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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  Reliable gas saver - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By John B. - February 15 - 8:56 am

  Excellent car if you enjoy filling up your car with gas knowing it will last a lot longer than that MEGA size SUV next to you. This is an extremly reliable little car with a fairly roomy interior and decent trunk space.

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  Amazing Car. - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By echoman2 - February 10 - 8:16 am

  I inherited this little guy from my parents when i left for college, with 85,000 miles on it. I have since taken it up to 105,000 miles, because I commute every day to school. Even after 100,000 miles there has NEVER been a single maintenance issue. The thing still runs like a champ. I consistently get 40-43 mpg in the city, and 50 on highway trips. It has a decent amount of space, and can fit four people nicely. The trunk is pretty big, and i have crammed quite a bit of stuff in it. Honestly the most economical car i have ever seen or driven. Its also pretty spunky. The acceleration is decent, and she likes the higher rpms. I have beaten this car up and its still running strong.

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  gas sipper - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By High Point - January 17 - 11:16 am

  Mine came equipped with a/c and staight gear. Gas mileage averages about 39 per gallon. The wind does move this car around somewhat but I think that would be inherent with any 2100 lb. car. True it doesnt come with many extras but I didnt expect many for $11,700.00. Before I bought the Echo I tested a Hyundai Accent, Daewoo Lanos and Kia Rio and they could not touch the Echo in acceleration, gas mileage, ride quality or fit and finish.

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  Efficient yet sporty - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Jeremy - December 13 - 11:26 am

  The Toyota Echo is the value for your dollar car next to the Honda Civic. If you are looking to give your new high school graduate a new car, A Honda Civic or Toyota Echo is the car. Although 2005 is the last production year for the Echo, look in 2007 for the Toyota Yaris to be the next best thing. Japanese producted Yaris is the exact same frame and structure as the Echo, but you now have a 3rd or 5th door (hatchback).

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  Honey of a car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Honey - December 12 - 8:36 pm

  I think its cute and for the price, it is very reliable and economical. If youre looking for a good, sound economical small car, I think the Echo is a good choice. The trunk is suprisingly roomy and the seating is tall and very adequate.The down side is its a bit noisy when driving on a highway. I wish it was better insulated from road noises. And it does sway when passing a semi. Otherwise, I like my Echo just fine.

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  This car WORKS - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Jpoynter - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 54000 miles on the Echo in two years, and during that time the only glitches Ive found were poor handling and soft paint. The poor handling was due to improper inflation of the tires causing a rearend skittering at high speeds. The steering is light and precise when the tires are properly inflated, and the handling improved greatly with a tire upgrade. So the only true complaint comes with the idea that a bug can go right through the paint. The hood needs to be sanded and painted.

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  Great little car that will last forever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Michael - August 27 - 4:10 pm

  One of the best little cars I have ever owned, the power of the little motor is very surprising, all features are great only one thing no cruise control, otherwise gas mileage and no timing belt makes this an excellent choice. easy to tune up yourself as well.

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  Great commuter vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Raymond - April 18 - 4:33 am

  I drive 65 miles a day round trip. This is an inexpensive, very dependable, and cost efficient vehicle to own. Its no frills, and its not "plush", but its comfortable enough on long DC area commutes, and tolerable on very long trips for one or two people. Theres a surprising amount of headroom for us taller people, and the backseat area and truck are more spacious than youd expect for such a small car.

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  Cant kill this car! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By kosarin - March 4 - 7:33 am

  Bought new in 2000. Other than initial problem w/o2 sensor, have had almost no repairs. Keep thinking of buying a new car but why bother?

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  GREAT COMMUTER CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By boggerguy - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car specifically for commuting(gas mileage) it turned to be great..the car has 11.9 gal tank and I get about 400 miles to tank and thats going 80 mph everywhere. I also travel alot of dirst roads around so I developed a window alignment problem fixed by dealer... overall great commuter car highly recommend it