2000-2005 Toyota Echo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Maneuverability
- Interior storage space
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr)
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota launched an all-new "entry-level" front-drive subcompact for 2000, priced well-below the larger Corolla. Despite its smaller exterior dimensions, the new Echo featured interior space similar to the Corolla's. Two- and 4-door sedans were offered. Power was supplied by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 108 horsepower. Manual shift was standard, but the available 4-speed automatic transmission featured Toyota's "uphill shift logic" programming that was claimed to minimize "hunting" between gears on long or steep upgrades. A tilt steering wheel was standard, but power steering was an option. Also on the option list were antilock braking, air conditioning, cassette and CD audio systems, power door locks, and a split folding rear seat. The Echo was one of the few vehicles on the market with power windows not available. No less distinctive than the Echo's exterior profile was its dashboard, which consisted mainly of a speedometer and gauges mounted in the center, not ahead of the driver.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Echo sedan w/manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Toyota Echo:
Except for one new color choice, the Echo was unchanged for 2001.
2002 Toyota Echo:
There were no significant changes for 2002.
2003 Toyota Echo:
Overall length grew 1.6 inches via new front and rear sheetmetal with revised bumpers, hood, front fenders, headlights, taillights, and trunklid, plus a new slat-design grille. Optional 15-inch wheels replace 14s.
2004 Toyota Echo:
The Echo is unchanged for 2004.
2005 Toyota Echo:
Echo is unchanged for 2005. The Yaris is due to replace Echo early in 2006 as an update of this basic design.
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Toyota Echo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Mechanically, Toyota's Echo is modern but ordinary, promising thrifty driving. Although its engine is no powerhouse, acceleration is almost brisk with manual shift. Automatic is generally smooth and responsive, though it may hesitate when asked to downshift at midrange speeds. Noise suppression is nothing special, and exhaust boom occurs near peak engine rpm. Still, the Echo feels substantial for such a lightweight. A tall, upright profile makes it feel different to drive. An Echo corners with good stability, but feels a tad tippy if pushed--aggravated by skinny tires. Front-end "plowing" sets in early. Close-quarters maneuverability is great, despite slightly dull steering action. Ride comfort beats the small-car norm, with a little jiggle on washboard-surfaced freeways. Even at moderate speed, the bluff-sided Echo reacts to stiff crosswinds. Minor tire-induced wander can occur on grooved surfaces. Even though it's one of the roomiest subcompacts, the cabin is too narrow for an adult in the center rear position, but leg room is no problem, rear foot space is good, and all-around head room ranks as generous. Seats are comfortable, if rather flat, and occupants sit higher than usual. Rear-seat entry/exit isn't so easy in the 2 door. The high steering wheel is angled for a slightly minivanlike position. Visibility is commanding. Less likable is the gimmicky central gauge pod, which is angled toward the driver but may be too distant for some eyes. Cargo room is ample, but the short tail leaves little fore-aft length without the optional split folding rear seat. Interior materials are attractive, but have an "entry-level" look and feel.
Value for the Money
Pleasant and efficient, the Echo blends tempting prices with Toyota's strong reputation for quality and reliability. Sales have been tepid for such an affordable car, suggesting that the targeted young buyers have not taken to its styling. Performance is nothing special, but Echo is roomier than many rivals and the quirky look gives it a certain "character."
Pleasant and efficient, the Echo blends tempting prices with Toyota's strong reputation for quality and reliability. Sales have been tepid for such an affordable car, suggesting that the targeted young buyers have not taken to its styling. Performance is nothing special, but Echo is roomier than many rivals and the quirky look gives it a certain "character."
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Echo sedan w/manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Echo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Echo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Climate control:
The knob for the heater-flow control may be hard to turn. A revised mechanism improves the feel. (2000)
Seatbelts/safety:
The button that prevents the retractable portion of the seatbelt from going too far comes off. New buttons are available to fix this. (2000-01)
Wheels:
The wheel covers on early production models clicked or squeaked and were being replaced under warranty. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $405 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $690 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $395 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $910 |
| Exhaust System | $200 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,010 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Echo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Echo | $7,300-8,200 | $6,600-7,400 | $3,600-4,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Echo | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| Echo | $5,100-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| Echo | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Echo | $3,600-4,200 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Echo | $3,200-3,700 | $2,500-2,900 | $800-900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Echo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.4 | 93.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 163.2 | 163.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.4 | 65.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 59.1 | 59.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2020 | 2030 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.6 | 13.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.1 | 41.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | 35.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 108 horsepower, drove either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 108 | 105 | 5-speed manual: 34/41 4-speed automatic: 32/39 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 31 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Echo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Echo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2005 Toyota Echo directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000 w/automatic transmission:
In cold ambient temperatures there is a possibility that the vacuum in the intake manifold could be insufficient for the brake booster, leading to increased stopping distance.
2000 w/speed control device:
E-clip that holds speed-control assembly to accelerator linkage could break; could result in accelerator sticking.
2000:
Rubber seal ring at end of master cylinder may be corroded, allowing brake fluid to leak or small amount of air to enter the braking system, which could lead to increased stopping distance.
2001 registered in 19 specified states:
Condensed moisture from PCV port could seep toward brake-vacuum port inside intake manifold at freezing ambient temperatures, and start to freeze; vacuum assist to brakes would decrease and increased pedal pressure would be required.
2002:
Snow could accumulate inside the rear wheel and freeze, possible damaging the rear brake line and decreasing brake effectiveness by allowing brake fluid to leak.
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