It's essentially a stock 2000 Toyota Echo Coupe, as basic as they came: manual transmission, no CD or tape, no folding rear seats, no interior clock, no power windows/locks, no ugly plastic cladding (amen), no ABS-- bare. It has power steering and had A/C when we got it, but has since been decommissioned as the local Toyota dealer failed to notice the clutch was melted out of the A/C housing. But that makes it light-- roughly 2,200 pounds (guessing, if I include the heavy A/C compressor power-steering, and fuel-- estimates of 2,020 curb weights likely do basic and empty tanks).
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The 108hp 1.5L dual over-head cam (DOHC) with VVTi on the intake cam, and even a muffler with a small valve to open up at higher RPM's made these relative rockets in 2000. While other economy cars like the Hyundai Accent, and even the base Ford Focus (better for handling) would do 0-60 around 10 and 9 seconds respectively, but the Echo was good for 8.4 seconds-- and that's in a heavier and better equipped sedan. Equally, the handling was fairly compliant for being a tall skinny car on rather small 175/65R14 tires which didn't give it the most grip a car could have, but holds surprisingly well giving a nice progressive feeling of the car slowly letting go (as opposed to ripping your face off and then letting go more violently). Some reviews, though not hugely known reviews, have even claimed it felt like a "four door Miata." No small feat. No it's not an M3 or Camaro, but compare it to even the economy cars out in 2009-- especially a subcompact-- it still runs pretty good numbers all around... with a stick, that is.
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In todays world, the Echo is a slight misfit with an odd look, weird center mounted speedometer, and is viewed as a cult car for those who adore them. They are also known for their good fuel economy, and the 1.5L engine for its durable, long lasting nature. This Echo in particular is known as "Pheobe," and was built October 1, 1999 (an early model). It has no modifications save for having fog lights, 10mm wider tires (stock steel wheels) and a redneck/ghetto intake made out of a Spectre intake duct* (available at Autozone for $20) and a pair of dryer ducts**. Occasionally there's a throaty/wailing sound coming from the engine-- that's what it is. Surprisingly it does bring in cold air nicely from the bumper without the worry of sucking in spray, bugs, or puddles.
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Also notes of the above video: the transmission needs to be replaced (around 240k on it and the clutch), the oil and air-filter has 3,200 miles on it, and the car is on all original suspension (again 397k miles). The engine has never been rebuilt and still runs strong (as you can see it still revs near redline readily).
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-----For the record/disclaimer (and reference): The speedometer as seen above shows 60mph in the middle, but I'm actually doing 55-58mph as the speed is slightly off from the tire size being 185/60/R14 instead of stock 175/65/R14's, and the area I filmed was fairly remote (not even bothered having lines on the road or even signs at some places) so there was relatively low risk. The car was merely played with and within control, and not taken to the white-knuckle limit. Please, if you're going to do similar videos, don't do it on busy freeways or neighborhoods. A track is the best place for anything to do with performance, but I don't have the finances nor a track (to my knowledge) near enough to use. I still slowed when seeing people/cars, had low visibility, or was coming up to a house (anywhere from 20 35mph-- city pace). I also stay in my lane-- another thing I urge other driving enthusiasts to do. It promotes even more accuracy (what racing/times are all about-- not all of it is straight speed, and any professional driver knows this) and safety. It's also one of the first things you learn in school: Stay inside the lines!
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Copy/paste if you're curious and want a laugh.
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* http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetc...
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** ^Surrounded by this: http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/31... http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/89...
The gap allows the air to flow in front of the vacuum, but not be forced in making the filter get dirtier more quickly. As speed climbs, so does air flow-- much like the outside air selection in your car without the fan on. The location also gives a more audible sound of the engine while driving, but onky when applying throttle at certain speeds. Unlike a large exhaust/muffler, it shuts up when you're maintaining speed or just sitting at a light rather than buzzing/rattling any time the engine is on.
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2002 TOYOTA ECHOby KPWAREHOUSE1,297 views
recently brought an echo or platz where Im from. awesome wee car the only gripe and its a small one is that the steering wheel is not telescopic. which means I have to slump forward to grip the wheel properly or I have to move the seat forward which means having my legs bunched up. im not that tall either. but anyways I love the platz
wildcat1559 10 months ago
@wildcat1559 Yeah, that is kinda annoying to a lot of people. I'm moved up a little closer myself. But I also like feeling a tad closer to the pedals, too. The thing that annoys me more is the seats automatically go bolt upright. It's just not comfortable, nor very becoming on a person. Is yours the 1.5L or one of the engines we didn't get here?
hduncan2587 10 months ago
@hduncan2587 its the 1.5L Im going to post a video of me driving mine so keep a lookout. I also own a Toyota Windom also known as Lexus es300 in the U.S. (I live in New Zealand) both are really nice cars but am most happy with the the echo/Platz because it is much more economical and zippier to drive. however I took it out on the highway and noticed the difference between the two cars in terms of horsepower!
wildcat1559 10 months ago
@wildcat1559 I could imagine so! You should have a good ride from some of the things I've seen in New Zealand. The closest I've driven to the ES300 is a Toyota Camry of the 1997 era.
hduncan2587 10 months ago
@hduncan2587 i never got why some people love driving stick so much, its annoying to me. Although i can't drive stick well at all. But the constant shifting when i could use that hand to do other stuff or more so just relax and enjoy a drive...with a stick u have to constantly be alert and which gear you are in....it would drive me crazy...it would be like work everytime i had to drive!
whole27 6 months ago
@whole27 It becomes second nature and once you're, say, cruising on the highway, you likely won't be shifting for a very long time. The people who love stick usually tend to view driving as a pleasure in itself, rather than just transportation and are fine just driving. If driving is a chore, than doing other stuff is sort of a common response. But doing other stuff can lead to accidents. Just be careful out there.
hduncan2587 6 months ago