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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 431.00-
Great Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
By Amy - February 6 - 11:43 amI was all ready a Toyota fan with my first two cars being Camrys.I love my Echo.I bought it off the lot new.This car has been great, I have not had a single problem with it.I love the spunk it has and I live in Atlanta, GA where there are hardly parking spaces but my Echo always finds room in tight spaces most cars cannot fit into.Also driving in traffic is great because of the space issue- it can weave easily when needed.I love the truck space and small compartments.Any improvement I have suggested is petty compared to the overall package.After reading eveyone elses reviews I will have to say that we all have the same little gripes but I know that I am glad to have made this my 1st new car.
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Stylish economy car - 2001 Toyota Echo
By Peoples car - December 29 - 1:13 amI was lucky enough to find a used coupe with a five speed, I was reluctant about that, but I love it and no power anything, less to break. This is as close to a poor mans sports car as you can get and given the prohibitive price of cars, and its excellent mpg its a gem and a lot of fun to drive. Also unconventional looking with a hi-tech interior design and an amazing amount of space inside. Ive added a sunroof and cruise control so I have a poor mans convertible and an additional comfort feature. Parked next to a conventional sedan, lets say a Camry, Im amazed at how big the Echo looks. Its a shame this car didnt make it, Corollas dont come in two doors and they are so boring looking.
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Long Term Economy - 2004 Toyota Echo
By borchert - November 26 - 2:00 amOne of the most desirable features I have found with the Echo is the motor and drivetrain. It has excellent performance for a 1.5L motor - I assume this is due in part to the Variable Valve Timing. There is no timing belt that will need to be replaced in a few years, it uses a timing chain. There are no spark plug wires that need to be replaced either. I agree with the Edmunds review that the styling is not as desireable as the Scions which use the same drivetrain.
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Great Little Car - 2002 Toyota Echo
By Bert - November 13 - 1:03 amGreat car! I bought this car used from an individual. I have nearly 100,000 miles, and not a single problem. Comfy, roomy for a tiny package and great on gas!
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the best - 2000 Toyota Echo
By zaatsy - October 28 - 11:13 pmMy Echo is best car I have ever owned. Totally reliable. 6 years and 192000 miles driven & all I have had to replace is a thermostat. I do keep on top of the maintenance. The inside is so roomy I dont feel I am in a small car until I see another Echo. The sound system is excellent. I would have preferred a little more body style and would have loved it if I could ever have achieved the milage of 43 mpg mentioned on the sticker. Small cars usually have no "get up and go" but the peppiness of the Echo is incredibly impressive. I love my car so much I wanted to purchase another. I was devastated when I found them dropped from the line.
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Great around town, so-so on the road - 2002 Toyota Echo
By PetRock235 - October 26 - 2:03 amEconomical car, 30mpg avg, easily fits in tight parking spaces, pretty good around town. The ride is a little bumpy, and its noisy at highway speed. Acceleration is OK for on ramps but a little underpowered for climbing hills.
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A great little car. - 2005 Toyota Echo
By happy echo driver - August 10 - 3:16 amThe car gets great mileage and has decent power to boot. Its easy to park, but has plenty of passenger and cargo room. Handling and ride are acceptable. Exterior styling is pretty good, but could be better. Interior looks kind of cheap. I like the center-mounted instrument cluster because the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of the gauges. Its solidly built and wont squeak or rattle. The cd stereo is great. The Scion xA and xB are based on the same platform, but have much less cargo room with the rear seats upright. The echo makes more sense if you need to carry around four people and cargo.
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solid toyota product - 2001 Toyota Echo
By jztoronto - August 2 - 7:00 ami dont agree with the edmunds review this car is a tank, 170k and NO MAJOR REPAIRS just change the oil. typical toyota best maker in the world for the money. the interior has as much space as more exp corrola. not bad in the snow with snow tires. terrific mileage and the trunk is as big as a camrys trunk. styling is def different and not for all but the build quality is solid engine and tranny is typical toyota. if u had 170 km on an audi for example you are 12k in repairs lol. the reviews knock the appearance but ill guarantee that the build quality is solid. def not for a single guy but if you buy this you are ok for repairs
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Great car - 2002 Toyota Echo
By DICK STUART - July 17 - 10:13 amPurchased for my wife and now we fight over who will drive. I always drove big cars but this drives like a big car and the reliability and gas mileage and looks have won me over. You get more than you pay for in this car.
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A Great Commuting Car for All Sizes - 2003 Toyota Echo
By NW - June 15 - 10:00 amThis is my second Echo. The first was a 2001, totalled by a rear end accident. No injuries. I loved that car, and this one is even a little better. I am a large 61" and fit comfortably. I love the pick up, the drive, the mileage (35-40+ mpg)and the size, which means I can park where others cant. So far no trouble with either car. Highly recommended.
