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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Best Starter Car! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Emily DiPierro - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its the first car that I have purchased and I think that it is a very good starter car for first time buyers. Very good quality for a very good price.

• 

  A great little car. - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By happy echo driver - August 10 - 3:16 am

  The car gets great mileage and has decent power to boot. Its easy to park, but has plenty of passenger and cargo room. Handling and ride are acceptable. Exterior styling is pretty good, but could be better. Interior looks kind of cheap. I like the center-mounted instrument cluster because the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of the gauges. Its solidly built and wont squeak or rattle. The cd stereo is great. The Scion xA and xB are based on the same platform, but have much less cargo room with the rear seats upright. The echo makes more sense if you need to carry around four people and cargo.

• 

  solid toyota product - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By jztoronto - August 2 - 7:00 am

  i dont agree with the edmunds review this car is a tank, 170k and NO MAJOR REPAIRS just change the oil. typical toyota best maker in the world for the money. the interior has as much space as more exp corrola. not bad in the snow with snow tires. terrific mileage and the trunk is as big as a camrys trunk. styling is def different and not for all but the build quality is solid engine and tranny is typical toyota. if u had 170 km on an audi for example you are 12k in repairs lol. the reviews knock the appearance but ill guarantee that the build quality is solid. def not for a single guy but if you buy this you are ok for repairs

• 

  GREAT little car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By A. Miller - July 29 - 10:13 am

  I have owned this car for over 2 years and have had no trouble whatsoever. I think the write up by Edmunds is completely off track, and I think this is the best car money can buy. It has a spacious trunk, plenty of room for 2 adults and 3 kids. It has plenty of pep but still gets 40 mpg. No cruise control on mine was a mistake, and power windows would be nice.

• 

  LOVE IT!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By MikeyF - July 25 - 12:30 am

  Ive always liked the Echo and my Taurus (great car) was finally fixing to die. Managed to get a white, 2-door, 5- speed, and I love it. Faster to 60 than my V6 Taurus, roomy as its tall if short, and great economy. Everything about it is well designed and quality made. Im a BIG guy and it fits me well. Also excellent view of the road. TONS of storage. They really thought this one out.

• 

  Its a good car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By dickie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is cute on the outside, maybe moreso for girls, and the inside is very comfortable. I like the way the guages are set off to the side. After a couple days driving it, it actually becomes easier to glance sideways to see the speedomoter and the gas mileage is great. My only problem is on the interstate the wind from a semi will blow it sideways. Other than that, I love my echo.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By DICK STUART - July 17 - 10:13 am

  Purchased for my wife and now we fight over who will drive. I always drove big cars but this drives like a big car and the reliability and gas mileage and looks have won me over. You get more than you pay for in this car.

• 

  Happiness with my ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Kwil - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am a visiting nurse. I rewuire a car that is reliable and has very good mileage. As I need a new car aprox every 4 yrs, afordability is also a must. I have found all this in my ECHO. I couldnt be happier