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 51 through 60 of 73.00-
Excellent Economical Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
By Sharyn - April 12 - 10:16 amMy Echo is wonderful! It gets between 38-40 mpg, a little less when I run the AC, and Ive never had a mechanical problem with it. Its comfortable for two people, although the back seat is pretty small. I like the fact that my gauges are in the middle of the dash. It makes it a lot easier to not take your eyes off the road. I have to take it into the dealership because apparently, the bottoms of the ECHOs are rusting and they have to fix that, but no problems here as its covered since its part of a recall. It has its little flaws, but nothing any other car doesnt have! Overall, great buy. I am 100% satisfied.
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A noisy little commuter - 2003 Toyota Echo
By bmick - April 6 - 10:00 amI bought this car after driving it around town, thinking it was a good buy. Problem: the features changed so much between 02-03, the dealer did not know what I was requesting. I ended up without the split seats, the remote mirrors, and the larger tires. Also, the car is a great around-the- town car, but a pathetic commuter. It is NOISY, POORLY INSULATED, AND TOO LIGHT ON THE FREEWAY IN THE WIND. If you make this purchase, plan to be thrown around on the road and unable to hear your favorite CD playing. Oh, yeah, turn the volume up to max on your cell phone also.
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I love my car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
By Happy owner - February 28 - 2:00 amI bought a 2003 Toyota Echo 4 door manual. (White) So far I love it. I like the look, and the new dark trim on the bottom (makes it look sharp). Im very happy with it. I like the placement of the meters in the center a lot better. (speed, odo, etc.)I think its actually easier on the eyes. I think its a great car for a great price!
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Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
By BrianT - January 31 - 10:00 amI got the two door echo. Its not too small but I dont reccomend the two door because its a pain getting everybody inside it. Echo holds up good against high gas prices but doesnt hold up on the highway as much. I do alot of highway driving and when its really windy the Echo blows all over the road. Its great for in town driving though, you never have any wind disturbances there. My car came with very few options which was dissapointing but I didnt want to pay a bunch extra. Id say if you had to choose between the Echo or the Hybrid Prius, to go ahead and pay a lil more for the Prius. Its alot better on everything.
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Just Getting Started - 2003 Toyota Echo
By stardriver - January 17 - 3:26 pmPurchased this silver 2003 auto coupe and knew immediately it was a great choice. Quick, comfortable, fun to drive and excellent mileage--even for an automatic. First mileage check netted 280 miles for 8.5 gallons, netting a very respectable 33 mpg city/highway. Believe it will get 38 hwy easily. Killer sound system, lot of room, huge trunk space for a "small" car. Surprising quiet at freeway speeds. Toyota may have made some mistakes marketing this car, but not in building it. The Yaris sedan is similar but getting one of these at a fraction of the cost and you have a great quality car.
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Super Awesome 1st Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
By NateDog - November 15 - 6:23 amRecieved as my first vehicle for my 16th birthday, and it has been incredible. Amazing gas mileage, comfortable for long or short drives, spunky acceleration, and cruises like a champion. Cant say anything bad about this car, it is a dream. Drove it all the way to Louisiana from California, 75 the whole way, and it returned 40-42 miles to the gallon! Carried all my junk too, completely packed down with stuff. Buy this car if you are in need of an economical vehicle!!!
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Great Value - 2003 Toyota Echo
By cars4dummies - October 12 - 3:29 amI am just writing this to make a point. Bougth a brand new 2003 4 door Echo sedan. Really this and a few others were the only cars I could afford back then. No regret! Still solid. Never had any major issues. Ive been up to all the regular maintenance, and changes tires for winter every year. Never had any accidents on icy and snowy roads here in Calgary. Just trying to make a point. I compare this to a brand new 2010 Subaru Forester which turned out to be a $10k more expensive garbage. I am definitely going back to Toyota.
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It will run forever - 2003 Toyota Echo
By car nut - August 27 - 10:46 pmI bought this used in 2005 with 38,000 on it. Had to replaced the windshield in 2006 ( a rock got it) one rear wheel bearing, and two sets of tires. Other than oil changes, and a set of brake pads, it has never failed us. We live in the Midwest and travel a lot to see our family. Its fantastic on gas ( 41 mpg on the flats going to California on one trip.) Im kind of a big guy, 63", and about 260 lbs. and I find the car fairly comfortable. I would buy another one with no worries. Too bad the echo is not made any more.
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Reliable car for your money - 2003 Toyota Echo
By Jenny - June 17 - 8:10 pmAfter getting into an accident with my Kia Sephia, I needed a car bad. I decided on a Toyota Echo and have never felt a shred of buyers remorse. This little car is quite deceiving with its roominess and and overall handling. Under the hood looks just as nice -- everything labled and easy to reach. I highly recommend this as a first car or one to replace a gas-guzzler!
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A Zippy Little Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
By expressoroad - June 11 - 2:00 amI can now go on a trip and forget the cost of gas. 42 mpg on the road at reasonable speeds. Plenty of space for luggage, beach stuff, etc. This was a spur of the moment purchase. I lucked out. A lot of people think its "cute"...not a big concern of mine, but hey!
