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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  Its all good from here! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Joshie - January 5 - 8:46 am

  This car is the best car for your money. It is so roomy and has so much storage it seems unnecessary to have the amount that it does. I have had 5 people in my car and everyone fits comfortably. I am also 68" and I fit in with no problem. Although the fuel economy is not what is listed (28 city) I think I drive too fast to get what is listed, but highway seems very good. Even though this car is small it can sustain a speed hovering around 80 mph. This car is great.

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  ECHO that goes! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By sonatafan - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Echo is fast

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  low TCO / reliable transporter - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Jo Jo the Monkey Boy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable car. Toyota has the "bullet proof" rep for quality - and Consumer Reports gave the Echo the highest quality rating of the low-end compact sedans. I am very pleased with the gas mileage - better than Kia, Hyundai, or Chevy Aveo - and Ive really appreciated that with gas prices being so high this summer. I really dont car about styling, acceleration, handling - its a good little car to get me to work. I dont want to spend time haggling with auto mechanics trying to rip me off and I think the Echo has the built-in quality to stay out of the shop.

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  Not bad, but not for tall folks - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By jazbees - December 6 - 4:43 pm

  Bought it in 2006. Not a bad little car, but it didnt have quite the leg room that this driver needed. Started having muscle/joint aches in my right leg after commuting with it for a while. Switched back to our other car (a 96 Geo Prizm) and the pain disappeared. Aside from that, it was okay. The odd placement of the gauges (a little to the right of the steering wheel) took some getting used to. Very peppy, excellent fuel economy. No major issues that I can recall. Its trunk crumpled quite well when we got rear-ended by a Dodge Ram in early 11, which protected our daughter in the back seat. It did its job, and is now resting peacefully in a junk lot.

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  Zippy Little Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By InuRa - September 22 - 10:00 am

  My parents (im a high school student) were happy to get this car: cheap, slow acceleration, small, fuel- efficient. I like this car b/c I can easily pass someone, its weird- lookin. Ppl can always tell where I am, b/c not too many ppl drive this car. The only prob: Its missing all the "basics". youre going to end up puttin a buttload of options in the car.

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  Reliable, High Gas Mileage Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By John Phipps - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My Echo is a great little car, which I paid $11,000 for one year ago. So far, after driving over 80,000 miles, there has been no unusual maintenance needed. The only things I have done is to replace the front tires and a pair of new windshield wipers, plus change the oil and filter a few times. My gas mileage started out just under 50 mpg and is now around 45 mpg (I need a tune up). My Echo is a 2-door, 5-speed with no frills. If you are looking for a low cost simple car that gets great gas mileage then the Echo should head you list.

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  foundi out - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By peter rabbit - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  none

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  This car has been to hell and back! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Mike - May 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is the greatest car ever! My wife bought this car before we met. I have an eclipse (2000) and love sports cars and racing. This car has impressive performance (for the type of car that it is), the greatest stock stereo I have ever heard, and the strongest and most reliable motor (similar to the Hondas that have been long haulers). We have driven across country (Georgia to California)! I have added a k&n air filter, and use premium fuel, and synthetic oil change (starting at 35000 miles.) At over 73000 miles, the only problem we have had is some minor electrical recently and just did my first battery change. The best buy ever!

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  Ugly but practical, and economical - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By autooracle - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  Uglier than a Pontiac Aztec. But reliable, economical and fun to drive. The best use of space from any manufacturer of any small car.

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  Students Dream - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By EBarber - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good things to say about my Toyota Echo. I get excellent gas milage and with gas prices so expensive it is truly wonderful to get 42 miles to the gallon. I am a college student who wanted something affordable as well as dependable.