This is the least expensive way to drive a new Toyota. With an entry-level price of under $10,000, the Echo provides front-wheel drive traction, a spunky four-cylinder engine that also gives you over 30 mpg around town, and lots of Toyota quality. You'll also get a suspension system that helps produce the ride of a much larger vehicle, and anti-vibration tricks in the chassis make the car amazingly smooth at highway speeds.

What you won't get are a lot of extras. Features that are standard on many cars are all extra-cost for the Echo. Air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, antilock brakes and a CD player all require a bump up in your monthly payment book.