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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  Got Game - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By BIG D - March 21 - 10:33 am

  No doubt about the Echo, its GOT GAME !! The car has guts, its a lot of fun to drive in the city, easy on the pocket book, and comfortable for a 63 soccer coach. I strongly recommend this car its solid, safe, and sexy. Ok forget the sexy... but you wont regret the decision.

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  6.5 years after first review - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ottrb - March 12 - 10:12 am

  We still own our 2001 echo. It now has 171,000 miles on it and no problems yet. Only repair has been the downstream O2 sensor. I replaced it myself--bought the diagnostic tool,maintenance repair manual CD and O2 sensor and came out ahead of the game. The reliability of the Echo is outstanding. After having owned American cars for over 30 years I now own two Toyotas--the Echo and an 03 Highlander. And I wonder why it took so long to see the light and get rid of the American junk. Maybe (according to Edmonds) the Echo was overpriced but after 10.5 years of reliable ownership the Echo has more than paid for itself in reliability and value.

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  GOOD! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Ariel - March 12 - 1:20 am

  This car is great for the family. It has just the right amount of space for me and my friends. It is great for new drivers. It is one of the best cars that i have ever driven!

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  Buy the ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rajmoran - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent.

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  THE ECONOMIC MACHINE - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By CURTIS - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and its been a great car. Anything from fuel economy to quality. I have not put any money into it. You can go on a full tank of gas around the city for 2 to 3 weeks. I dont get my oil changes until every 5,000 miles (Toyota recommends this). The only thing I dont like about it is when you are driving on the highway when its real windy. But other than that I recommend this car, specially if you are trying to conserve you wallet.

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  So far very good - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Serbian - January 25 - 2:00 am

  50.000 km without single problem. Car did not see dealer. Seats and seating positions is excelent. I like big trunk. I do not like "side wind" driving car instead of me.

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  2000 Echo Sedan - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Frank - December 26 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my manual transmission equipped Echo to tow on the ground behind my motorhome because of its light weight and Toyotas known reliability and I have not been disappointed.

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  A Fun Reliable car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Cindy - December 25 - 9:40 pm

  Love this car! I have had it for 4 years and love the handling, ease of parking, reliability and mileage. Would definitely buy it again. We commute 50+ miles a day and cant give it up!

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  Cannot go wrong with Toyota! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Linda Lou - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love my new Toyota Echo! Best fuel economy, of any car I have ever owned. Sleek, sporty exterior. Roomy interior, big trunk capacity. Unusually fiesty drive, for a small 4- cylinder. Beautiful paint, black sand pearl. Also own a Camry V6 LE 1996, and would recommend Toyota to everyone!

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  Awesome little car! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By dimples - November 25 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car and have had it for 8 yrs with no problems. I only had to change the tires and oil. Make a great product and then discontinue it! Makes sense. Why in the world did Toyota do this! I am going out to buy a newer Toyota Echo with less mileage and run it to death like this one.