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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  Best Ride for the buck - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ShoesNHeels - July 31 - 2:00 am

  If choosing between a 13K used car and an Echo, the decision is a no brainer. After 32000 miles, it runs and rides just like new. Because I bought a 5 speed, the pickup is just fine. The ride on an interstate is not smooth, but it rarely is in a 50000 used car anyway. You can drive this car knowing that it will be dependable and cost you nothing at the pump. I am surprised I dont see them everywhere

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  Great little car! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Lisa - July 27 - 4:30 pm

  This was my first car and I was excited to be a car owner! It was surprisingly good in winter weather and I was fearless to go out in snow, ice, etc. I never had any problems and just had to do all the regular maintenance to keep it going. Unfortunately, I may have been too confident and drove my little car on the highway when there was a lot of black ice. I spun out several times and hit the guard rail, which in the end totaled the car. I am surprised it didnt flip over since the car is quite tall (something I got used to and I still bang my head getting into other cars!). Regardless, this a very good first car!

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  281k and still going - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Doug - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in 2007 with 213k miles, driven daily since and now at 281k miles. Doesnt use oil, needed few repairs, gets great mileage, and is comfortable enough to take on a trip.

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  Toyota ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By clock - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car to get around town in. gas mileage is what primarily attracted me to it.I get an average of about 300 miles out of a tank in the city.The sound system is great,and provides enough oomph to please the ear.The car is pretty good with roominess for what you are getting.Id say 4 adults can sit comfortably inside.This car has enough power to get up to the mid-90s comfortably, top speed, like110mph.It cruises on the highway pretty well, good amount of passing power.Its not a sports car,Handling: in a crosswind, it feels like the car is may want to drift.This is only at high speeds. A/C is decent, same with heat. LOTS of headroom.Good car!

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  Good on Gas! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Brandon Frye - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I got 43 miles to the gallon on a 350 mile trip and I was averaging 75+mph! Great car with stick. Ive driven the auto and it was way to slugish for me. Has alot more body role then my celica did. There is a whining sound from my rear tires when I drive on the highway on windy days. I think its because the car only weighs only 2000 lbs.

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  Best Little Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rickolano - April 29 - 2:14 am

  The car aint sexy, it isnt good for Christmas shopping cause boxes dont fit in it like a 26" TV nor in the trunk. BUT BUT BUT>... Its the most reliable car Ive ever had. I have owned Chrysler New Yorker, VW Jetta, Ford Capri, Ford Mustang, and Ford Pinto. This has outlasted all of them and cost the least in all areas. At just over 100,000 miles I had to replace the two drive belts, flush the radiator and transmission (never done before now). Easy to change your own oil and spark plugs. On my 3rd set of tires. Now a low droning humm indicates I need a rear wheel bearings replaced. Gas mileage is awesome and I wont give this car up nor sell it. The cost to own is just too damn reasonable

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  I LOVE MY ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By LOVEMYECHO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I acturaly have a 2000 Echo that I bought used a year ago and could not be happier with it. I filled up today and got 34 MPG on my last tank of gas. When gas is $1.99 a galon that is a life saver! It is extremly reliable. There are tons of storage compartments inside and a very large trunk. I have driven midsize cars with less space than this little echo because the echo is so well designed.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR..... - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By DENISE - March 18 - 1:03 am

  Bought my car brand new five years ago...just love it...love that it is compact and an easy car to drive and manage. And of course the savings in gas money...cost me now with the high price in gas approx. $40 - 50 a month...have had no problems mechanically until recent...the fuel injector went and the sensors...was surprised since the car has such low mileage. Was disappointed about that, cost me 600 to fix. Other than that I still have the original battery and just finished replacing the 4th original tire, which I do say, hugs the road better.

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  My Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Echo Driver - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my Echo but 5 months, so I cant speak to long term reliability. In consumer reviews it is rated as excellent. I do know for certain it is one of the lowest priced new cars. Gas mileage on mine is currently 47 mpg. Awesome! I highly recommend the Echo.

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  plenty of room for a six footer.. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By bts - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I drive few miles but i enjoy them,, owned a bug, a fiesta, a fiat(dont ask) a metro and a diesel rabbit, but this echo is the best drive yet..the MPG is 32-38 with auto. and it still needs the clock they never put in it, but the room is great and i am 6 feet and 240#. The guages look fine in the middle too.. and its easy to park and a smooth ride.