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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  95% Perfect - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Toy-4-Ever - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Performance is exceptional given small engine. Lags a bit with AC on, what can I expect. Now have close to 45,000 on it. Couple of minor rattles, other than that, excellent vehicle. Rock solid and reliable, as with my 94 Toyota P/U (225,000 miles, less than $2,500 in repairs)

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  Nice Little Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By CharlieA - May 17 - 2:00 am

  A lovely little vehicle. I am 62" tall. I sit upright in the drivers seat, with plenty of room above the top of my hat. The only negative comfort feature is the foot rest for the left foot, sized for a midget. That can be uncomfortable, particularly for long drives. I waited three months for delivery of my Echo from Japan, in order to get an Antilock Braking System (ABS); a very worthwhile choice.

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  run little car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Dourian - April 10 - 2:00 am

  it is the only car that is high enough off the ground for me not to hurt my back getting in and out of it plus it alot of getup an go

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  Best Economy Car Ever - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Simon Beltz - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Echo with a manual transmission for $13k just a few days ago (11-09-02)Its possibly the best car Ive ever driven for the price. The seats are high and comfortable (Im 61), theres plenty of head room. Cargo space seems endless (almost makes we want to buy stuff just to fill them!). The engine is a only peppy at high RPMs, so dont expect great acceleration which one shouldnt for a small car. I did notice the manual performs better getting on the hwy than the automatic. Knowing Toyota is very very reliable, I highly recommend this car for college kids or first time buyers, this was a great buy!

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  Underrated Car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Ron - March 28 - 8:00 am

  Im 66" and the Echo is the only economy car with enough headroom for me. Its surprisingly quick and Ive averaged about 40 mpg overall...38 in town and 43 hiway...the combination of mileage, space, and quick accelation in a modestly priced car is unbeatable to date...once you get accustomed to the center dash...its a better design from a safety point of view.

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  The Echo Is Great! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Bert - March 9 - 9:16 am

  The Echo is fun to drive, has plenty of room inside with super storage, has fantastic fuel economy and unparalleled realiability.

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  The Echo Is Great! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Bert - March 9 - 8:43 am

  The Echo is fun to drive, has plenty of room inside with super storage, has fantastic fuel economy and unparalleled realiability.

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  Why did they stop making this? - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By achfc - March 8 - 12:33 am

  This has been the best car I owned. I have 160,000 miles and have NEVER had a single problem. I did not need brakes until 135,000. There is no rust anywhere, and Id drive it anywhere! This car has better leg and head room than most any other car Ive sat in. Fun to drive and great mileage (>40 hwy). Great stereo too! Why did they stop making this?

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  Please dont. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By argggg - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a nighmare. I have made good friends since i bought this car; the mechanics at toyota, i am there often. I cant belevie how unreliable this car is. The build quality is lower than that in my sisters kia.

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  ECHOS ROCK - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gtejssh - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds.com review is SO WRONG! This car is cute, affordable and just plain great! I would buy 10!!!!!!