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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  Not just another small sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By stan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!! Not because of price,but for exellent mpg,confort,use of space and fun to drive.Someone told me it looked like a spaceship!I said cool! Tired of the same old styles,i like it,kinda grows on you.Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving.Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size.Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned.Great view in the drivers seat! sits higher than most small cars.Dont be afriaid to try something different!! you may really like it,like i did.PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car.

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  Wonderful car to own!!!! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By recipepal - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Toyota Echo I purchased brand new April,2000. Its a beautiful red color that still loos brand new. Im a travel Nurse and bought it in my home town in For Lauderdale, Fl. and had it trucked out to Thousand Oaks,Ca for an assignment. It ha saved me quite a bit of money when the gas prices soared over #2.50/gallon.! Very dependable.Never worried about being stranded especially in a City 3000 miles away from my family.

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  2001 Echo - One of the Best Cars to Own - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Dave K - December 16 - 4:50 am

  Our 2001 Echo sedan has been one of the best cars weve ever owned. Remember, its not a Cadillac! Its great on gas, fun, and easy to drive, and very reliable. Seats 4 very comfortably. Our 19 yr old daughter now has 108K miles on it. Typical maintenance is all weve seen (fluids, tires, brakes (just replaced at 70+K miles). Good quality overall, and reliable!

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  Couldnt Ask for a Better Car! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Niblackfeet - December 5 - 2:03 pm

  I just cant say enough about this little gem. What I "sacrifice" in luxury and styling (and not a big sacrifice, its a conveyance, not a living room!) I make up in performance and fuel economy. I have had this car for 4 years and have, admittedly, been pretty rough with it. I havent yet had it in the shop except for yearly inspections. Recently, on a long, flat, straight trip, I traveled 500 miles on a tank of gas. I estimate the tank to be about 11 gallons so you do the math! 5 people can fit comfortably and the trunk space is phenomenal. Its easy to park and easy to drive. If you want a reliable car and feel responsible for environmental impact, this is the way to go

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  Toyota Echo - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Yoter - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Toyota Echo. Its gets me wherever i want to go. It goes ok on the snow too. its a great car to cruise around town in.

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  echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By frank - October 22 - 9:13 pm

  We have used for trips and around town. Gets 43 MPG at 75 mph. Wish they still made them. (Stick shift)

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  The Rental - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By codenose - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I rented a 2002 Toyota Echo. The interior and trunk were adequate. The car was designed to make the driver focused on the controls. No way could the frail or elderly, a young teenager or the inexperianced handle the steering on this rental. While I was able to compensate for turns while in motion, those from a stop were more difficult. It took brute force to extract myself from a pararell paking position. I drove the car for approximately 30 miles. It would be wise for anyone considering purchasing this car to rent it for a day. The exterior paint had far too many dimples with rust.

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  Maintenance free - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Fawwaz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the echo with deep concern at first. The reason for the purchase was to save money on the long drive from Los Angeles to Victorville, 200 miles round trip every day. Two years, with 45 thousand on the instrument cage the echo still running like a loyal dog. The only maintenance required is oil change and an alignment. This vehicle is recommended for single men and women. If you are looking for an economical vehicle, Echo is highly recommended.

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  new and very good - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By x2073 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Just got it

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By twinee - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car impresses. ECHO owners know that this car is a gem. This car brings a smile to my face! I previously owned a Tercel and a Honda Civic. The Tercel was a great car. The Civic my worst nightmare, lots of electrical problems. My ECHO is not only problem free but very fuel efficient at 32 miles per gallon. Best car on the road today.