 I bought my echo after driving a V6 Buick LeSabre so my numbers for performance and comfort may be a little biased, but the rest of my ratings are bluntly honest and accurate.  Performance & comfort: has good acceleration from a standstill, but not so great at higher speeds (engine vibrates, whines, and often hesitates).  Fun & economy: the Echo handles like a go-kart. Great for turns and navigating traffic, not so great at high speed or in bad weather. Gas mileage is good, close to what is expected.  Design & quality & reliability: great interior styling, love the speedometer placement. Hate the exterior styling. It reminds me of a ride at disneyland. As for reliability, it's a Toyota.