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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  I love my ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By sue - February 18 - 9:26 am

  I bought my ECHO in 2002. It is very reliable. It has not needed ANY repairs other than normal maintence. It gets GREAT gas mileage. I can drive my car to work for 2 weeks on one tank of gas!

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  Keeps going and going - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Scott - February 9 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car in October 1999 and it is still running well. Besides regular maintenance, battery, and tires there were 2 sensors that went bad but other than those minor things it has been perfect. The gas mileage is close to that of the top hybrids.

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  Echo rocks! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By compart - February 2 - 7:27 am

  This little car has the room and comfort of my other Toyota...which is a Camry. It is awesome, super reliable and great gas mileage. If you a very comfortable and simple car to get you from point A to point B...this is it!

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  Echo Fun - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By dalsing1 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great for fuel economy and it is really a fun little car to drive. Nice size for parking in cramped places with surprizing room on the interior. Easy control for viewing of all instruments without losing sight of the road. Like the center readings for Miles per hour, temperature and, fuel guages. Really a neat little Car!!

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  My favorite car ever - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Julie Harris - January 17 - 10:00 am

  My Echo is perfect for me - superb gas mileage, classy look, extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Great head and leg room, even for the tall men in my life! All my friends rave about my "little big" car.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By JDR - January 15 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had no problems with this car at all. I replaced two sensors over 101,100 miles other than that the car is nearly flawless, comfortable even for tall people like myself. The dash board design is simple and easy to view. The stereo system is outstanding with six speakers. The gas mileage is phenomenal. Ive owned many cars and this is by far one of the cheapest, fun to drive, and above all else reliable. Low maintenance costs. I cant say enough about this car except that Id buy another one if they still made them.

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  exemplery reliability with super economy - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By dngrfld - December 17 - 11:46 am

  Have driven 19,000 miles per year for 8 years. Got 49 mpg average when I got it, get 47 now, 20% city miles. On freeway I drive 60-70 mph. With a good load such as full of camping gear and suitcases for 2 week holiday, it hugs highway at 75 mph. Excellent emergency stopping at high speeds. Just this week, first thing broke in the interior of car, one sun visor is floppy now. One wheel bearing replaced 6 months ago. Other than that just brakes, rotors and oil changes. Super low maintenance. Just did a total detailing inside and out and am amazed at how good it looks. Quality of interior parts very good. Easy to squeeze into tiny parking spots. I am 60 years old, most reliable car I have owned

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  Better than expected - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Inkentucky - December 2 - 2:50 pm

  When I bought this, I was coming from a 03 Lexus GS300, so I was dreading it, but driving 50+ miles each way to work, I really couldnt justify not having a little commuter car. The manual has been really nice, the ride has been fine, the acceleration is much better than expected. It drifts a little side to side on the interstate but I expect its due some steering work or new shocks and struts. Has 109k miles on it, and typically gets 37 mpg. Very pleased.

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  Great little car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By WBoro - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the ECHO new for my wife to drive because Toyota has been known to make cars with very few problems and we didnt have the extra money to buy a larger car. This car has been great. We get 40 mpg on the highway, plus some diving in town. The most mileage that we have gotten is 43 mpg. I had one size wider tires put on the car to help with car waving as big trucks would pass. Also I have been using Mobil 1 oil. I would recommend this car for someone that has a lot of driving to do and needs a car they can depend on.

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  Go ECHO Go - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Speedy - November 30 - 1:20 am

  I got this little car from my mom (she got it new) in Oct of 1999. She loved it, and drove it 180000 mi. with NO problems. Now I have it and WOW! 41 mpg AVG. and its AUTO, and it flies. This is my 5th Toyota and maybe the best one.