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Used 2001 Toyota ECHO Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
97 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota Echo - Big Little Car!

FDW, 07/20/2016
updated 01/22/2019
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
35 of 36 people found this review helpful

Bought this 2001 model in 2014 as a high mileage "used" second car from a dealer when it had slightly less than 190K miles on it. Only quirks I had were the auto shift display bulb went out (I am handy and removed the arm rest to access) Thanks for the video YOUTUBE! Door (outside) handles in rear flop but work well - need to replace - a small plastic part breaks inside and for OEM you need to paint new handles $$. Also Check Engine Light went on a couple of times - mechanic reset advised prob a smog problem costing $400 in the future. My son and I cheered as it passed the #200K mile mark and he video'd it for me. I almost hit a 4 x 4 on a Northern CA freeway once - I probably for safety should have driven over it. My point - some body roll as it is a tall car. Very zippy. A/C vents blow well, defrost too. Big trunk. Aftermarket stereo makes the interior a speaker. I replace the battery every couple of years, too. Some minor nuisances - the glove box is a 2-part endeavor but works. Gas tank access is locked from inside (yay). Easy to park. People may make jokes but it is fun to drive. A smaller car - no ABS so drive defensively. Some of the outside trim breaks (around the grill tabs, etc.) Happened in its prior life. No timing belt to change (mechanical type!) Drive safe! 2019 update- replaced battery, plugs. 2 years ago check engine light came on then off a few times flashing. No plug wires just replaced 4 coils at $90 each in parts. It’s a coil on plug set up no wires, replaced coils had 200k on them. Some front brakes disc replaced with OEM as aftermarket rotors shook and squealed. 232,000. Miles on it.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

if you break it, extremely low price to fix it

Jeremiah Hawkins, 05/13/2016
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
32 of 34 people found this review helpful

If you cant live without the finer things dont buy this car. But if you want a truly reliable, low maintenance, great gas mileage and low price used car with no worries about any type of previous driving history.... then this car just makes perfect sense. I've drove my echo since 2004 as my first car and I still drive it today with current odometer reading of 350,919 miles. **warning car perfectly matched for logical, non flashy people who value finer things in life more than a flashy transportation vehicle**** ps. Best purchase and investment I have made so far in my life. Pss. Sorry for the bad grammer, I chose to write a review but initially was looking for alloy rims for my whip. #thebluelagoon #thatsitsnickname Pss too many low cost aftermarket modifications to choose from and google easily guides how to install every single one. So if you need usb or bluetooth no problem. The way the sound bounces off the interior design makes the stock speakers incredible. Pss im not a mechanic but this car was built for begginer do it yourselfers. Ive changed or fixed with my own hands oil, front and rear brake pads, rotars, and even calipers, 02 scensors, dashboard lights, cd player, fuses, flat tires, tire rotation.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best value around.

mikebean, 05/03/2012
2001 Toyota ECHO 2dr Coupe (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful

This car has been in my family since it was purchased for ~$10k in 2001. There is currently 130k miles on it. I'm still averaging around 40mpg in the summer and 36mpg in the winter. Crazy that this car is still worth something in the neighborhood of $3-3.5k private party. You can't ask for more than that. If it weren't for the need to fit two car seats (2nd child on the way), I would never give this car up. It's just too good of a value. I should also mention that it's very fun to drive. Work performed: computer failed at about 90k ($1100), bushings replaced (120k), engine coil replaced (120k), catalytic converter needs to be replaced along with the exhaust (MN winters = rust + holes)

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3.75 out of 5 stars

solid toyota product

jztoronto, 02/09/2012
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful

i dont agree with the edmunds review this car is a tank, 170k and NO MAJOR REPAIRS just change the oil. typical toyota best maker in the world for the money. the interior has as much space as more exp corrola. not bad in the snow with snow tires. terrific mileage and the trunk is as big as a camrys trunk. styling is def different and not for all but the build quality is solid engine and tranny is typical toyota. if u had 170 km on an audi for example you are 12k in repairs lol. the reviews knock the appearance but ill guarantee that the build quality is solid. def not for a single guy but if you buy this you are ok for repairs

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4.75 out of 5 stars

This car is a Trooper

josh_reeves, 11/13/2013
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful

I have only good things to say about this car. Excellent mileage; EPA estimates are LOW. I get 35 mpg easily. Small, but the interior is bigger than it looks. Cost only 11K brand new. Speedometer is in the middle, back windows roll all the way down (yea, that's right). I have 190K hard miles on mine, through some rough times, and its still going strong - an absolute trooper.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

This car just won't quit

ECHOdriver, 09/05/2007
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

I bought my Echo, as a new car, 6 years ago. I drive 80 miles to work, 160 round trip, 6 days a week. 50,000 per year. I have logged 300,000 miles on this car. Fuel mileage is awesome. 43 in the summer, 40 in the spring and fall, 38 in the winter when it's below zero. Very few repairs. Rear shocks and O2 sensor at 100,000 miles. Front brake pads at 220,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing at 260,000 miles. These are the only repairs I've had. Still has original struts, rear brakes, etc. I am comfortable in this car. The driver's seat is worn out, but still, 3 hours a day in my Echo and I can honestly say the car is comfortable. This car still drives great. No squeaks or rattles.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Best purchase I ever made!

Rod, 10/27/2005
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have over 80,000 miles on my Echo. It has run perfectly since the 1st day. If I keep it under 65 mph on freeway I get over 40 MPG. It cost less than $13,000 "out the door". It will take hybrid buyers a long time to make up the difference in purchase price. It accelerates great, handles great! It is a little noisey on the freeway and the shifting is a little rough sometimes but I can put up with that considering I can go over 400 miles on 10 gallons of gas.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love the Echo

CAT, 08/05/2009
2001 Toyota ECHO 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Bought my 5 speed stick shift, Indigo Ink Blue Echo, new. New it got 45 mpg/highway -- down to about 39 mpg/highway with 165,000 on it. The first tires lasted 65,000 miles. The battery lasted 7 years. Did the first tune-up at 145,000 miles just because it had never had one, NOT because it was running badly. Faithfully change the full synthetic oil & filter every 3000 miles, other filters as recommended. Loved this one so much, now own two (bought a 2005 Echo to replace a 1995 mini van).

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car ever made

Greg tritle, 07/14/2017
updated 01/22/2024
2001 Toyota ECHO 2dr Coupe (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have two echoes of 2001 two door five speed. My other echo is a gray 2003 automatic four-door with 180,000 miles. I’ve had them for years they are the best cars ever made or ever will be I sure wish they would make a new one. The gas mileage is excellent. They ride great. They look great. The center consul is really good after you get used to it in just a day or two. There’s nothing about the cars that I don’t like their fan fantastic cars if you can find a good one buy it. my one car is like I said 180,000. The other one has 238,000 miles. As of January 20, 2024 I’m 73 years old. I will keep these cars for decades to come their phenomenal cars!

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

gas sipper

High Point, 02/24/2002
2001 Toyota ECHO 2dr Coupe (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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 doesn't come with many extras but I didn't 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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