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 car for your money - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Jenny - June 17 - 8:10 pm

  After getting into an accident with my Kia Sephia, I needed a car bad. I decided on a Toyota Echo and have never felt a shred of buyers remorse. This little car is quite deceiving with its roominess and and overall handling. Under the hood looks just as nice -- everything labled and easy to reach. I highly recommend this as a first car or one to replace a gas-guzzler!

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  Great for short people - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Leeni - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Echo. The interior is what sold me on the Echo. I am not quite 5ft and the placement of the gauges is very pratical. You are sitting high so no pillows for seeing over the steering wheel. Now it may not be the best car but if a low price is a priority , well it is hard to beat. It is peppy and no more than manditory maint needed

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  A Zippy Little Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By expressoroad - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I can now go on a trip and forget the cost of gas. 42 mpg on the road at reasonable speeds. Plenty of space for luggage, beach stuff, etc. This was a spur of the moment purchase. I lucked out. A lot of people think its "cute"...not a big concern of mine, but hey!

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  HOT MAMAS ECHOES - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By HOT MAMA - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Its nimble and fun to drive....you actually have to drive it...it doesnt go 80 mph unless you have put it there. Bit difficult if you have to go up a mountain.... good in snow.

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  my echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By sjancsik - May 4 - 2:00 am

  good value foir the money

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  Keeping it forever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By jgc - April 17 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car 10 years ago. On my first long drive to Northern California , on HWY 5, I looked down at the speedometer and I was driving 105 mph. Honest officer, It felt like I was only going 60. No quivering, no shaking, no instability. Just a very smooth and confident ride at pretty high speed for this little coupe. When we first drove it home the neighbors with the big trucks laughed at the car, but when the gas shortages happened I was the one laughing . Its extremely reliable. No major repairs at all. Even though Im shopping for a new car I wont get rid of My Echo. I just gave it a major tune up, oil change, brakejob, and changed a belt. Probably good for another 100,000 miles

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  Purchased my Echo new in 2001 - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By johnmichael2 - April 12 - 7:26 am

  My Echo will be 10 years old in the Fall with 104,000 miles. I recently began looking for a new car due to age and mileage. Then I realized how much I still enjoyed the car. The car is in great shape and has only needed normal replacement items such as oil changes, tires and brakes. After evaluating the Echo I decided I am happy with what I already have. The reviews posted here made me realize with so many with higher mileage I should keep driving the Echo.

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  My Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By aeroterremer - April 6 - 11:43 pm

  What can I say? I just love my Echo! Ive never owned a car that I was so proud to drive, and this is just my third car in 25 years. Ive had her 3 years now and every day still brings joy and excitement. Although Im retired and dont put in the long miles, she still gets excellent mileage. I would highly recommend the Echo to anyone who wants a no-frills reliable, cute car. If I had to do it again, Id do it in a heartbeat. I love this car so much my sister said my idea of Heaven would be to have only Echos up there. :)

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  My puddle skipper - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By puddle jumper - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this puddle skipper for 3 years. We purchased it when they first came out. I must say other than the interior a bit small we have had no problems with it. We now have over 75000 miles and it still runs great. A great little car for a kid thats off to college or for a fuel minded person. It even is ok on 500 mile trips for 3 people. We have done it with 4 but thats kinda tight.

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  Cant Get Much Better - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By TRSR - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a business and this car has traveled over 51,000 miles in just 14 months. I have had absolutely ZERO problems! NONE! I fully expect it to go well over 200,000 miles without major problems as the Toyotas in the old days used to. 300,000 miles isnt out of the question for Toyota. I am so glad I bought this car, so glad in fact that I just bought a Toyota Takoma from the same dealer. I will NEVER own anything but a Toyota again. PERFECT CARS!