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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  More car for the money - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By rhasson - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I wish every purchase I made was half as good as this one. The only thing I could say I dont like about this car is that its not sporty looking. This car is easy to step into and has plenty of head room and good acceleration with the manual transmission I bought.

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  DDs Favorite Car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By dgrhd - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Echo. It is comfortable, fun to drive, lots of room inside, and gets great gas mileage.

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  More room then you think - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By maxx1234 - May 8 - 5:06 pm

  I found the 2001 echo to be a great little car to get around, at first one has to get used to driving it. Being more alert around you, not taking ones eyes off the road for too long, space inside is a real plus, head room is very good, well put together

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  One happy owner - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By smartalex - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought a used 2000 Echo for my wife two weeks ago. It has A/C, AM/FM/Cassette, Automatic, Power steering, ABS. I am so impressed with the engineering, handling, fuel economy, ergonomics that I want to drive it all the time. Am thinking about trading my Montana for a 2003 Echo. True Toyota all the way. I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for economical, reliable transportation.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By bxNel2007 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  It was a wise choice, this car is great on gas, easy to find parking, and it looks funky.

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  Great commuter vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Raymond - April 18 - 4:33 am

  I drive 65 miles a day round trip. This is an inexpensive, very dependable, and cost efficient vehicle to own. Its no frills, and its not "plush", but its comfortable enough on long DC area commutes, and tolerable on very long trips for one or two people. Theres a surprising amount of headroom for us taller people, and the backseat area and truck are more spacious than youd expect for such a small car.

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  Not recomended.... - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By ttamorak - April 14 - 2:00 am

  My car is a lemon. While lemons happen, Toyota Corporation is unwilling to work something out and is making me pay for repairs. The trunk release has broken 8 times or so, the body moldings have fallen off, and the car gets less mpg than they suggest. It has a cheap plastic interior. I would NOT recommend this car to anyone. I drive a lot and would recommend a Honda Civic or Ford Focus.

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  its a great car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By 5e - April 14 - 2:00 am

  small car outside plenty of room inside handles the rode good takes sharp turns fast

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  I Love My little ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Very Happy Owner - April 12 - 3:13 pm

  I have had my car for 1 month and I keep finding more compartments. I am very pleased and surprised with the fuel consumption.

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  Echo Mistake - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By David & Anne - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a second car for wife. The sheet metal is like tinfoil. We have had trouble with the paint chiping (silver) Toyota will not do anything we have been to arbitration and no good. The car rattles inside, plastic. All in all its a very poor built car will trade very soon. Seats are very uncomfortable. NO MORE TOYOTAS