Toyota Echo XP (1999-2005)

Car is ok. Filters are expensive! – Although a good car. Wouldn’t buy a genuine air filter from toyota again. So expensive for a little filter. Keep your money and buy a good aftermarket filter at quarter of the price!

Mr Reliable – The most reliable car I've ever had. Very cheap to run, and extremely reliable. I had 3 manual Echo. Very fun to drive and easy to park. They won't be comfortable after driving for many hours, obviously. Show details

Exceptionally well made car – Bought a 2000 3dr manual 1.3 hatch with 170k to replace a failing 2012 Suzuki Alto. I've had it a year and it's up to 195k now. In a nutshell, this car does everything well, and is made with quality parts and thoughtful design. These make lots of sense as a used purchase because they are oh-so-simple to repair and it's a very easy car to find… Read more

parts for.

Pros: -fuel economy of 6.5L/100km, both city driving and long distance touring. It takes regular 91 octane fuel. -smooth engine has lots of bottom end torque and smooth throttle response -very roomy interior, you can take 4x 6 footers in comfort. Or 5x adults and a medium dog if everyone is close friends. Or fold the seats down and fit two council bins in the back. -incredibly simple design. Surprisingly roomy engine bay. It's easy to work on and parts are very cheap. -good quality, extremely reliable, hey never leak, all the plastics hold up well in the Australian sun, all the electricals work, no real common problems with these cars at all. -excellent aircon and heating

Cons: -soft, roly poly handling doesn't inspire confidence at high speed -1, maybe 2 airbags and kerb weight of 850kg... probably not very safe in a crash. -no other downsides to mention other than the general stuff that comes with all small cars. It won't satisfy badge snobs and it's not very fast. But this is probably the best small car money can buy.

Despite the modern looks, this is a tough little car that has been designed to last. Probably one of the best value cars that money can buy. Highly recommended.

Excellent value for money, with amazing reliability – Servicing/Reliability: Cheap, any mechanic can do it, and is happy to see you because these cars are easy to work on. The 1.3 echo does not have a cam belt - it has a timing chain - though A/C , alternator, p/steer belts should be checked regularly, and changed when necessary. At 170,000 km, our 2004 ECHO still did not need any belt changes. Asked… Read more

the mechanic, he said all were in good condition and was not worth the spend

Interior: Great storage cubby's all over the place, and we liked the central dash. Inner carpets are thin and tend to wear in driver foot-well because there is no driver foot rest. For the size, good room - rear seats fold flat. I was able to fit a 120 litre fridge in there and close the hatch.

Otherwise fairly basic, with only what you need. A/C, p/steer, and front driver/passenger airbags.

We added a double DIN kenwood head unit with bluetooth and USB sometime in 2012 - aside from that, car was always stock standard.

Fuel Economy: Not class leading, but pretty good (we had the 4 spd auto, manual would likely give slightly better economy).

Drive/Handling: Very good for a city car. The ride is focused on passenger comfort, and it delivers. Otherwise very neutral, and at worst will start to under-steer if pushed too hard.

non ABS brakes are just fine but you can find ABS models if you search.

Verdict: The 1.3 is more than adequate. We did various NSW to QLD trips, and no problem on the highway. Don't be afraid of higher kilometres, just ensure it has been serviced. Not much to go wrong, and better quality than korean cars of the same vintage.

My second Echo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! – By far the best car i have ever owned in terms of reliability and fuel economy, The first one i owned was a 2000 5 door with gold paint that didnt stand the test of time, It also didnt have power steering, bought it with 120.000kms and drove it to almost 200.000kms for nearly 4 years without any big problems other than general maintenance. I… Read more

replaced it with another 2000 model but a silver 3 door with power steering and it is so much more comfortable to drive and has awesome air conditioning this ones got 227.000 kms and i plan on keeping it long term. Its an easy car to drive and has sufficient handling. I always go for the manual when choosing a car especially the echo you really need the manual to get the power and fuel economy that you need. These cars will last forever if you service them correctly with the right oil and dont push them to their limits. it is very capable of long distance country driving at 110 at 3000rpm and to fill up is at worst $50 and will easily do over 600 kms without even trying. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Toyota echo 1.5lts, 5 door sedan bought 2nd in 2006 – after having for 17 yrs, still car runs same as new, till now, done 16500kms, no major fault, only normal maintenance, consume 660kms, for full tank petrol of 35 to 40 Australian dollars, cheaper than EV cars, save 8000 dollars on petrol and new Hybrid for 10 yrs, then cost your pocket 10,000 dollars, to change batteries. Show details ·  2

Adore my 16 year old ‘Gertie’ – I bought my Echo new in April 2004 and sixteen years later still love her. She’s done >250kms and has never once broken down. She’s still economical in fuel and everything still works perfectly. I’m now in the market for a new car as I have arthritis in my hands and shoulder and using the manual window winders is too painful. However I’m not… Read more

giving her up as my husband is going to use her as a workhorse to take rubbish to the dump etc as with the rear seats down there is heaps of room. The first money we’ve spent on her was two years ago at a cost $1,800. The mechanic said she’ll last another five years easy. Guess what I’m buying to replace her.......the new Yaris 2020. It’s hideously overpriced but I can’t go past Toyota now. I’m so pleased she’ll still be on the family. Best. Car. Ever.

Fantastic car. Great option if buying one secondhand – Brilliant little car. Nothing has gone wrong with it except the battery running out a few times (my fault). Easy to use and park as it's small but it's got enough room inside for me to regularly cart large items around (or comfortably transport other adults in the back seat).Comfy and well designed. Cheap to run and maintain. A zippy little car.… Read more

The paint is deteriorating though - not sure if this is usual for a car of its age. Barely any maintenance required though. I would buy another Toyota based on my experience with this one.

Good car, particularly as a first car. Gets you from A to B. 17 years and still working well – I love my echo, it is reliable and has low running costs. She is 17 years old and still in great working condition, so the quality is good. I would recommend an Echo, particularly as a person's first car. The only problem I've found driving an Echo is that the steering is quite heavy, except I'm used to it now so not a big issue.  Show details

My Bluey passenger Lock – I have the same problem for years now with my echo " the passenger lock problem". Have you by chance fixed it?? If so please do tell how. I love My Bluey !! But this problem really irritates me! If there is anyone out there with a suggestion I would be more than happy to hear in how I can have this fixed? I had a friend who is an auto electrician have a look at it, took the door apart and all but still couldn't fix it! Help!  Show details

OK – Good to great looking. Average comfort. But these blind spots and the gas pedal discomfort are inexcusable for Japanese design. Would not buy if I had it to do over. Affordable easy handling. Good fuel consumption. Looks great. Comfortable, lots of room. Serious bad terrible dangerous blind spots. If I had been able to drive this car for a few… Read more

days before I bought it, I would not have bought. This is really not cool. Left front pillar, and rear right pillar the major problem, even with mirrors set out wide, you are flipping your head around to check. Seriously? The Tercel hammered the Echo in every way but looks maybe. Also, something wrong in design of or placement of gas pedal. Very tired foot, no way to place it so you don't get a cramped foot.

best car – Economical 1.2L petrol engine still pulling 6-7L per 100km for it's age! Cheap to maintain if regularly serviced $120-$140, in 7 years of owning the car it had 1 new battery, 1 set of spark plugs and 4 new tires as major expense, considering yearly 10-15000 Km predominantly city driving is not too bad.....@ 280,000 km its still going strong. My… Read more

local mechanic isn't surprised and tells me its a "Toyota after all." The down side is the paint is chipping off and would probably deteriorate as my car is not garaged....

Bang for your Buck – Got this car for @2,500 when I moved to Melbourne. Just had to change the timing belt after driving 20,000km. That's it. Now the car has 200,000Km on it but still not a noise from a car. Best $2,500 spent!. I would really recommend if you are on a budget.  Show details

The best car for new drivers – It's amazing how good it is when taking its running cost in concentration. The 1.5-litre engine gave adequate performance. I have driven it between Sydney and Melbourne three times and It cost me less than 65$ for the fuel in each (850 km) trip. I have driven it between Sydney and Melbourne three times and It cost me less than 65$ for the fuel in each (850 km) trip.  Show details

Economical and Practical – Thats toyota value car ! I bought this car as second hand and found out that car is one of the best and reliable car comparing other brands and cars in the same segments. This car is perfect for day to day use , for shopping for , city driving as it is very easy to park.  Show details

This is the perfect car if I could Marry it I would!! – Picked up my 2001 Toyota Echo two weeks and two days ago. It was the filthiest neglected car I've seen in my life. Thus far has been 18 hours and 15 minutes detailing it. Just checked my first tank of gas manual transmission I got 44 miles per gallon. I am excited this car is fantastic. It has 214,000 miles and runs like brand-new I'm extremely… Read more

excited. It handles quite well. It drives fantastic. I feel this is about the best car on the planet. I have the rare seafoam metallic blue color it's gorgeous. I plan to keep her over 500,000 miles and then some.

Still working well – I got a used 2001 Toyota Echo 5 years ago. Automatic 1.3 L 5 doors hatchback. Very old car but still works extremely well. Minor issues over the years but nothing major. It is a very small car so it's very easy to park. Excellent for driving around the city. Highly recommended!  Show details

17 years and no issues – Bought dealer demo 1999 and now in 2017 still going strong. 250k Ahead of its time in design, reliable and very easy to drive. Fuel consumption is 4.8 l/100. Reco fuel pump (DIY + youtube), coils and that is it. Large boot, plenty of headroom (i'm 6') and leg room. Now driven by son and replaced by Nissan Tiida which is good but still prefer the echo around town  Show details

The best small car this side of the new millennium – Easy to drive, easier to park, very fuel efficient, extremely powerful 1.3 engine, ultra reliable & all round cheap to maintain 5 ⛤⛤⛤⛤⛤ I used my echo as a courier car _ thats correct - a delivery vehichle & i can assure anyone interested in a small reliable car - the toyota echo is the best! I clicked up 455,000 kms & only changed a clutch… Read more

around the 280,000km mark, this car does not miss a beat! This car is still driving on a daily basis & still reliable as ever, has got a few battle scars on body but hey @ around the 600,000km indicated on speedo, she deserves a worthwhile mention, 2 thumbs up toyota - oh what a feeling!

BOUGHT DIRT CHEAP ADDED SENSIBLE UPGRADES !! – I got my standard, 2 door, 2000 Echo two years ago from the original owner with a ridonkulous 26,000 kilometres  Show details ·  1

Ver economical – It's only a small,two door car and isn't suited for a big family or bigger people. The front has plenty of leg room but the back is a bit squeezy for anyone with long legs.It's great on fuel and is easy to drive. It has good headlights for nighttime driving and a great sounding radio. I wiz to work and back quite comfortably and parking it is a breeze

sold the echo and bought it back 6 years latter – sold the echo and bought it back 6 years latter. the paint has not peeled or even faded after 13 years in the sun and as is good as near new. The interior it just as I remember it from years ago thanks to remarkably sturdy plastic and simplicity. The motor hasn't missed a beat in 220000km and the car has proven cost effective to maintain. Hope to push it out to 300000 over another 6 years  Show details

Love it! – Best car I have ever had!!! Very cheap to run and easy to park. The interior is very modern for its time and very spacious. It has a timeless appeal to it. Great little car if you don't want something too big and there is only two of you driving around.  Show details

Perfect little car – Had this for my first car, until someone wrote it off, and it was lovely to drive! 10/10 would recommend. Perfect on long drives, or just around town! Great for everything. It is also very cheap on fuel and insurance. Small on the outside, but very spacious on the inside! Miss it already :(  Show details

Love My Little Echo!!! :) – The echo offers a smooth drive, handling is good with the help of the power steering, and emits a low engine noise. With the echo being made by Toyota with their trusty VVT-i engine its a really reliable car. By the 1.3L engine being a dual cam allows more power, then the single cam motors. The interior seems a bit cheap but is expected for a… Read more

cheap selling car like this, but the style is what draws a lot of people in with the amazing digital dash. The Toyota Echo is a great cheap run around with using 5.5 per 100km long trip and about 6L per 100km city driving, which allows more money in your pocket from filling up such a great economical car.

I would recommend these great cars to people.

Around Australia twice! – My 1999 Toyota Echo has just clocked 350,000kms and it continues to go and go. I bought it used (5 years old) with just over 100 000kms and I've kept it regularly serviced. I've driven through some of Australia's hottest deserts at the warmest time of the year, alongside Prado's and Road-trains. Some of the looks I got driving through outback… Read more

Aussie towns were just priceless! Mechanically very sound, in 2014 I replaced the clutch ($600) and just recently it has shown to be using more oil - but otherwise I haven't had any issues at all with this great little car.

What surprises most is that with the back seats removed (rather easily with 4 bolts to unscrew) there is an incredible amount of space - as much room as you would have in any mid sized car (if not more).

I have driven this car around Australia twice, albeit quite carefully, having remained primarily on sealed roads but I felt very confident that it would always do what was required. In saying that, it is a not a powerful vehicle, expect acceleration to struggle up hills (especially fully loaded).

I've learned that we really underestimate the longevity of most vehicles - but Toyotas are worth their weight in gold :)

Love my little Echo – My 2000 Toyota echo was a gift. I have only owned her for a month. I loved the fact that she is so economically and easy to park . Her paintwork is beautiful except for the bonnet where paint has peeled. For some reason the passenger front door does not lock when i use the key i have to lock it from inside. But its a great little relible car.  Show details

Fabulous little trooper – My wife and I purchased our 3 door Echo hatchback new in 2004 when petrol passed the $1 mark, mainly to provide me with cheap transport to and from work. I, therefore, chose the basic model with no frills. We soon found it to be so comfortable and versatile, however, that it became our main use vehicle for almost everything, including touring. … Read more

The car has now done 314,000 km and seemingly performs as well as when it was new. It's taken us around Australia twice and on three other interstate trips, clocking almost 70,000 km.

It has averaged 5.8 L/100 overall, running mostly on 98 Octane fuel. About 10,000 km back I switched to 95 Octane and have found no loss in economy. We've had it "book" serviced every 10,000 km by an authorised mechanic we know and trust, resulting in constantly reliable performance and no unnecessary expenses. The front brake pads (disk) were replaced at 260,000 km. The rear pads (drum) are still original. Very little has been replaced beyond the routine service items and everything still works.

Although we certainly don't thrash this car, nor do we nurse it. North Queensland roads,particularly, are very testing. We've been there twice in "Brutus" and would confidently do it again.

September 6th 2016 Update:

When we bought this car, new, in 2004, we didn't imagine we would keep it for 12 years. Yet we have and with no regrets. It's now turned over 325,000 km, all without as much as a hiccup. Unquestionably the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned, we have no intention of parting with it soon.

Regular servicing and moderate driving are key elements to maintaining any car. These it has had, but it would all have been pointless had we not started with a good product. Toyota's renowned quality has proven itself to us.

I am now using it to teach a grandson to drive. It's the ideal vehicle for that purpose. Lightweight and nifty, with manual gears and basic controls, it enables him to learn the true "feel" of a car's handling and its response to his input, rather than relying upon devices such as Hill start assist, automatic wipers and headlight dimmers etc.

August 7th 2017 Update: 20,000 Litres under the Seat (or the story of "Brutus")

Named after the three alpha characters of its number plate, Brutus has been with us since new in 2004. Actually a 2003 model Toyota Echo, the vehicle had been in the car company's storage for six months when we took delivery of it with 60 km on the clock. At 124 km I filled its tank for the first time and decided to keep a record of fuel consumption and other expenses from that point on. Recently I deliberately filled it again, at 344,124 km. That fill took to 20,004 litres the total fuel consumed by Brutus over 344,000 km ... I'll let readers do their own maths and assure them that the figures are accurate.

In every way this little car has served us well and continues to do so. We've been around Oz in it three times, interstate six and traversed some punishing inland roads. It's never left us stranded or let us down in any way. Our RAC membership has been virtually wasted, though that's not really a bad thing. The only calls we've made to them were for a couple of routine battery replacements.

Regular 10k logbook servicing by a reliable mechanic, from new, has maintained it's tune and condition. Very little has required replacement beyond the routine service items: Front brake pads were replaced at 260k and rear at 320k. The non routine items replaced are anti sway bar bushes, one wheel bearing and both rear shock absorbers, all once only. I put these replacement needs down to abnormal wear encountered along the inland trips. Mechanical services over the 13 years have cost $8,068, which sounds a lot but works out to an annual cost of $620 ... Hardly something to wince at!

The car is still comfortable and pleasant to drive, even on lengthy overland trips, for two people. Head and leg room in front is excellent. It would not be so, however, for anyone sitting in the back on an extended journey.

The all digital instrument display is something I really like. The speedometer, in particular, is big, clear and extremely accurate. I was disappointed when Toyota dropped it from use within the Yaris range.

The only disappointment I have with this vehicle, common with many others of course, was the provision of the "spacesaver" spare wheel and the inability of it's well to accommodate a full size spare in it's place. In my view a full size spare is essential for anyone travelling long distance. We subsequently purchased a full size spare which mostly sits at home. Whenever we "go bush" however it travels with us, along with other stuff, on the back seat, driver's side. Hardly ideal, but necessary and reassuring!

Terry ... Perth

perfect small car – My wife and I bought our 1.3L echo in january 2000. It's been the most reliable car that we have ever owned. I have serviced the car from new. It has never been to the dealership, EVER! I am not a mechanic, but I have changed the engine oil, filter, gear box oil and coolant as per the recommended intervals. NOTHING has ever gone wrong in 14… Read more

years. It's such an easy car to look after.

The only things that I needed help in servicing was the brake fluid changes and brake adjustment ( a good mate helped us with this) The front pads and rear drums have never been replaced, and looking at how much of the pads are remaining I think we will get close to another 100,000 km out of them. The echo only weighs 830 kg and that must help in keeping wear down.

Although we have only done 100,000 km over this time, this sort of driving is considered "severe" in the car's manual because the car's oil never gets a chance to warm up properly due to lots of short trips. I'm surprised there are no oil leaks or other issues relating to driving only short trips.

We have consistantly got 6.2 to 6.5 l/100km fuel economy despite only doing short trips in city traffic.

We think that it's been so reliable because it's so simple. There are no power windows, central locking or power mirrors.

What it does have is reliable power steering, airconditioning, airbags, pretentioners etc, basically, the stuff that matters.

We would recommend a much loved echo to anyone looking for their first car. They can be picked up pretty cheaply now as Toyota stopped making them in 2005.

I love this car!! I want to keep it forever!!! – I bought my 2002 Toyota Echo Sportiva as a cheap run around to get to work. I have had her for a year and a half now and she has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I drive a forty minute trip to work four days a week and she cost me $26.00 a week in premium fuel and I couldn't be happier. She has the get up and go when you need it as… Read more

well and has never missed a beat! She looks small but is actually very roomy inside. I have a bad back and her seats are extremely comfortable! I wish I could keep this little gem forever!!

Fantastic Reliable Car! – Ive had my 2000 3 door manual since new and love it! It has been from Bris-Syd four times and has never missed a beat. The boot room with the seats folded up is amazing. My two 30kgs dogs fit in just fine! Unfortunately I was recently rear ended by a truck and it is now a write off. I am sad and annoyed, as it wasn't my fault, that I have to get… Read more

a new car.

I had the tinting on the windows replaced 6mths ago as they had become scratched and foggy but the rest of the car had just the usual servicing, tyres and battery replacement.

I really can't fault it and will miss it's reliability. reliable, cheap to run

great little car – I have a 2000 manual 5 door hatch, i downgraded from a Ba falcon, has ac, no power steering but is not realy an issue as its such a light car and you get used to it after a while. i looked at lots of other cars hyundai getz accent, toyota starlet, mazda 121 323, ford laser but the echo seemed to be the best value, its very roomy inside fits 4… Read more

adults easily, boot space is a bit cramped but it makes up for it with the sliding rear seat. tyres are cheap with the stock 14" wheels and handling is alright. the acceleration is a bit slow and you have to work the gears to keep up with trafic but it is fantastic on fuel i get around 6l-100kms without even trying. it is nice and comfortable to drive with a high driving position and good visibility, im over 6 foot and I am very comfortable driving, mine doesnt have height adjustment to the drivers seat so it might be an issue for short drivers. the standard cd stereo was better than i expected and with 2 speakers on the dash and 2 on the doors. the rear seat actually can be folded up and flipped to maximise boot space but you have to have the front seats pretty foward. overall its a nice car for someone looking for a cheap safe reliable commuter with proven toyota reliability. love my little echo

UPDATE!!! 16/7/2014

It has just had a service, it was running a bit rough and was almost stalling on idle. mechanic looked over the whole car and said that everything is in good order. he replaced the spark plugs, cleaned the throttle body and changed the fluids and she runs better than before, no negatives with this car. i expect to own this car with little hassle for a long while. also had new tyres fitted which only cost me $260 and is allot more quieter when cruising on the high way nice cold AC,fuel economy 5.5-6L-100kms better than expected stereo, comfy seats, reliable, safe and sturdy, easy to work on. you either love or hate the styling, small boot, annoying high pitch whine which is normal for these cars, the lack of power steering can be a bit awkward to park in small spaces

Is a real trooper! – I've had my 2004 echo for about 7 months, I also own a Toyota Yaris, I have to say I love my Echo she's called Lizzy and all I can say going from my Yaris 1.3ltr to the Echo 1.3ltr you can tell the difference. The echo feels so much more sporty. The steering isn't so light you can flip the car when on the free way and is actually really fun and… Read more

sporty. I never get lost at the lights. I have the 4 Speed auto and live in the hills. All I can say is that I thrash my car. Like every single light on the ground. It's an amazingly fun car, Because it only weighs about 830 kgs the power to weight ratio is that of a 1.8 Toyota corolla. The Yaris is more refined then the echo and has a few more toys but it also weighs about 250 kgs more I couldn't imagine having three of my friends in my car all the time I don't think the car would move ahaha! But honestly Never had an issue with my car. It has 116,000kms and when I purchased it 7 months ago only had 101,000kms.. If you want a cheap car that can handle the free-way this is it. So easy click in the overdrive button on the gear knob and your flying past everyone. Even when on a hill going up on the freeway I literally couldn't believe the first time..everyone told me that it would struggle not even close.. my dad has a 2014 Toyota Rav4 with a 2.4 I beat him at lights and pass him on the free-way. LOVE LOVE LOVE MY TOYOTA ECHO and I won't sell it until it dies on me.. so maybe in 40 years ahaha! Leave me any questions and i'm glad to answer them. cheap, fuel efficient, gutsy, sporty, fun around corners, light and nimble, easy to park windy windows, can get a litle noisy in the cabin

Nice reliable car – Completely problem free, very good on petrol (manual), even handles trailer with a motorcycle. As usual Japanese car up to mid 2000's - they were the most reliable on Earth. Even now I prefer to buy 10+ years old Jap than anything else and I have never had any issues with them.  Show details