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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  fun to drive and fast mover - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By thud - March 11 - 1:23 am

  This echo is more fun to drive than my v6 2001 honda coupe. The pickup is amazing and it will leave bigger cars at the stop lights. The vtec engine has plenty of power. It handles well and rides like a jewel with no road noise. I am getting over 41 miles per gallon. It runs the 0 to 60 faster than the camry v6. Most standards rubber band at slow speeds in low or second gear.(surging). The echo is the only manual that does not rubber band.

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  Excellent car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By xepathfinder95 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  our 2000 model now has 85,000 miles on it and it still runs as good as new and has only needed a set of tires and that is it. Over 40 mpg on the highway even in 95 degree heat , going 85 with the AC on high and 3 people and luggage. In the low to mid 30s in stop and go driving, never have we averaged less than 30 mpg. Decent stereo and pretty confortable, makes a great commuter car. Oddly it cost more to insure than our 2002 4x4 Nissan Xterra.

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  Echo rebukes OPEC - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By amosgirl - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my fine Camry for this awesome best- kept-secret blessing of a car! I have nothing but praise for its Lexus-based engine that electronically discerns how much fuel is necessary for moment-by-moment driving conditions. No profit margin in it so advertising is sparse; dealers will not mention it, nor have many in stock. I encourage you to pursue checking it out. Much better value than a Civic or even a Corolla. The interior is so roomy it seems to be an illusion. Great interior cubby places for storage. Brilliant!

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  I love my car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Happy owner - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Toyota Echo 4 door manual. (White) So far I love it. I like the look, and the new dark trim on the bottom (makes it look sharp). Im very happy with it. I like the placement of the meters in the center a lot better. (speed, odo, etc.)I think its actually easier on the eyes. I think its a great car for a great price!

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  A Home Run With Me - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Tom - February 11 - 7:50 am

  I bought this car new back in 2002 and quite frankly it was the first foreign car Ive ever purchased. I always bought from GM, and at the time of purchase, the "Big Three" were making only gas guzzlers (the Geo Metro was phased out). So I was very apprehensive about buying foreign. Wow, my fears were unfounded. This car runs and runs and runs. Ive got 80000 miles on it and the only thing Ive done is put gas in it and change the oil every 6 months religiously. Absolutely no problems, not even a sensor light has come on. Love this car - would recommend this car to anyone - and I have, and two people have purchased this car used and they love it as well.

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  2 door Toyota Echo 2001 - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By femme - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Good qualities: The 2 door Toyota Echo 2001 is a fun car to drive - it zips around, up hills even with the AC on. It also has a fantastic 3 in 1 stereo system with 6 speakers. It stands a little higher off the ground, especially for a small car, which is very helpful in this era of SUVs. I am a large person, and the Echo fits me well, with plenty of head room and no need for a seatbelt extender. I also find the dashboard set up (with the MPH in the center of the dash) to be easier to read than peering through the steering wheel, and I love all the additional spaces built in to the dash.

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  Echo is a great little car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By txdotbill - February 3 - 10:00 am

  The whole look of the Echo is unconventional. I have had my son note that kids his age turn to look at it as we pass. It is a car with a surprising amount of pickup, manueverability and emergency speed capabilities than I ever expected of a 4 cylinder car. While I have noted a slight handling problem in high winds but didnt expect SUV handling in a sub-compact. My tall friends have remarked how roomy the car is and the interior appointments are great. I got it loaded including a cruise control and would trade it for nothing in a comparable range. The gas mileage is great and helps the economy of my 154 mile per day commute.

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  Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By BrianT - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I got the two door echo. Its not too small but I dont reccomend the two door because its a pain getting everybody inside it. Echo holds up good against high gas prices but doesnt hold up on the highway as much. I do alot of highway driving and when its really windy the Echo blows all over the road. Its great for in town driving though, you never have any wind disturbances there. My car came with very few options which was dissapointing but I didnt want to pay a bunch extra. Id say if you had to choose between the Echo or the Hybrid Prius, to go ahead and pay a lil more for the Prius. Its alot better on everything.

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  Underestimated - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Alias Name - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife & I bought the Echo new in 01. My ego had inhibitions, but it was for her & I respected Toyota quality. I inherited a 97 Grand Prix GT. Although the Echo is a bit under-powered for my taste, Id drive it over any car Ive had. Its functional, fun & easy to drive, capable & economical. Edmunds latest review wasnt useful. It seemed they were evaluating it on standards it wasnt built for. If you want a gas- guzzling, gangly, glorified minivan (refering to SUVs), you wont be interested in a small car. We love it (including our 8-week old whose car seat fits great). And the crash test results Edmonds was so worried about later received 4 of 5 stars.

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  Almost a Great car... - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By GPRenegade - January 24 - 9:40 am

  I bought my echo after driving a V6 Buick LeSabre so my numbers for performance and comfort may be a little biased, but the rest of my ratings are bluntly honest and accurate. Performance & comfort: has good acceleration from a standstill, but not so great at higher speeds (engine vibrates, whines, and often hesitates). Fun & economy: the Echo handles like a go-kart. Great for turns and navigating traffic, not so great at high speed or in bad weather. Gas mileage is good, close to what is expected. Design & quality & reliability: great interior styling, love the speedometer placement. Hate the exterior styling. It reminds me of a ride at disneyland. As for reliability, its a Toyota.