[ikka]

The writer makes many good points. A good deal from Toyota is the Echo - 40+ mpg on the highway, 38 mpg city, zippy enough if you get the 5speed manual, etc. A four door, decently equipped, was about $12K.

I would have got the VW Jetta TDI, but VW has had some quality problems with the Jetta ever since they started making them in Mexico (not sure why that might be...)

[Imnotalib]

The Echo is OK if you're satisfied driving something that offers roughly the same crash protection as a tin can with airbags.