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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  2002 Black Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Scott33809 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have to say that my Echo is a great driveing car . The car has so much power for a small car .The Echo is so much better then my Ford Focus was .I love the 5 speed its so fun to shift and the get up and go is great .I get 42 MPG with the Echo .The A/C works great and the am/fm/cd is very nice .I dont know why edmunds had to say all the bad things about the Echo its a GREAT CAR and its a toyota so what more can you ask for .Edmunds says to buy the honda well i went and drove the honda and the honda drove like a tin can next to the Echo .

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  samismom - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By samismom - January 7 - 9:13 am

  With gas prices rising, Im so happy with my Toy. Great for people on fixed incomes. Would consider buying another one when the time comes. Great in snow 1 foot or less. Front seat nice and high especially for elderly, and people with problems from the waist down, especially disabled transferring from wheelchair to car.

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  Stylish economy car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Peoples car - December 29 - 1:13 am

  I was lucky enough to find a used coupe with a five speed, I was reluctant about that, but I love it and no power anything, less to break. This is as close to a poor mans sports car as you can get and given the prohibitive price of cars, and its excellent mpg its a gem and a lot of fun to drive. Also unconventional looking with a hi-tech interior design and an amazing amount of space inside. Ive added a sunroof and cruise control so I have a poor mans convertible and an additional comfort feature. Parked next to a conventional sedan, lets say a Camry, Im amazed at how big the Echo looks. Its a shame this car didnt make it, Corollas dont come in two doors and they are so boring looking.

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  Want security? Buy an Echo! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Merryweather65 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a VW prior to the Toyota I can assure you the Toyota is a far superior vehicle! With the VW I was always worried about when and where I was going to break down, and how much it was going to cost me. Granted, I have owned the Toyota less then a year, but I already feel much more secure in it then I did in the VW. I have very few bells and whistles (not even a CD player), but with less features there is less to go wrong. The Echo is a simple car, for people who want to get get where they need to go without the worry. Plus, who can go wrong owning a car that gets 40 mpg!

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  best car ever. - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By gabrielle - December 2 - 2:00 am

  this car is so so so fun to drive. i suddenly love my hour commute to school. its very utilitarian and economic, all the compartments make a great use of space and the gas milage is outstanding. i love how the seats sit up high, being 5 ive felt kind of lost in many of the cars ive driven.

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  Long Term Economy - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By borchert - November 26 - 2:00 am

  One of the most desirable features I have found with the Echo is the motor and drivetrain. It has excellent performance for a 1.5L motor - I assume this is due in part to the Variable Valve Timing. There is no timing belt that will need to be replaced in a few years, it uses a timing chain. There are no spark plug wires that need to be replaced either. I agree with the Edmunds review that the styling is not as desireable as the Scions which use the same drivetrain.

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  Who needs a Smartcar??! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Justin - November 21 - 6:10 am

  When I drive my Echo, I forget that it is a 1.5 liter VVT-i and not a sports car. I was surprised when I test drove it, as I was expecting the response to compare to a Ford Tempo. The car has more interior room than my brothers 2008 Aveo, and my other brothers 2008 Focus! It is not the fastest car on the block, but it sure is fun to drive! I own the manual, so I wouldnt even want to ever drive an auto again!

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  Edmunds is wrong! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gray mare - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this little Echo! I have owned many cars over the years--VWs, Hondas, Fords, small, big and hot cars too. I test drove Saturn, Nissan, Hundai & Civic before choosing the Echo. The seating height, visibility and interior design is ideal for me at 5ft, 2" tall, but my 5 10", 270 lb boyfriend drives it too. It is much more comfortable to get in and out of than the others. The bucket seats are the most comfortable and the gas mileage is great! I paid $11,400 for the car new(4-door) including air conditioning and power steering. Test drive before you rule it out. Read Consumers Reports 2002 Auto Edition. They highly recommended it.

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Bert - November 13 - 1:03 am

  Great car! I bought this car used from an individual. I have nearly 100,000 miles, and not a single problem. Comfy, roomy for a tiny package and great on gas!

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  edmunds review all wet - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Echo Lover - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand how anyone could put down a cars instrument panel that finally makes sense. You can see anything on the instrument panel clearly without looking away from the road at anytime! The car has plenty of headroom. I had 5 grown adults in the car and everyone was comfortable. Two of the adults were overweight. Getting in and out of the car is a breeze. The radio controls are within reach. Handling is great on normal days and controllable on windy days.