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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  Little Tank - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Jonathan - January 28 - 1:53 pm

  I have owned my Echo for 7 yrs and it is the best car I have owned. I have had this car where trucks have been stuck and it still keeps going in the snow. Seven years and 195000 kms later with proper maintenance all I have had to do is doughnut gasket struts and brakes once.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By extrovert - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I get great mileage and that is important since Im in college. Lots of head room. Ive not had one problem since I bought the car.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By sillygirl2 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Gas mileage. Love the panel in center of dash...little strange at first...but never want to go back. SOOOO roomy for such a tiny car. So easy to park. Drives great!

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  Near Perfect Sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Pete Rock - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Despite what appears to be harsh criticism from the auto industry, you will be hard pressed to find a any actual Echo owners complaining about their cars. The 2003 Echo is a well-built vehicle that lives up to Toyotas quality reputation. The interior is highly functional and comfortable, and the ride is smooth. Even though this is a small car, the engine technology is top of the line which translates into solid power and excellent gas mileage. Sure, there are plenty of Honda Civics and Ford Focus out there that would be safe purchases, but hey, how about something that your next door neighbor doesnt already have in his garage?

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  Trust this car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By luvmyecho - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my little green Echo in August of the first year it was out, so I was a little worried as it hadnt been out for very long. However, knowing Toyota, my fears were few, and I felt (and still feel) this is a better value than almost any other compact out there. Roomy, great gas mileage, responsive, good pick up- I can hold my own in this car. Its true it can get blown about by a stong wind or a large semi passing, but I have few complaints besides that!

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  Not only for young drivers - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By fishinguy - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Echo after measuring the ground-to-seat height, and finding it similar to my elderly fathers favorite chair, the one he could most easily use. The law of gravity aided his descent into his own car, but getting out of it was another matter. After 6 months his health and strength improved. The "master plan" was to then sell the Echo, but Id grown very fond of it, enjoy driving it, and also appreciate the ease of access and superior side visibility for viewing scenery. The variable valve timing makes this little 1.5 liter engine seem peppy. I plan to keep my Echo forever, and I expect no problems for quite a long time.

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  Echo ROCKS - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echoluvver - December 19 - 5:56 am

  I have owned over 40 cars, and this Echo is one of the absolute best when ALL factors are considered. I used to drive 25,000 a year and have had big luxury cars that were great, but this little sucker is what a car should be. Fun, cheeky, economical, and reliable -its a Toyota. I have the hatchback and love the look of it, too. All around its a blast. The seats could be improved but thats it really. ECHO FOREVER

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  I like my Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Caperton - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have only three complaints: 1) lack of speed control 2) poor lighting of odometer 3) almost invisible light for headlights when on low Otherwise it is fun to drive, economical on the mileage, and surprisingly powerful, given that it is a "plain vanilla" sort of car.

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  Toyota echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Brian - November 26 - 12:30 pm

  I would have to say that for a 17 year old this is really the best car that you could buy. With its 1.5 liter 4- cly. 108 hp. this echo can be a sprinty for a little car. I would take the echo over a focus, civic,and an accent. The echo has a TDI system (Toyota Direct Ignition system) which means that it eliminates the need for a distributor, spark plug wires, rotor, and a bigger muffler for better breating at higher revs. It also has six speakers, and a great sound system. This is an awesome car!!!

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  This thing is a workhorse - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By tony22r - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This Echo is a little workhorse. It just goes and goes and goes! Smooth as the day I bought it. A lot roomier inside than it looks. Control placement is well thought out. Everything is just built right on the Echo!