Vehicle: 2004 Toyota Echo CE hatchback with 4-speed auto tranny
Performance: Powered by a 1.5L VVT-i 4-cylinder 16-valver DOHC engine that bumps out 108hp and 105 lb/ft of torque, it really motivates this lightweight hatchback even with automatic tranny. The throttle response is responsive without being too abrupt. This little engine is willing to rev thanks to variable valve timing. Unlike many of its competitors, its not easy to run out of breath at high speed. The biggest drawback is the engine tends to be noisy during kickdown. The auto tranny’s shifts are smooth and refined, typical Toyota tradition. It always stay on the right gear without any gear hunting. Both the upshifts and downshifts are quick and respond to the driver’s input accordingly. Consider the starting price of Echo is just over 12k, it has to be one of the best powerplants in this segment.
Handling: The driving dynamics of the Echo hatch is another pleasant surprise. Despite it only use 14″ wheels with tall sidewalls, it handles confidently through corners. It uses a different suspension setting than its sedan silibing. The suspension, springs and shocks are firmer than what it used in the sedan. Its more of an Euro-spec tuning than sedan’s North American softly sprung setting. Throw in into corners, there are quite amount of body rolls and understeer. Give it tires that are one or 2 inches larger, this car will definitely handle more like a Mk2 Golf than anything else. There are plenty of steering feel, both off and on-center. Given its short wheelbase and narrow tires, its ride comfort is surprisingly civilized. Although its quite sensitive to washboard pavement, its generally provides a quite comfortable ride quality. Compare to the last Echo 1.3 I drove overseas, this engine really gives what the chassis deserves. It no longer feels as underengined as its 1.3 silibing does. It really does a very good job in this car.
Brakes: The front discs and rear drums with standard ABS provide excellent pedal feel. The pedal feels solid and easy to modulate. The thresold is easy to find while ABS doesn’t kick in unnecessarily. Kudos to Toyota by giving a 12k econocar standard ABS.
Interior: Since our tester doesn’t come with any options or packages, its as basic as it is. The base velour seats are comfortable despite the lack of side support. As usual, there are tons of storage space in Echo’s space efficient interior. The rotary climate control is logical and very well laid out. As usual, there are drawbacks. The “sit on top” instead of “sit inside” of a car feeling really make the driver feels more tippy through corners. Secondly, the velour used in our CE feels somewhat low-rent. Thirdly, the center instrumentation gauges are really hard to see during hot daylight. Because of the location and use of colors, it tends to wash themselves out. Fourly, where is the tachometer?
The back seats are comfortable for a car of this size, however, it lacks the Euro-spec sliding feature.
The cargo space is also pretty spacious with low liftover and 40/60 split fold down rear seats.
Conclusion: The Echo hatchback is what Toyota supposed to bring us in day 1. Not only does its affordable, it also comes in a neat package even in the base car. Although Rio has better interior material texture and Accent has a more expensive interior, Echo exceeds in the performance department. Given its base price and standard ABS, it has to be one of the most attractive car in its class. BTW, its hella of fun to drive a car without air cond under 30 degrees sunlight.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 TOYOTA ECHO CE HATCHBACK
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating:4/5