| # 4: TOYOTA ECHO |
| Rejuvenation treatment Female buyers: 62.4% |
The Toyota Echo is the small car with the innovative style that replaces the Tercel, a sub-compact which has always been popular, especially with women (62.4% in 1998). With the Echo, you will notice the very short front section and the high roof, a bit like the New Beetle from Volkswagen. The designers' idea was to manufacture a car which would be easy to park but with an expansive interior. Mission accomplished! As for the look, it's up to you to decide; some people will love it, others will hate it!
In fact, the avant-garde design of the body is repeated in the passenger compartment where the dials are no longer behind the steering wheel, but are right in the middle of the dashboard.
Powered by a new 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine that gives out 108 horsepower, the Echo delivers acceptable performance when accelerating, as well as excellent gas mileage of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, and 5.5 in highway driving. On the road, its suspension system is very civilized, providing a decent level of comfort, but with a marked tendency to roll when cornering quickly. Also, the Echo's shape and especially its height means it's very sensible to side winds.
Otherwise, this is a car that should be very reliable, just like other Toyota vehicles. And because Toyota is aware of its reputation for reliability, the Echo does not come cheap...