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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  good - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By federico fernandez - September 26 - 4:53 pm

  Very good conmuter car

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  A Face Only An Owner Could Love - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Autooracle - August 28 - 12:46 pm

  The design of this car is nothing short of sheer comedy. Powertrain: excellent: peppy, great mileage, idles smoother than my Mercedes. I literally get over 35 mpg with combination driving 40 mpg highway. Great car, especially for someone in the used car market who seeks reliable economy. As long as they are able to overlook quirky styling, they are set for miles reliable driving. Car also has a timing chain instead of a timing belt which is great for overall maintenance, or lack of.

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  LOVED BUT LOST - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By CRANFIELD - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THIS CAR ALOT, BUT WHEN I REARENDED ANOTHER CAR IT WAS TOTALED. LOOKED LIKE THE SLOPPED FRONT END OF THE CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR END OF THE OTHER CAR. MESSED UP THE RADATOR, AND FAN. AIR BAGS CAME OUT --- IT DID NOT LOOK LIKE THE BUMPER WAS OF ANY USE. I WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST AND NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED.

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  Good but could have been great - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By what could have been - July 1 - 8:03 am

  Bought used in may 2005 with 24,940 miles on it. It now has 34,600 miles on it. Had to fix a/c all new o-rings + recharge Freon for $150.00. Just fixed tie rod end link bushing-left front side $75.00. I avg 27 mpgs in winter short trip cold motor. The 1 long highway trip I took (150 miles round trip) I got 40.5 mpgs with the auto trans + a little a/c usage. Since I owned it I am averageing 32.5 mpgs. I had 195/60 14 tires put on but they had high rolling resistance. I didnt know this at the time I got them so I lost about 3 mpgs. I save every gas reciept. This car needs a more powerfull a/c system it only holds 17 oz of Freon crosswinds are hell in this thing on the highway. City driving is ok.

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  Some Problems . . . - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By KathyME - June 11 - 10:00 am

  In good weather, I love this car. In rain, sleet, snow, or icy weather, I HATE this car. I slides all over the road,and nearly blows OFF the road in the wind. I live in Michigan and we have HARD winters. I have never been so scared when driving in bad weather as I have been with this car. Furthermore, the plastic trim is all falling off!! This car is cute, is very economical and fun to drive, but I wouldnt buy another one . . . .

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  Great little car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By LARRY COLLIE - April 25 - 11:26 am

  Its been a pleasure to drive it. It’s my wife’s car and she loves it. It may not be top of the line but we have had zero problems with it. It just keeps on going with great gas mileage. She averages about 38 in town 45-50 highway - got as high as 55 mpg on one trip.

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  A noisy little commuter - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bmick - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving it around town, thinking it was a good buy. Problem: the features changed so much between 02-03, the dealer did not know what I was requesting. I ended up without the split seats, the remote mirrors, and the larger tires. Also, the car is a great around-the- town car, but a pathetic commuter. It is NOISY, POORLY INSULATED, AND TOO LIGHT ON THE FREEWAY IN THE WIND. If you make this purchase, plan to be thrown around on the road and unable to hear your favorite CD playing. Oh, yeah, turn the volume up to max on your cell phone also.

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  Excellent car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By xepathfinder95 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  our 2000 model now has 85,000 miles on it and it still runs as good as new and has only needed a set of tires and that is it. Over 40 mpg on the highway even in 95 degree heat , going 85 with the AC on high and 3 people and luggage. In the low to mid 30s in stop and go driving, never have we averaged less than 30 mpg. Decent stereo and pretty confortable, makes a great commuter car. Oddly it cost more to insure than our 2002 4x4 Nissan Xterra.

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  Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By BrianT - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I got the two door echo. Its not too small but I dont reccomend the two door because its a pain getting everybody inside it. Echo holds up good against high gas prices but doesnt hold up on the highway as much. I do alot of highway driving and when its really windy the Echo blows all over the road. Its great for in town driving though, you never have any wind disturbances there. My car came with very few options which was dissapointing but I didnt want to pay a bunch extra. Id say if you had to choose between the Echo or the Hybrid Prius, to go ahead and pay a lil more for the Prius. Its alot better on everything.

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  Underestimated - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Alias Name - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife & I bought the Echo new in 01. My ego had inhibitions, but it was for her & I respected Toyota quality. I inherited a 97 Grand Prix GT. Although the Echo is a bit under-powered for my taste, Id drive it over any car Ive had. Its functional, fun & easy to drive, capable & economical. Edmunds latest review wasnt useful. It seemed they were evaluating it on standards it wasnt built for. If you want a gas- guzzling, gangly, glorified minivan (refering to SUVs), you wont be interested in a small car. We love it (including our 8-week old whose car seat fits great). And the crash test results Edmonds was so worried about later received 4 of 5 stars.