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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  small outside BIG INSIDE - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By ajay2 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Inexpensive to operate. Costly extras. All made in Japan. Great tire wear.No clock.

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  Fantastic First Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By VAwaterdrop - September 30 - 7:10 pm

  This was my first car and also the vehicle that I learned how to drive in so needless to say it took a lot of beatings! It never fails to impress with great handling and much better power than you would expect from just looking at it. It handles corners well, no problem at all accelerating onto the freeway in the city or switching in/out of lanes in a hurry (the handling on this car has been a lifesaver in preventing accidents). I have the four door so while the backseat probably wouldnt fit two adults comfortable for a roadtrip, its perfect for around town. Its never required anything other than general maintenance and its getting on 5 years old/162,000 m. Would definitely recommend!!

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  Endearing little machine - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By James and Joanna - September 29 - 10:06 pm

  This car has won me over. Despite the awful center-mount gauges and ugly styling, Toyota did its homework. Interior space is larger than its subcompact rating would suggest, as is its trunk. The interior materials, while not much on a quality impression, are extremely hard wearing. Few rattles are to be heard. The ride is comfortable for a car with such a short wheelbase, but handling can be squirrelly especially at higher speeds or in crosswinds. The motor isnt exactly refined but even saddled with an automatic transmission it moved the car with surprising swiftness and equally impressive fuel economy - low 30s on my short commute with a/c and near 40 on long trips.

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  SOLID CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By newtonent - September 29 - 10:00 am

  NO PROBLEMS,GREAT GAS MILEAGE,INSTRUMENTS ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE,SOLID BUILD, THE CAR HAS A TENDANCY TO ROLL AROUND A BIT IN AN OFF CANTER TURN AT 100 MPH.BUT ITS SOMETHING YOU LEARN TO LIVE WITH.

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  Great for me - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By donwayne - September 27 - 4:57 pm

  I bought my car in Feb. 2001 with the sticker telling me that my MPG would be 38/43. I have been lucky to have had company cars, so I now have barely 69K miles on the engine. I now have been using my car more for work, driving in town, and out of town. Besides oil changes and new tires, I have not had to have any other work done on my car. I calculated a month ago that I was getting 38 MPG, so I am very happy with this car. I just hate they do not make it anymore. The big space is so unexpected for such a small car.

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  Great little car! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By busymom7 - August 18 - 11:16 pm

  This incredible little car is fun to drive and gets awesome gas mileage, even in town. My fifteen year old keeps bugging me about driving it and THINKS she will get to drive it when she gets her license - but theres no way she will get it away from MOM! The interior headroom is surprising. My six foot four husband fits without brushing his hair on the roof, much less his head! Love the pep, love the zip. Great little car!

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  quality econo vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By No1Stunna - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I spotted this little ride at the local dealership and on a whim went and checked it out...a couple hours later I was driving it home. It is designed very well on the interior, lots of little storage spots and plus the center dash is just tight. Rides well and can hold its own easily on the highway---just in case you are wondering. Fuel economy is off the chain but you dont sacrifice much to get it. People keep asking me what kind of car you got? Yo---get your own echo!!!

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  Toyota Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Mimerlan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We have really enjoyed our Toyota Echo. If you are not after luxury, this is one to consider. It gets great gas mileage, and it has plenty of leg room. Our son is 62" and he has no complaints with the head and leg room. It has plenty of pep for passing and take-offs. And it cruises nicely down the road at 70 mph. It sets up higher than any compact car we considered. It also has plenty of trunk space. For the price, comfort and economy you cant beat it!

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  4 years old and going strong - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By OTTR B - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Almost right away used it in place of broken down Plymouth minivan for a reenactment. Were able to haul everything we had in the minivan in the Echo--more careful packing. Drove it to Alaska over the Alaska Highway and back summer of 02. 10,748 miles. Averaged 38 mpg--best was 43 worst 32 (driving in Montana with A/C on and somewhat over speed limit if there was one). Only problem whole trip was the A/C condensor line came off because of washboard road--Alaska Hiway--Yukon Ty--reconnected it dried floor & kept going. Wife used it to commute to school and work--both long commutes. Never failed her. Work is closer now so well see how it does for shorter commutes.

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  Best Ride for the buck - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ShoesNHeels - July 31 - 2:00 am

  If choosing between a 13K used car and an Echo, the decision is a no brainer. After 32000 miles, it runs and rides just like new. Because I bought a 5 speed, the pickup is just fine. The ride on an interstate is not smooth, but it rarely is in a 50000 used car anyway. You can drive this car knowing that it will be dependable and cost you nothing at the pump. I am surprised I dont see them everywhere