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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  The best small car ever - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Amurtadi - August 30 - 2:46 pm

  I made 103K KM since I bought it new for C$13000. I had no trouble with it at all. It is the best bang for the buck. Drives and handles very well. It is not very comfortable for long distance travel but you can drive it very comfortably for 100 mile with no hassle. Excellent leg room in the back seat for 64" tall person.

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  underrated car of the year - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By slick rick - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The Echo doesnt get much publicity-- watch any Toyota ad on tv and you will see plenty of Camry, Tundra, Corolla footage, but nothing is ever said about the Echo. Too bad, because this is one heck of a car. Gas mileage is incredible, as is the ride quality and interior design. Great stock sound system. Interior is just plain cool with all the storage spots for your gear. All this for a decent price and the Toyota family name.

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  MY COMFORTABLE ECHO - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By KJD - July 22 - 2:00 am

  THE ECHO IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE CAR I HAVE SAT IN. THE "HIGH UP" SEATS MAKE IT EASY TO GET IN AND OUT. NOW WHEN I RIDE IN MY FRIENDS CARS, I FEEL LIKE I AM SITTING ON THE GROUND.

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  The BEST starter car there is!!!! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By jnl - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This was (and still is) my starter car, and the reliability was OUTSTANDING!!! I need something bigger and thats the ONLY reason Im trading this in, if i had more money, Id prefer to hold on to it as a "extra" car. Like the first reviewer said, its AMAZING the parking spots you can squish in too, great for shopping expeditions or a busy night out in the city.

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  my favorite - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By pseudogram - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is the first toyota that I have owned. It has proven to be a very reliable vehicle and has weathered this awful winter in the northeast without any difficulty. I frankly love the location of the instrument panel although I see some are not so happy with that. The only thing that I miss is a rear window wiper.

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  2001 Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By john harper - July 14 - 6:40 pm

  This car has been good for 45,000 miles and five years. I plan to get another five cheap years out of the car. The car is reliable.

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  I beg to differ with you on this one - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Hank J - June 26 - 9:26 am

  I love the car and most people who ride in it are plesently surprised at the roominess, comfort and gas mileage. Until we can get some of the more stylish small cars from Europe, I will continue to enjoy my Echo. When its paid off, I will keep it for just commuting to work and get something else for show.

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  I Love my Echo at the Gas Pumps - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Dawn - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  I love my ECHO. I get close to 50 mpg. With the prices of gas today, it only takes $20.00 to fill her up. Its a fun car to drive and is very reliable. I am sad that Toyota is not making Echos any longer for the US. I actually got a letter from the Dealer wanting to buy this car back. I hope to have this car for many years.

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  Echo Experience - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Doug - June 10 - 5:26 am

  This is my third Toyota. which I purchased as a Certified vehicle. Its quirky looks and smallish exterior are more than made up by the excellent interior room and outstanding fuel economy. My Echo is pretty basic, manual everything except transmission. To date, Ive been very please with the quality and economy. Id recommend the Echo to anyone looking for a fun, reliable commuter car.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ldk - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It drives smoothly, and has lots of interior space/storage for a small car. Visibility is great, I like being up high. Im glad it came stripped, because I can add the stereo and alarm I want without paying dealership prices for low quality equipment!