![]() ![]() In the center of the lower dash, flanking the radio controls, there are two stowage compartments, one for the driver, one for the passenger, to hold such items as the cell phone or travel snacks that you don't want packed in the glove box. The top box will hold gloves, the bottom maps and the owner's manual, with room left in each. Other clever touches include a dual glove box, with one compartment on top, one below, and each with its own door. With those lights moved off to the side, your eyes don't tire as much on extended nighttime motoring. The light from the instrument panel typically tires the eyes at night. It means better down-the-road visibility, which also is improved by Toyota positioning the front seats slightly higher than normal.Īnother benefit of moving the cluster to the center of the dash is evident at night. Takes a few miles getting used to the position, until you realize how wise the move was.īy moving the cluster to the center of the dash, the area in front of the driver offers more windshield views and less instrument congestion. Our favorite is the positioning of the instrument panel (IP) cluster on top of the center of the dash instead of directly behind the steering wheel in front of the driver. And the automatic will bring higher resale value.įor what Toyota bills as a "simple yet functional, affordable car," priced below a Corolla, ECHO has a variety of features that show Toyota concentrated on details to make a big impression. If constant shifting through road repairs or rush-hour traffic is not your thing, the automatic does a more than adequate job. The 5-speed is fairly smooth and naturally a little quieter at initial acceleration than the automatic. We tested the ECHO with 5-speed and optional ($800) automatic. But at cruising speed, the commotion ceases. You get the traditional 4-cylinder growl when stepping hard on the pedal from the light. Yet the 4-banger is alert and lively and surprisingly peppy. highway rating (34/41 with standard 5-speed manual), you are quickly alerted to the fact that mileage takes precedence over performance. ![]() Being a budget-minded car, a small 1.5-liter, 108-horsepower 4-cylinder engine teamed with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic provides the power. ![]()
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