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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  Best by Far - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vuduthmb - November 4 - 7:56 pm

  Im 57, and I have owned many cars. Nothing even comes close to the Echo. Ten years old, and still getting gas mileage close to a hybrid. Just change the oil and tires, it just keeps going.

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  the best - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By zaatsy - October 28 - 11:13 pm

  My Echo is best car I have ever owned. Totally reliable. 6 years and 192000 miles driven & all I have had to replace is a thermostat. I do keep on top of the maintenance. The inside is so roomy I dont feel I am in a small car until I see another Echo. The sound system is excellent. I would have preferred a little more body style and would have loved it if I could ever have achieved the milage of 43 mpg mentioned on the sticker. Small cars usually have no "get up and go" but the peppiness of the Echo is incredibly impressive. I love my car so much I wanted to purchase another. I was devastated when I found them dropped from the line.

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  Great around town, so-so on the road - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By PetRock235 - October 26 - 2:03 am

  Economical car, 30mpg avg, easily fits in tight parking spaces, pretty good around town. The ride is a little bumpy, and its noisy at highway speed. Acceleration is OK for on ramps but a little underpowered for climbing hills.

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  This car just wont quit - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ECHOdriver - October 18 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Echo, as a new car, 6 years ago. I drive 80 miles to work, 160 round trip, 6 days a week. 50,000 per year. I have logged 300,000 miles on this car. Fuel mileage is awesome. 43 in the summer, 40 in the spring and fall, 38 in the winter when its below zero. Very few repairs. Rear shocks and O2 sensor at 100,000 miles. Front brake pads at 220,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing at 260,000 miles. These are the only repairs Ive had. Still has original struts, rear brakes, etc. I am comfortable in this car. The drivers seat is worn out, but still, 3 hours a day in my Echo and I can honestly say the car is comfortable. This car still drives great. No squeaks or rattles.

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  Dangerous car!!! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By concernedmom - October 14 - 11:23 am

  I was like everyone else, I loved this car at first. The gas mileage was great (38mi./gal), but the day I wrecked it changed my mind. If anyone else had been in the car with me, they wouldve died!! It folded like an aluminum can!!! Please reconsider this car and buy something safer. I didnt have side airbags, but there was dual front airbags. I hit a deer and then hit the passenger side against a tree. The airbags did not deploy and I received a concussion from the passenger door. The whole car folded in half and I was only driving 45mi/hr.!! If you have family, please dont buy this. Their lives will be at risk. Be safe and choose a better car, any passengers with me wouldve been killed.

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  I love my ECHO!!!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By catoesgirl420 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun little car to drive. My parents helped me purchise mine as a "going to college" car.

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  best economy car for the buck! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Thomas Collins - October 9 - 8:09 am

  I had a Honda 1999 civic before this and I spent $3000. On services just to keep it right. These echos just need oil changes. More room higher off ground for flood areas better mpg quieter. You have to neglect the car to have a problem. 30mpg city. Easy to drive and park. I had a 2005 corolla and it was falling apart . Sad. I know when I walk out to my echo it is going to take me where Im going with no problems. These cars were built right. 200k miles easy. No timing belt bs. At 113k now only needs front rotors replaced. Perfect for city or long distance. I would drive it anywhere anytime year.

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  love my Echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Marika - October 5 - 3:13 pm

  There is no getting around it, I just love this car - and expect a lot of attention when you drive it. Other owners will wave furiously, and whenever I come out of the mall, there will be someone looking at it and wanting to ask questions

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By jdmwiseau - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I have an automatic and average 43 MPG on the HWY. I must say, Im pleasantly surprised by the power of the 1.5 liter power plant. Wish I had cruise control with all the driving I do but I am not fatigued at all with the 200 plus miles I drive daily. I highly recommend this car for the daily commuter. My other car is a Lexus LS400. I know quality when I drive it.

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  The Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By ltrack - October 4 - 4:42 am

  Bought this car used, 9 years old with 170,000km. It runs smooth as can be and I must get +50MPG. 650km to a tank in city driving. This is a dream car.