The entry-level Toyota sedan is the subcompact 2003 Toyota
Echo. With great initial purchase pricing and some of the
best fuel economy numbers in the class, the 2003 Toyota
Echo is a remarkable buy. The new Echo has a redesigned
exterior, to give it a more distinct and sporty appearance,
and has a higher quality interior look and feel. This is
despite the many competing factors that block such low pricing.
For one, the Echo maintains Toyota's commitment to quality,
reliability, performance and handling.
The Echo's target demographic is the first-time car buyer
on a limited budget but it also being chosen by people who
want a second car for practical workhorse purposes. The
Echo has comfortable room for five adult passengers who
will find climbing in and out quite easy as it has the low
floor height of a sedan with a high seating position similar
to that of an SUV or minivan.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Echo comes as either a 2-door hatchback
coupe or a 4-door sedan. These come with a choice between
manual or automatic transmissions.
Interior Features
The Echo's interior has been refined for this year with
new fabric patterns and interior colors, beige and dark
grey, giving it a richer look and feel. Chrome and silver
trim elements can be added with the addition of the optional
Chrome Package while the distinctive Echo center-mounted
instrument cluster can be optionally outfitted with a new
speedometer / tachometer combination meter.
Despite its small size, the 2003 Toyota Echo offers spacious
accommodations for rear-seat passengers with 35.2 inches
of legroom. Details like the rear center armrest add value
and customer comfort with a small impact on the bottom line.
The available 60/40 split rear seat adds a new armrest
for enhanced rear seat comfort and folds down for cargo
carrying versatility.
Exterior Features
Exterior enhancements are a big part of this year's redesign.
From the front bumper to the rear, there have been significant
alterations: 1.6 inches has been added to the overall length,
the front bumper and fenders feature sharper lines and the
new chrome-slat grille with horizontal body-color elements
looks fresh and sporty. Headlight clusters, which gain a
chromed housing, and small round fog lamps, another new
option, combine to improve function and styling.
Performance
The highly efficient 1.5-liter aluminium alloy 4-cyl engine
fuel efficient engine has dual overhead cams and can be
coupled with a manual or automatic transmission. The little
power-plant pushes 108 hp at 6000rpm and 105 ft-lb of torque
at 4'200 rpm. Coupled with the 5-speed manual transmission,
the motor gets 35/43 mpg with the standard five-speed manual
transmission and 33/38 mpg with the four-speed electronic
automatic transmission. A five-speed Echo can accelerate
from 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. Mascpherson struts add
handling and performance capability.
Safety and Security
Toyota has installed basic equipment in the Echo to keep
costs down, Anitilock brakes and front side airbags are
optional extras.
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2003 Toyota Echo Highlights
 Toyota
has redesigned the exterior of its entry-model ECHO
for 2003 to give it a more distinct and sporty appearance'
and has enhanced the interior for a higher quality
look and feel. In addition' a special options package
and five distinctive new colors complement the updated
styling.
The
car's unique tall profile and cab-forward design provide
an exceptionally roomy interior that combines the
low floor height of a sedan with a high seating position
similar to that of an SUV or minivan. The functional
payoff is easy ingress/egress' commanding visibility
and room for five.
The
2003 ECHO shows off a whole new look all around. Overall
length is increased by 1.6 inches' split equally front
and rear for a more balanced stance. The front bumper
and fenders feature sharper' more prominent lines'
and the new chrome-slat grille with horizontal body-color
elements looks fresh off a sport sedan. Headlight
clusters gain a chromed housing with a distinctive
bulb layout and border for a more expensive-looking
appearance. Small round fog lamps' a new option starting
in January 2003' accent the bold new front end design.
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2003
Toyota Echo - Specs
