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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  Love my 2001 4 door Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Dave M - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased, added, this car used in August 2005. I have an Avalon so I wanted to stay with the Toyota reliability. After researching I found that owners love their Echos! I bought because of the mileage and have not been disappointed. Lowest so far is 33mpg and straight highway Ive got between 45mpg and 49mpg. It handles very smooth on the road and on long trips it has been comfortable. Obviously not as comfy as my Avalon but still ok. My wife and kids all love the car and I get compliments on it all the time. It does not feel like a typical small car on the inside. I save everytime I go to the pump. I rate buying this car as one of the smarter things I have done in a long time.

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  Great Mileage, Powerful, Unique - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By micweb - February 21 - 10:00 am

  The engine in this car is hot. It out accelerates the Ford Focus ZX3 (130 hp engine) I used to have, and gets 38 mpg vs the 25 mpg the ZX3 automatic got. The airconditioner is plenty cold. The ride is smooth and quiet up to 80mph. The suspension is more like a sports car - compliant but firm, with grippy tires (the 175s stick pretty darn good). The only quality control issue is a tiny wind whistle on the drivers side at high speeds - otherwise, famous Toyota quality at a bargain price.

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  2000 Echo: over 180,000 miles and no problems - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By echoowner - February 12 - 7:30 pm

  We bought our Echo in 2000. It has been the most reliable car weve ever owned, and the most economical to operate. Highway mileage is about 40 mpg, and we have had no major repairs at over 180,000 miles. My husband is 62" and is very comfortable in the drivers seat - he tried to sit in a Corolla at the time we bought the Echo, and he was terribly cramped, so we bought the Echo instead and have never, never regretted it. This car is a keeper! (Our Echo has automatic transmission.)

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  ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Im sold - February 6 - 4:10 am

  I rented a car in April got one of these by chance. 30 miles later I was completely sold and bought one 2 weeks later. Its a BLAST to drive, the looks really grow on you, its as roomy inside as a Corolla, and the gas mileage I got with an automatic blew me away, over 40 mpg freeway. I absolutely LOVE this car. There isnt another car in this class that can come NEAR to this car.

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  Outside side mirrors should be bigger - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Eddie - January 3 - 12:16 pm

  My little Echo is great, however there should be an inside control pad for the outside side mirrors. I noticed that this feature would be great as backing up or changing lanes you want to see the whole picture, the outside mirrors are small so I find that I have to look over my should a lot more especially when changing lanes. I looked into having a control pad installed and they informed me that it would cost me a bundle as they would have to redo the computer chip set and wiring.

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  Good CARS! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By DaJoy98 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Great cars but seem to be made of cheap plastic on the inside!

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  Echo 2001 - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By JamesDW - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Actually my Echo is a 2001 that I bough new 3 years ago. The car was bought mainly as a work car but have been so pleased with it that I use it for everything. Have just under 80K miles and still get 40 to 41 mpg overall. I drive the car hard and usually go at least 7 to 8K miles before oil changes and have never been able to stick to recommended maint. schedule. Even so, the car still runs as smoothly and nice as the day I bought it. When idling its impossible to hear the motor from inside and most people swear its not running at all. The ONLY problem Ive had so far has been a burned out tail light bulb.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By jmgpete - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this ECHO when I couldnt find a car that I liked to replace my aging and malfunctioning VW Golf GTI VR6. I have to disagree with Edmunds review of the ECHO. Handles well; roomy and extremely comfortable. (Im 64.) Excellent pick-up and great gas mileage. Performs very well in bad weather especially on snowy and slick roads. I dont love it like my GTI but I am extremely satisfied with it. I find it very fun to drive. Driven it on city streets (where it excels), rural backroads and busy interstates and it handles all very well. Its neither gorgeous nor glamorous but it is a great little workhorse.

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  Echo maintains Toyotas good reputation - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Strother - December 15 - 1:00 am

  I thought that the Echo looked interesting, and wasnt as "everyman" as a Corolla or a Camry was at the time. All in all, this is a great car for folks that want Toyota quality, sharp, original looks, economical upkeep and FUN driving for a relatively low cost. My Echo, which had everything on it that I could get, cost $12,500. Not bad. Im so sold that Ive even encouraged a friend to buy one, and they love it too. Spread the word!

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  small wonder packs it in - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Kimberly - November 22 - 8:03 pm

  I love my Echo. In todays times of rising gas prices, its fabulous gas mileage and small gas tank feel like a relief.