility in that they totally block pedestrians, cyclists or motorists. This is not just my claim. This is backed up by Australia’s NRMA. See below: http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=62121 I’ve had an accident where I hit somebody because I didn’t see him. Fortunately he wasn’t hurt, but he could have been. I feel that no matter how careful I am now, another accident could happen. I believe I’m stuck with the Toyota Echo now. A word of advice for future Echo buyers? It may be cute, but be careful. What you don’t see can cost you.

Pardon the self-link, but I’ve written a review of the Echo Hatchback having driven one for 7 months.

Just purchased a Echo Hatchback today..We took 2 test drives and were sold on this little zoom zoom from the start.Its fit and finish is exceptional and you can’t ignore the MPGs.Here in Alberta Canada we have Oil like water but that dosen’t stop the fuel prices from being at a almost all time high.We were looking for a new car to replace our 10 yr old unit and the Echo was beckoning.I have ordered the 2 dr LE with the comfort options and i had to have that Borla Exsaust my treat to me since this little Peach according to her is my Mainframes car.We are looking forward to driving it to the Rockies and spending money on other things than fuel!!

Can any one tell me what the Echo hatchback is like in the winter? I live in the snow belt of Ontario and commuting can be a head ache

Bought my RS in December, thing handles really well in the snow, no problems, and I’m a new driver.

Bought a echo hatchback le in march of 04, love it. its everything they say except i’ve never owned a vehical where people walk up to you and ask all sorts of questions about it. drawbacks: drivers side mirror 1/3 too small, rear hatch needs a manual locking knob, using the key all the time to lock it up is a pain. long distant drive, about 9 hrs with a few pit stops, seats get uncomfortable. These are just minor ticks, we average 40 mpg, insurance is cheaper and maintainence costs appear to be low as well according to the schedual i received from the dealership. Highway driving; fully loaded with three adults and all the camping gear we could literally stuff in it; was really good performance going up and down in the rockies mountains. I’d recommend this car to anyone.

I bought a 2003 echo and recently I have experienced excessive noise when making a right turn and or driving through a right curve.

Melanie, here is some info on how the Echo Hatchback handles in snow (also sent to your email address.

Hi there. I am just reading the comments, I’m wondering if someone who has a 2004 or so echo TOYO TAcould get back to me on how it handles in the snow. I am in BC and will be doing mountain driving on paved roads. Snow could be an issue in winter. If anyone knows please reply to my email. Thanks

Hello, My Wife and I just purchesed an Echo and we could not be any more happy. We get the car in another day and judging by everyones responce, we can't wait to drive it. If anyone has had any problems with a 2003 echo that seems to be common in a lot of these cars, please email me and let me know. Thanks

I’m currently driving a 1988 Camry that was given to me, keeps going and going with minimal intervention, saw an ‘89 in the Toyota showroom in my neighborhood with 800,000km, original engine and transmission, I’ve got 500k to go. Enough about the Camry, I want the Yaris/Echo when/if the Camry ever dies, but it really really bothers me that the diesel, which is available in the European Yaris, is not available here. Toyota is world renowned for their diesels. The North American gasoline Echo consumes 35% more fuel that the Yaris diesel and the diesel has 20% more torque (which is really what matters). Toyota probably thinks there is no demand in North America for the diesel, I think Canada is different. I’ve mailed them expressing my interest in it, maybe if more of us do they might bestow upon us this great little engine.

while on vacation in azores i rented a toyota yaris ,great on gas ,handles great, and ideal for narrow roads ,as they have in theazores ,but for winnipeg canada for them cold winters ,i donno if it handles good ,guess im gonna keep drinving my all whell . my opinion …

I own a 2004 TOYOTA ECHO HATCHBACK and was wondering if anyone else has noise problems in the front end when making U turns or when turning into tight spaces. Also if anyone else has been told by the dealership that their brakes are rusting (Rotors and drums) Vehicle is under 40,000 kilometers roughly 25,000 Miles (I don’t think that should be happening). The Paint is chiping on the hood and the doors some rust spots are visible I will take it up with the dealership next week. Does anyone else have these problems?

I have a 2005 Echo Hatchback. I went to Toyota because of the same problem (rattling sound on sharp right turns) and they changed all the front brake componets on both wheels. They have an internal memo advising people with the same problem to replace all components due to premature rust accumulation. No charge.

Hi! I too am having problems with my front brakes…they say it’s rust on the rotors and drums! I’ve owned and driven cars since 1974 and this is the first I’ve heard of rust on the rotors and drums in a 3-4 year old car. What’s up with this? Robyn

For the benefit of global warming, I should mention that my 2005 echo hatch gets much better mileage at 120kmh than at 100kmh….still handles very well the the higher speed. Bonus!