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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  A Great Commuting Car for All Sizes - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By NW - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Echo. The first was a 2001, totalled by a rear end accident. No injuries. I loved that car, and this one is even a little better. I am a large 61" and fit comfortably. I love the pick up, the drive, the mileage (35-40+ mpg)and the size, which means I can park where others cant. So far no trouble with either car. Highly recommended.

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  Love my Echo… - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bispo1 - June 10 - 1:46 pm

  I now have 216,000 + miles. No major maintenance required. I’ve kept up on the oil changes every 5000 miles and plugs and all the filters every 50,000 miles. I also had the transmission serviced at 100,000 and 200,000 mile marks. Mileage runs about 34 hwy and 28 city. I’m not one to baby a car, I drive it hard (that’s why the MPG is so low)… I’m 6’ tall and weight is running a little over 200 lbs. The seats have held up excellent, both in form and material. I have plenty of leg and head room… Total reliability

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  What a car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By chuckamuck - June 2 - 1:00 am

  I had an 06 Tacoma that I bought right off the line - never saw a dealers lot, and I loved it. However with the price of fuel approaching $5.00 per gallon I was in need of a more economical vehicle. This one is it. The Echo was made for me. I see a lot of people saying that it is hard to handle in bad weather, but I have to disagree. If you keep the tires balanced and rotated, and properly inflated it handles as well as a Camry. The only thing I would have done differently in design would be to replace the seats with something more comfortable for the long haul - nice for in town driving but a little stiff on long rides. Other than that this car is perfect.

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  Good for Gas Mileage - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By AJ - June 1 - 12:00 am

  The Toyota Echo is gets really good gas mileage and it has a lot more trunk space than you would expect.

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  Luv my Echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By alienlady - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my echo since Jan 02 and i have never had a problem! Gas milege is great, even though it looks small it has alot of room inside, the only thing it doesnt really have good pick up speed.

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  I LOVE mine!! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By chell57 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I adore my echo! Reliable, alot of head and leg room, gauge placement is so cool!!

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  Good gas milage - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Frank - May 15 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased the car used from the original owner with 136,000 miles on it. I have driven it on several 180+ trips and always get 40+ MPG on the freeway. It is a peppy 5 speed manual. I can shift 1-3-5 on a normal start up with no problem. CON. It has a small growling roar on the highway. It is not the engine or transmission which I tested by coasting at high speeds. Also it is not stable in a high cross wind. It is a very clean used car without any signs of the 136K mi. on the speedometer. I have gotten used to the center speedometer but could use a better lighting system in the cluster. Overall Im well pleased with it. On

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  Echo Hatchback Headed to Canada! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Leslie Tang - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I am 17 years old and have had my G2 license for about a year now and I cant wait until I can go and buy my very own car (no more driving my parents Chevy Venture!). After going to the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (GO LEAFS GO!) and seeing first hand the all new Toyota Echo Hatchback, Ive got to say this car is truly worth emptying my account for. Note, This car is only coming to Canada and will not be for sale in the U.S. So if your willing to drive up here and get one, be my guest!

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  Echo, Love it ! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Frank - April 25 - 12:30 am

  The best money I ever spent on a car! Its a shame this car did not catch on with most of the public. With todays gas prices its a solution available today ! Its about half the cost of a hybrid, but gets 40+ mpg ! A great value. I was surprised how peppy this car is for a fuel efficient car.

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  MPG 41-47 (5 tests) - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ARY - April 7 - 4:20 pm

  My manual 2002 4dr Echo has 175K now. I did 5 tests on mpg w/different routes and cargo load (from just one driver to 1 driver + 8 scuba tanks and a scooter). The roads are country, FL. Burned some 3/4 of a tank, read receipts for exact difference and read the odometer. None of the tests indicated lower than 40 mpg and the highest Ive ever recorded was 47. For 175K replaced parts were: burned cabin fan resistor, 3 sets of tires (worn), cracked windshield (gravel), dozen w-shield wipes, oil change. Best of all - I paid it off 2 yrs ago. None of the new cars come close to the performance and "True Cost 2 Own", not even Yaris nor Honda Fit.