Overview & Reviews

For 2003, the Echo receives a new look with a redesigned front and rear fascia. The front bumper and fenders feature sharper and more prominent lines, a new chrome-slat grille and new headlamps with a distinctive bulb layout. Optional round foglamps accent the new front-end design. In the rear, a new trunk lid with chrome plate garnish, a new bumper and redesigned combination clear-lens taillights provide a more upscale look.

A new Appearance Package adds aerodynamic body enhancements, including overfenders that blend into the front and rear underbody. A rear trunk spoiler incorporates the LED high-mounted stop lamp.

The standard 14-inch wheels get a new wheel cover design, and, for the first time, the Echo can be had with optional 15-inch wheels. The new styling is topped off with five new colors.

• Good gas mileage, speedy acceleration, roomy and functional interior, Toyota reliability.

• Cartoonish styling, annoying gauge placement, tilt-a-whirl handling, deceptively low base pricing.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 73.00

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  Great lil Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Barb Cloin - September 30 - 4:40 am

  This is one of the most reliable, economical and fun cars that I have ever owned and I am 55 years old and have owned everything from Cadillacs, Chryslers to Ford falcons and Honda Civics. The Echo out does them all in one way or another, more economical than the Cadillac, more dependable than the Ford and more fun than the Honda. Why in the world would toyota quit making them? Especially now with gas prices soaring.. STOP, Reconsider these are affordable fun vehicles for those of us who NEED dependable affordable transportation and like to drive.

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  Comments on Toyota Echo 2003 2-DR - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Beatrix - September 24 - 4:53 pm

  I think this car deserves to write a few words.I purchased mine in 04/2003. I gave 9 on fun-to-drive only. As it is noted not always easy to drive on the high-way when it is windy outside. Also, without wind, if you drive on the highway like more than 85 miles/hr, it is difficult to keep the car on the same track. So, the speed limit (under 70 miles/hr) should be always kept:-) I gave 9 on performance, because sometimes I feel that it does not run that smoothly as it is seen in an e.g. Toyota Camry or Honda Civic - sometimes a noise is coming when it is simply neutral (mine is manual). I had no problem until today at all, just needed oil filter change, tire rotation and other maintenance.

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  A Great Commuting Car for All Sizes - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By NW - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Echo. The first was a 2001, totalled by a rear end accident. No injuries. I loved that car, and this one is even a little better. I am a large 61" and fit comfortably. I love the pick up, the drive, the mileage (35-40+ mpg)and the size, which means I can park where others cant. So far no trouble with either car. Highly recommended.

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  Love my Echo… - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bispo1 - June 10 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 216,000 + miles. No major maintenance required. I’ve kept up on the oil changes every 5000 miles and plugs and all the filters every 50,000 miles. I also had the transmission serviced at 100,000 and 200,000 mile marks. Mileage runs about 34 hwy and 28 city. I’m not one to baby a car, I drive it hard (that’s why the MPG is so low)… I’m 6’ tall and weight is running a little over 200 lbs. The seats have held up excellent, both in form and material. I have plenty of leg and head room… Total reliability

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  What a car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By chuckamuck - June 2 - 1:00 am

  I had an 06 Tacoma that I bought right off the line - never saw a dealers lot, and I loved it. However with the price of fuel approaching $5.00 per gallon I was in need of a more economical vehicle. This one is it. The Echo was made for me. I see a lot of people saying that it is hard to handle in bad weather, but I have to disagree. If you keep the tires balanced and rotated, and properly inflated it handles as well as a Camry. The only thing I would have done differently in design would be to replace the seats with something more comfortable for the long haul - nice for in town driving but a little stiff on long rides. Other than that this car is perfect.

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  Good gas milage - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Frank - May 15 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased the car used from the original owner with 136,000 miles on it. I have driven it on several 180+ trips and always get 40+ MPG on the freeway. It is a peppy 5 speed manual. I can shift 1-3-5 on a normal start up with no problem. CON. It has a small growling roar on the highway. It is not the engine or transmission which I tested by coasting at high speeds. Also it is not stable in a high cross wind. It is a very clean used car without any signs of the 136K mi. on the speedometer. I have gotten used to the center speedometer but could use a better lighting system in the cluster. Overall Im well pleased with it. On

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  Echo Hatchback Headed to Canada! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Leslie Tang - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I am 17 years old and have had my G2 license for about a year now and I cant wait until I can go and buy my very own car (no more driving my parents Chevy Venture!). After going to the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (GO LEAFS GO!) and seeing first hand the all new Toyota Echo Hatchback, Ive got to say this car is truly worth emptying my account for. Note, This car is only coming to Canada and will not be for sale in the U.S. So if your willing to drive up here and get one, be my guest!

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  Buy the ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rajmoran - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent.

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  THE ECONOMIC MACHINE - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By CURTIS - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and its been a great car. Anything from fuel economy to quality. I have not put any money into it. You can go on a full tank of gas around the city for 2 to 3 weeks. I dont get my oil changes until every 5,000 miles (Toyota recommends this). The only thing I dont like about it is when you are driving on the highway when its real windy. But other than that I recommend this car, specially if you are trying to conserve you wallet.

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  The Three Echos - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By saminoz - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my third Echo. Moving between the US and Australia, I just keep buying Echos. I love this car!