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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  certified 2002 echo coupe beats corolla - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By derkaiser - July 25 - 10:00 am

  mine is an02 certifiedcoupe/16k miles. the mileage rivals hybrids without the internalcomplexity.I love the styling/ interior room. my first Toyota, and looking forward to it.

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  Echo - year 2000 - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Helen Crowe - July 17 - 3:00 pm

  Great car with wonderful visibility. We get 40 mpg and cant understand why you dont advertise it more. Other owners we meet love theirs too. Ours is a 2000 year model.

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  I actually like this car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Jill - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership looking for a used car but I mentioned that I just wanted to look at the Echos and I looked at the two door, went on a test drive and didnt even glance at any other cars. I cant really explian why I like it, but I just do. Maybe it is the killer sound system upgrade, I dont know. I dont think the outside is cartoony or really that wierd looking, but I am 20 so that probably makes a difference.

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  Zippy and reliable - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Bladw - July 6 - 8:46 am

  Roomy as can be. You have to see how much interior room there really is. 40-46 MPG all the time. No A/C from the factory is bad, but is tolerable while driving. $1300 to install air is too expensive after the fact. Top reliable car rating. Lower the rear 1" and add a strut tower brace and the handling improves dramatically. Parts might be expensive because its an import, but this car will probably never need any. No service needed until 250,000 miles for the timing chain replacement! Outstanding. If it had A/C i would enjoy it better. These cars are hard to find because everyone keeps theirs. 40+ MPG is addictive .

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  Great Second Car to Drive... - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Ken - July 2 - 9:03 pm

  Love the vehicle... its what you are looking for in a compact car... great gas mileage, roomy front seats, great engine power for the size, and reliable.

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  Probably one of the best cars I have owned. - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By erickc - June 17 - 2:26 am

  This is the 3rd Toyota that I have ever owned. I bought it when it was 9 years old with 104000 km. (65000 mi). Changed tires, changed brakes and 100000 km later still havent had to change a thing other than oil and filters. I installed an after market cruise control system in it as I drive approx. 1000 hwy km/week. It makes the driving a lot easier. Gas milage is unbelievable, I save enough fuel per year vs my old 1999 Corolla to cover the cost of the insurance. The car is sitting outside with 657 km on the trip meter and there is still 1/4 tank left. It sure isnt the prettiest Girl in the room, but she sure can cook. Recommend this car to anyone. Looking forward to the Yaris as my next car

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  Love it! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vdurbin - June 13 - 12:20 am

  I have had my Echo for 6 years. I am about to trade it in so I can have room for my sons car seat. I will miss it dearly! I have had no major problems. I just replaced the original battery. It still gets good gas mileage!

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  Have 3 at home - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Nicecars - June 9 - 2:00 am

  all three excellent, comfy, spiffy to drive, super economic and reliable.Get 39 MPG on auto and 42 with manuals, both with rather agrresive & high speed driving.

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  Better than a Prius - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By B Dub - June 2 - 9:26 pm

  I feel like I won the lottery when I found this car. 2002 with 19k on it. A new car for 50% off! Since then, I average a combined 43 mpg summer/39 mpg winter at 9000 feet up in the mountains. Power to weight ratio is fantastic, especially considering the fuel economy. Acceleration good, cornering good, braking superb = great in snow. Slightly worse mpg than Prius, but no huge toxic battery! Better performance than Prius due to its much lighter weight and all at one third the price! Much less complicated mechanically and Toyota build quality should equal great longevity and reliability. Ive see Echos with 400k on them. This car is the nerd that never was popular but won in the end.

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  Hidden Value - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By gkunz - June 1 - 12:46 pm

  Hidden value. Purchased my Echo to travel to work and back. Mostly interstate miles. Could not be happier. Worth the $ my husband now wants another. After over 150000 miles with no major repairs. And still gets 40+ miles per gallon. A hidden treasure. Its sad the Echo was discontinued.