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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  I LOVE this car. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ebadams - December 23 - 12:17 pm

  I purchased this car in 05 with about 60,000 miles on it. It now has almost 200,000 on it and is still going strong. It has had no major repairs, save a new switch for the headlights. In fact, the biggest repairs Ive had to do (replacing 2 doors) were from accidents; perhaps people have difficulty seeing the car because it is on the small side. However, I get great gas mileage; sometimes close to 40 mpg (highway)! When I do need to replace this car, I will most definitely go with the Yaris.

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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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  The Rental - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By codenose - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I rented a 2002 Toyota Echo. The interior and trunk were adequate. The car was designed to make the driver focused on the controls. No way could the frail or elderly, a young teenager or the inexperianced handle the steering on this rental. While I was able to compensate for turns while in motion, those from a stop were more difficult. It took brute force to extract myself from a pararell paking position. I drove the car for approximately 30 miles. It would be wise for anyone considering purchasing this car to rent it for a day. The exterior paint had far too many dimples with rust.

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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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  I like it - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By shipsmith - August 31 - 12:53 am

  The Echo gets great gas mileage-40 mpg. We drive it 100 miles a day.Its tall profile and light weight makes it subject to crosswinds. That is more than outweighed by the ease of entry and exit, and improved visibility due to the higher seating. The centered instrument display lends itself to being scanned quickly without attention being taken from the road.I suggest that it be driven rather than just looked at by the Edmunds "experts".

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  I Love my ECHO - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ECHO Lover - August 28 - 10:26 am

  I was drawn to the ECHO because of its reputed gas mileage and I have not been disappointed. I average 38 miles to the gallon in town, and over 40 on the highways/freeways. I love the instrument panel and was surprised at first at how roomy the car was. When I moved last year I got all of my belongings minus my furniture in the car! My boyfriend, who has a penchant for cars, looked disappointed when I drove home in it the first time - but digs it now for its handling and wants to get it out on the racetrack!

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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.