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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  Loooooooooooove this car! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By EchoBill - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 Echo for about 3 months now, and I cant get over how enjoyable it is to drive! It has a neat, fairly unique style; incredible interior room (for a 6-2" person, thats a huge plus :-)); a very smooth, quiet ride (especially in comparison to my old Ford Festiva!); marvelously panoramic drivers view; wonderful get- up-and-go; and the mileage is terrific. The 6-speaker CD system is great, as are all the storage niches throughout the car. My highest recommendation to this little giant!

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  Unbelievable for the price - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Carole - April 7 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my Toyota Echo for about 3 years now and still just absolutely love it. Ive had no mechanical problems. I especially love the interior design. And the gas mileage is awesome. I also like the way the car sits a little higher than most cars... protects the muffler. Its such a perfect little car, I wouldnt hestitate to buy it again.

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  Toyota Echo 2003 met all my expectations - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Bob Hoy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After a year of owning my 2004 Toyota Echo, the car has met or exceeded all of my expectations. It is light in crosswinds and has poor acceleration getting onto the Interstate highway. But given that, I smile all the way home as I pass the gas stations filled with gas guzzling SUVs and minivans (like I used to drive). I have been on several cross country trips and have been pleasantly surprised. No aching back, cramped leg muscles or headaches. And the sound system beats anything else I own. The car drives straight and the tire wear so far is very even. I keep finding nice surprises, like the hidden tray under the passenger seat, just right for holding CDs.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Vicki - March 21 - 1:26 pm

  This baby car as I call it is so easy and fun to drive. I have had no problems. It gets me where I want to go. Great gas mileage. Plenty of space for me and all the kids I drive around. I really love Toyotas. My first Toyota lasted 18 years, and this is my second.

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  2nd best car I ever owned - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By granny - March 19 - 1:26 pm

  I was employed with the Department of Childrens Services and had to drive a lot of miles. This car has never let me down and has never even had to have another battery.

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  LuvIt - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By tiki - March 11 - 7:00 am

  I was skeptical of how small this car looked until I got inside and test drove it. It is much more spacious than it looks. Gas mileage is great! I fill up about once a week for about $20. I got used to the odometer in the center dash. Its easier to keep your eye on it and on the road at the same time. I hope to keep this car for a long time. It even drives well in the snow. Its a great first new car!

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By JB - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car in a congested city every day. It is perfect in traffic. I always feel "comfortable" with my speeds and I have a tendency to go over the speed limit, but it holds the curves good. I drive occassionly on a 65 mph highway and before I know it, I`m up to 75 and 80 mph, without feeling any scary moments. The only time I get concerned is on those "draw bridge grids". The tires may not be wide enough. The one thing that I absolutely can`t stand is the ice-cold air does not come on soon enough. I "melt" down before the air is cold. At least 10 blocks to get cool air. Evidently there is NOT enough insulation. Thank you.

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  Best small commuter car ! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By maltais - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I still don"t understand why Edmunds rate it so low. It is the best car for city driving. Good accelaration. Super low gas consumption. Quiet ride. Well assembled.

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  I love this car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echo lady - February 13 - 3:26 am

  I bought my car new in 2000 and have been very happy with it ever since. Have had oil and fluids changed regularly. Had timing belt and tires replaced. Otherwise, no problems. Always starts right up.

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  Echo 4 door 5 speed - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By SRMark - January 17 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased this car for its gas mileage only. I thought it was funny looking but it would serve my needs. Then I drove it. What a blast. It shifts well, handles well (in spite of other reviews that said it had severe body roll), the room is amazing for such a small car. Im, 61" with a long torso and I have head room to spare. The seats could use some leg and back bolstering though. Now, Ive come to appreciate how it looks, especially as it sits in a gas station.