Overview & Reviews
The oddly proportioned and slightly cartoonish Toyota Echo economy car debuted just before the start of the new millennium. A successor to the Tercel and precursor to the Scion brand, the Echo was meant to bring younger U.S. buyers into the Toyota family via its low price and Toyota heritage.
However, this was one Toyota that uncharacteristically failed to garner much success. Although the Toyota Echo offered an impressively roomy cabin thanks to its narrow and tall greenhouse and an economical 1.5-liter four-cylinder that propelled it with decent pep, the car's faults made it one of our editors' least favorite subcompacts. An unusual centralized gauge cluster was deemed poor in design, and once underway, the Echo's small tires and upright stance contributed to a "tippy" feel at highway speeds and excessive body roll when navigating tight corners.
No doubt the Echo, being a Toyota, enjoys a reputation for higher than average reliability. And though we complained of poor value for the dollar -- mostly due to the Echo's low price resulting from Toyota charging extra for common conveniences -- the Echo's slow depreciation has offset that somewhat. Still, anyone on a budget and shopping for a used economy car has better choices that offer greater overall performance and value.
Most Recent Toyota Echo
The Toyota Echo was launched in 2000 and ran through 2005. Sedan and coupe body styles were offered. All Echos were powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine capable of 108 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to a light curb weight, this was enough power to give the Echo decent acceleration. Fuel economy was also impressive, with real-world mileage typically in the mid-30s, quite possibly the best of any non-hybrid, gas-powered car from this time period.
At the time, Toyota kept the car's base price low by making most of its features optional. Standard equipment was very basic, including AM/FM four-speaker audio, a tilt steering wheel and 14-inch wheels. Optional was an all-weather package (including a heavy-duty battery and rear window defogger), antilock brakes, air-conditioning, side airbags, a CD player and keyless entry. Even power steering was an option, as were power windows and mirrors, a tachometer and a split-folding rear seat. In 2001, side airbags became available. The following year, Toyota began offering optional 15-inch wheels. The Echo also got a restyling in 2003. In the car's final years, Toyota made the Echo available by special order only, which caused sales to drop drastically.
Design-wise, the Toyota Echo's most impressive features were its spacious cabin and trunk. The tall greenhouse and narrow roof pillars offered unobstructed visibility and lots of headroom. Front seating was comfortable as long as the pronounced, upright feel didn't bother you, and rear seat legroom was just fine for two full-size adults. Interior materials on the Echo were about average for this class, though the cheap plastic pillar covers, hard steering wheel and foam headliner were subpar. Also, its center-mounted instruments took some getting used to.
Those seriously considering the purchase of a used Toyota Echo should seek out a well-equipped model. They shouldn't cost much more and should make the car much easier to live with.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 431.00-
The VW that VW couldnt build - 2003 Toyota Echo
By al taloma - September 21 - 3:50 pmThe misunderstood Echo. If one compares the Echo with, say, a 69 VW Bug, its reason for being becomes obvious. Its an old bug, with twice the horsepower, much quieter, easier to drive, air conditioning, twice the fuel economy, but with almost all the features we grew to love in the Bug. Toyota saw the market, and went for it. Funny looking, yes, even cute, cept its a mouse, not a bug. Goes like stink, fun to drive. Mileage around 40+, 43-47 if you featherfoot. Comfortable. Lots of cubbys. A joy to commute in. Does everything the bugs did, and more. No wonder most who own them love them. And yes, many people give them names. Mines "Dinky". Shes a joy.
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Love my lil Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
By zachcccc - September 11 - 7:30 pmMy Echo is amazing after 145,000 miles Im still getting ~35mpg on an automatic and Im not the most timid driver. The handling is pretty good, especially for a car this cheap. Also maintenance is a breeze an oil change every now and again and my Echo does fine. I fill up for gas about 2 times a month (every 760miles or so) the only thing that I replaced were the Spark Plugs after 135,000 miles, and that was a cheap and easy to do. The Echo is also really roomy and comfortable to ride/ be a passenger in. I love my lil Echo its a great car.
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I like it - 2001 Toyota Echo
By shipsmith - August 31 - 12:53 amThe Echo gets great gas mileage-40 mpg. We drive it 100 miles a day.Its tall profile and light weight makes it subject to crosswinds. That is more than outweighed by the ease of entry and exit, and improved visibility due to the higher seating. The centered instrument display lends itself to being scanned quickly without attention being taken from the road.I suggest that it be driven rather than just looked at by the Edmunds "experts".
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I Love my ECHO - 2001 Toyota Echo
By ECHO Lover - August 28 - 10:26 amI was drawn to the ECHO because of its reputed gas mileage and I have not been disappointed. I average 38 miles to the gallon in town, and over 40 on the highways/freeways. I love the instrument panel and was surprised at first at how roomy the car was. When I moved last year I got all of my belongings minus my furniture in the car! My boyfriend, who has a penchant for cars, looked disappointed when I drove home in it the first time - but digs it now for its handling and wants to get it out on the racetrack!
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Gets me around - 2002 Toyota Echo
By kevin - August 27 - 1:56 amGood car until recently I had to spend $300 for a starter then 2 weeks later $1400 to repair the manual transmission. Needed bearings, ring block for 5th gear and a few other things. Mechanic said the original fluid was still in there after 140,000 miles. It should be replaced at least every 40,000 miles so I guess it was my fault. Otherwise a great car.
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OK Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
By ARK - August 26 - 2:00 amI bought this car mainly for its comfortable seating and of course for Toyota reliability. I like this car over all. But I am not very happy for the following reasons: Its low speed braking is good but at high speeds (say above 50 mph) its braking is very poor and I am much concerned to drive on highways. Especially for applying sudden brake. I never got gas mileage more than 33 mpg on highways. In the city I usually get about 28 mpg. So I am disappointed with its gas mileage.
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Best buy for gas milage - 2001 Toyota Echo
By longhaulbill - August 22 - 5:54 amIf you can find a used one, buy it! After driving my PT Cruiser back and forth to work (100 miles r/t), I was getting exhausted for money. I was averaging 22 MPG on the highway. My friend has a 2001 ECHO and told me with 236K miles on it, he was averaging 44 miles per gallon. So I wen shopping, found one with 92K for 4200.00. I am averaging 47.4 miles per gallon. It is a 5 speed and has air and power steering. It is not a hybrid, gut a little gas sipper. I love this car and with gas at $ 4.30 per gallon, this is a dream. Fun to drive as well.
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Great Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
By gsbanks - August 8 - 2:00 amLove my Echo! I previously had a Dodge Pickup. I wanted something that got great gas mileage and also had a little bit of room. Echo was a great alternative to to the more expensive Hybrids. I never get less than 39 miles to the gallon (although I always use 93 octane gas). Echo is also very safe. I had an accident on the interstate in May where I was going about 40mph and hit the car in front of me (it was a 5 car accordian crash and I was the last one). The car abaorbed all the blow and I wasnt hurt or sore at all. I will soon be testing my Echo out when I drive it to Alaska in January. I have lived there before and think it will do well.
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My Fairy Mobile - 2001 Toyota Echo
By jaesi - July 25 - 12:03 amI love my echo! I got it when I was 16 and 10 years later Im still driving it. 100,000 Miles and never had a major problem
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I heard an ECHO...and answered! - 2002 Toyota Echo
By Ed1961 - July 4 - 10:00 amI couldnt be in more disagreement with the "professional" review for the ECHO (which came complete with an egregious spelling error.) My ECHO is red, and it looks like a rocket from the side. It handles very well in city traffic and on the highway. I love the roomy interior, I like the high seating the car affords, and I think the central location of the speedometer is pretty cool. The car has great pickup, its fun to drive, and the price was right. The Edmunds review of the ECHO smacks of snobbery and elitism. If you want a cool, reliable, reasonably -priced auto, you cant go wrong with this car!
