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:

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  LOVE our ECHO! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By sunshinekjc - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 01 Echo in late September of 01 & have loved it since day one! Originally, we were looking at Camrys & Accords but didnt want to fork over $25K+ for a four door sedan. We initially purchased the ECHO because of the reasonable price ($13K) & awesome mileage, but soon fell in love with the all of the storage, cool gauges & overall reliability of the car. Weve owned it for 3+ years now & have not had it in the shop for anything other than an oil change! We always get lots of compliments and questions about it (mileage, cost, etc.) & recommend buying one to anyone who asks! We disagree with the Editors review completely & think you will love your ECHO as much as we do ours!

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  My Baby!!!! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Glitter - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! Its zippy, and it can fit into the smallest places.

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  Reliable, High Gas Mileage Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By John Phipps - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My Echo is a great little car, which I paid $11,000 for one year ago. So far, after driving over 80,000 miles, there has been no unusual maintenance needed. The only things I have done is to replace the front tires and a pair of new windshield wipers, plus change the oil and filter a few times. My gas mileage started out just under 50 mpg and is now around 45 mpg (I need a tune up). My Echo is a 2-door, 5-speed with no frills. If you are looking for a low cost simple car that gets great gas mileage then the Echo should head you list.

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  2001 TOYOTAL ECHO - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By BOXER14 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  VERY SATISFIEED. EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE APPROX 38/46 WITH STICK SHIFT. MOST COMFORTABLE RIDING VEHICLE I HAVE EVERY HAD. ONLY DRAWBACK IS ON THE INTERSTATE ON A WINDY DAY OR IF A BIG TRUCK PASSES ON THE INTERSTATE, ROCKS MY ECHO SOMEWHAT. GREAT DEAL.

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  Best Car This Family Has Owned! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Jason - July 31 - 2:36 pm

  I forced my husband to purchase this car after many Fords and a variety of other American cars. The car will not die! It does leak oil after 130K miles! No smoke from the tailpipe. No major repairs just the brakes and oil. Just the maintenance. I love this car and right now with gas prices at $4 we cannot be happier!

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  foundi out - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By peter rabbit - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  none

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  We Love Our Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Grandpa - July 21 - 10:46 pm

  I am 62 years old, and Ive owned a lot of cars. Our Echo is the best car we have ever owned. The ONLY weakness is on ice with a coating of snow, but I put studded snow tires on the front and the problem was solved. It is noisy on the highway, but it is an economy car, and and a really good one. I only wish that I could buy a brand new one exactly like it 5-6 years from now. I got rear ended by a ford ranger. There was more damage to the Ranger. The Echo takes a punch, too! It still has the factory battery in it. Seven years and still cranking.

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  Excellent little car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By deyzel - July 21 - 6:33 pm

  When I bought it in 2002 it was all I could afford. Now 7 years later I do not want to drive anything else. Not a single problem and great fuel economy on top of that. Add trouble free driving in the brutal Alberta winters to the list of praise. Being handed off to my girls now and I am sure they will get another 7 years of trouble free driving.

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  This car has been to hell and back! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Mike - May 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is the greatest car ever! My wife bought this car before we met. I have an eclipse (2000) and love sports cars and racing. This car has impressive performance (for the type of car that it is), the greatest stock stereo I have ever heard, and the strongest and most reliable motor (similar to the Hondas that have been long haulers). We have driven across country (Georgia to California)! I have added a k&n air filter, and use premium fuel, and synthetic oil change (starting at 35000 miles.) At over 73000 miles, the only problem we have had is some minor electrical recently and just did my first battery change. The best buy ever!

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  Best Small Car Ever - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Viki Benton - May 19 - 9:03 am

  I had always preferred large vehicles but took a chance on a small, economical commuter vehicle. It looked so ugly at first but upon getting in it, you find that it is large inside and really comfortable! And quality for an inexpensive car. I have had mine 5 years and I love it more than any other car I have ever had; its just the best car ever. I will drive it til it drives no more! A GREAT CAR! And it is actually a very good looking little car!! Wait till you get inside one and drive it. Exterior holds up well too.