Overview & Reviews

In an effort to better protect occupants of this lightweight economy car, Toyota makes side airbags optional for 2001. Brilliant Blue Pearl is a new color.

• Good gas mileage, speedy acceleration, roomy and functional interior, likely to be reliable.

• Cartoonish styling, dopey gauge placement, lousy handling, deceptively low base pricing.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 91.00

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  Want a car that goes 400k? - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By 2001 Echo - October 1 - 3:16 pm

  It’s 2023, and I’m still driving my 2001 Echo. I’ve seen these go for 480,000 miles. If you don’t get 200,000+ then you are doing something wrong. So easy to resell, so reliable. Simple, does the job, easy to fix. If you stay on top of oil changes and inspections, you’ll never have a problem ever. Be good to your Echo, and it will be good to you. If you can’t find an Echo, the Yaris was what it evolved into —same deal.

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  Unbelievable - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Alex linares - July 13 - 12:09 am

  I own a repair shop in martinez CA, I did basic oil changes, brakes,ect on my customers 01 echo for years, he called me one morning and said it won't start, the car had just went over 400,000 miles and he asked me if I wanted to buy it, I said ok just have it towed down, I bought it without checking it, a couple weeks later I diagnosed it, fuel pump failed, installed new pump and have been driving it the last 8 years, does not leak a drop of anything, drives like a sports car, well over 500,000 miles, I have beat this car for years and it just runs and runs,,unbelievable???

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  Brake/accelerator warning - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Kate S. - November 6 - 1:29 pm

  A friend gave me this Echo and it's an impressive little car. However, it took some close calls for me to realize it's possible to brake and accelerate simultaneously. The pedals are too close together and my feet aren't so big that this should be a problem! Can't believe I'm the only one that's had this experience......

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  2001 Echo - One of the Best Cars to Own - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Dave K - December 16 - 4:50 am

  Our 2001 Echo sedan has been one of the best cars weve ever owned. Remember, its not a Cadillac! Its great on gas, fun, and easy to drive, and very reliable. Seats 4 very comfortably. Our 19 yr old daughter now has 108K miles on it. Typical maintenance is all weve seen (fluids, tires, brakes (just replaced at 70+K miles). Good quality overall, and reliable!

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  Love my lil Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By zachcccc - September 11 - 7:30 pm

  My Echo is amazing after 145,000 miles Im still getting ~35mpg on an automatic and Im not the most timid driver. The handling is pretty good, especially for a car this cheap. Also maintenance is a breeze an oil change every now and again and my Echo does fine. I fill up for gas about 2 times a month (every 760miles or so) the only thing that I replaced were the Spark Plugs after 135,000 miles, and that was a cheap and easy to do. The Echo is also really roomy and comfortable to ride/ be a passenger in. I love my lil Echo its a great car.

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  Best buy for gas milage - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By longhaulbill - August 22 - 5:54 am

  If you can find a used one, buy it! After driving my PT Cruiser back and forth to work (100 miles r/t), I was getting exhausted for money. I was averaging 22 MPG on the highway. My friend has a 2001 ECHO and told me with 236K miles on it, he was averaging 44 miles per gallon. So I wen shopping, found one with 92K for 4200.00. I am averaging 47.4 miles per gallon. It is a 5 speed and has air and power steering. It is not a hybrid, gut a little gas sipper. I love this car and with gas at $ 4.30 per gallon, this is a dream. Fun to drive as well.

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  good car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By bryan p - March 24 - 7:36 pm

  I have had this car since 2001, and it has not let me down yet. Gas mileage is off the charts. That is great now with these soaring gas prices. I would get this Echo if your looking for reliable car with great gas mileage

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  Reliable gas saver - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By John B. - February 15 - 8:56 am

  Excellent car if you enjoy filling up your car with gas knowing it will last a lot longer than that MEGA size SUV next to you. This is an extremly reliable little car with a fairly roomy interior and decent trunk space.

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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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  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.