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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  ECHO ECHo ECho Echo - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ECHO ECHo ECho Echo - February 1 - 1:40 pm

  I really enjoy my Echo! Its a fabulously cute car and all of my college friends love it! I would definitely recommend the Echo to a chic, young person! Its just almost too perfect! Beep! Beep!

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  gas sipper - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By High Point - January 17 - 11:16 am

  Mine came equipped with a/c and staight gear. Gas mileage averages about 39 per gallon. The wind does move this car around somewhat but I think that would be inherent with any 2100 lb. car. True it doesnt come with many extras but I didnt expect many for $11,700.00. Before I bought the Echo I tested a Hyundai Accent, Daewoo Lanos and Kia Rio and they could not touch the Echo in acceleration, gas mileage, ride quality or fit and finish.

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  Best value around. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By mikebean - December 20 - 11:49 pm

  This car has been in my family since it was purchased for ~$10k in 2001. There is currently 130k miles on it. Im still averaging around 40mpg in the summer and 36mpg in the winter. Crazy that this car is still worth something in the neighborhood of $3-3.5k private party. You cant ask for more than that. If it werent for the need to fit two car seats (2nd child on the way), I would never give this car up. Its just too good of a value. I should also mention that its very fun to drive. Work performed: computer failed at about 90k ($1100), bushings replaced (120k), engine coil replaced (120k), catalytic converter needs to be replaced along with the exhaust (MN winters = rust + holes)

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  Efficient yet sporty - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Jeremy - December 13 - 11:26 am

  The Toyota Echo is the value for your dollar car next to the Honda Civic. If you are looking to give your new high school graduate a new car, A Honda Civic or Toyota Echo is the car. Although 2005 is the last production year for the Echo, look in 2007 for the Toyota Yaris to be the next best thing. Japanese producted Yaris is the exact same frame and structure as the Echo, but you now have a 3rd or 5th door (hatchback).

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  Honey of a car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Honey - December 12 - 8:36 pm

  I think its cute and for the price, it is very reliable and economical. If youre looking for a good, sound economical small car, I think the Echo is a good choice. The trunk is suprisingly roomy and the seating is tall and very adequate.The down side is its a bit noisy when driving on a highway. I wish it was better insulated from road noises. And it does sway when passing a semi. Otherwise, I like my Echo just fine.

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  Lovin life in my Echo! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Deco Doll - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive added 126,000 miles to this car in 14 months & Ive LOVED it! Gas mileage is great - 38 mpg! Seven front seat storage compartments are unrivaled in ANY prev. car Ive owned for both quantity and convenience. Interior roominess is unbelievable - awesome for tall drivers! Id buy one for every day of the week, but its just not necessary.

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  This car WORKS - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Jpoynter - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 54000 miles on the Echo in two years, and during that time the only glitches Ive found were poor handling and soft paint. The poor handling was due to improper inflation of the tires causing a rearend skittering at high speeds. The steering is light and precise when the tires are properly inflated, and the handling improved greatly with a tire upgrade. So the only true complaint comes with the idea that a bug can go right through the paint. The hood needs to be sanded and painted.

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  I love my 2002 ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Evelyn Woods - November 27 - 6:56 pm

  I bought my ECHO new in Sept. 2002. I love everything about it. The only thing I would do different is buy the auto tranny rather than the 5 spd, (due to a medical condition). I get great gas milage 39 in town. I always get comments on the car wherever Im at, and I love the design of the dash. The car is reliable, quiet, very comfortable (front and rear seats), it has a lot of "get up and go", and its a Toyota. Who could ask for anything more? I have let it sit idle for a month and it starts up every time.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Jeffery Smith - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Excelent car. On average I get 39 miles to the galon. The bigest problem I have with the car is the salesmen were realy pushing that you can go 7500 miles between oil changes when in reality if you read the manual 5000 is more like it unless your drive in perfect conditions. But 5000 miles is not bad and the car drives great.

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  Great little car that will last forever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Michael - August 27 - 4:10 pm

  One of the best little cars I have ever owned, the power of the little motor is very surprising, all features are great only one thing no cruise control, otherwise gas mileage and no timing belt makes this an excellent choice. easy to tune up yourself as well.