2003 Toyota ECHO from North America - Comments

This car has had no mechanical problems of any kind.

I bought the ECHO in northern Alberta in February of 2004. Features included an automatic transmission, Air Condition, rear spoiler, and mud flaps. I was looking for a cheap and reliable commuter so I researched all the subcompacts available which included: Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Aveo (same as the Swift), Honda Civic SE (not considered a subcompact, competes with Corolla, but I checked it out anyway), Volkswagen Golf (another Corolla competitor).

The ECHO came out on top as a subcompact as far as value and perfomance were concerned so I bought it. I've had it for a year now and I'm still impressed with the fuel economy and reliability. It has lots of room and is very easy to drive. It does have some weaknesses thought...

If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice then make sure you get some good snow tires for your ECHO. The ECHO only weighs about 1600 lbs so it can't rely on weight alone to stop on those all season radials.

The other weakness is looks. I have to say that I like the ECHO for its quirky, Volkswagon Beetle type styling, but some of the curves on it don't really work. People who buy the ECHO are practical types and put styling second in favor of value and economy (or you're secure enough in your ego that you don't need to pay big bucks to appease your insecurities).

The ECHO is not making huge sales figures in the U.S. or Canada, but they are respectable. I think that this is mostly because fuel prices have been stable and relatively low. People have money and they want SUVs, what can I say. Wait till fuel prices start rising again, ECHOS may just become very popular.

The ECHO may become popular in the future, but not as a new car. Toyota has already announced that it is dropping the model from the North American lineup after 2005.

Apparently, the sales figures were not "respectable" enough...

Other sources say that the Echo will be redesigned for 2006. See:

http://www.intellichoice.com/future/future/year/2006.

The Yaris replaced this car. I say keep the Yaris. It is a very good car, but bring back the Echo.

It will sell because it was the right car a bit early. Love what this car has to offer. What a super "a to b" car.

The Yaris is kind of goofy-looking, especially the hatchback, but the Echo was so ugly it made your eyes hurt.

I have a 2005 Toyota Echo sedan. It's a great small car. I always thought the Echo was cute, so I guess I'm in the minority. I live in Canada, where the Echo sold so well, they brought in a hatchback model for 04, and 05. It sold poorly in the U.S. though. I've been reading articles lately that say a used Echo is in high demand now. I guess $5.00 a gallon gasoline can make an "ugly" car quite attractive.

I have a 2003 Toyota Echo and have enjoyed it mostly to date. Right after year 5 some problems have emerged: front brakes and rotors (normal), battery (normal), alternator (abnormal), starter (abnormal), ABS light is now on, and most recenlty a/c compressor (abnormal). Overall the reliability has been average for me, not exceptional for a Toyota. But, could be worse, and the gas mileage has been great to date.