Automotive
Introduced in the United States for the 2000 model year, the Toyota Echo was a budget-friendly subcompact vehicle targeting young consumers. Sitting below the Corolla in terms of dimensions and cost, it came in both two-door and four-door sedan configurations. The Echo’s distinctive design, characterized by its vertical stance and unusual features like a slanted hood and centrally-mounted dashboard instruments, contributed to its unique appearance that differed from contemporary small cars.
Despite its avant-garde aesthetic, which potentially deterred some customers, the Echo provided commendable interior space and cargo capacity relative to its size. It boasted attractive pricing, impressive fuel efficiency, and the renowned reliability associated with Toyota vehicles. Powering the car was a single 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 105 horsepower, available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In 2003, the model underwent exterior updates, with 15-inch wheels becoming an optional upgrade over the standard 14-inch set.
Production ceased after the 2005 model year, with the Echo’s role in Toyota’s range being taken over by the 2007 Yaris. Additionally, the Echo’s legacy lived on through the 2004 xA and xB models under Toyota’s new Scion sub-brand, which carried forward its spirit in the compact vehicle segment.
