Economical sportiness - 2003 Toyota ECHO 2-door sedan
Imagine having access to Toyota quality for less than $12,000. Impossible? Well, guess again! Looking to appeal to first-time buyers and those who need a second car, Toyota offers the ECHO to American motorists. No, this two-door coupe is not somebody else's vehicle rebadged as a Toyota. For the Toyota purists, it is not manufactured in some low-tech third world nation. This is a dyed-in-the-wool Toyota, built in Japan by the automaker.
Redesigned for 2003 to give the exterior a more distinct and sporty appearance, the ECHO also receives interior enhancements to deliver a higher quality look and feel. Toyota engineers did not skimp on the details of what makes the least expensive vehicle in the lineup a true Toyota.
Offered in two- and four-door models, the ECHO has a unique tall profile, cab forward design and low floor height that delivers interior space numbers that are comparable to the larger Corolla -- for thousands less.
Power is generated by a new 1.5L DOHC 16-valve twin cam four-cylinder engine. Developed just for the ECHO, the motor features Toyota's VVT-I variable-valve timing technology that delivers an exceptional blend of power and fuel economy. Consumers have a choice between the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmissions.
On the road, the ECHO is peppy, quick and nimble. Spunky and frugal, the ECHO employs an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a torsion beam setup in the rear. Bridgestone Potenza RE92 P175/65R14 tires keep the ECHO firmly connected to the pavement.
The rack-and-pinion steering is mounted to a subframe for additional noise and vibration control. The small footprint of the ECHO means a small turning radius -- making the sedan easy to maneuver and park in tight places.
Inside the cabin, displays are actually located in the center of the dashboard, canted in the direction of the driver instead of dead center of the steering wheel. Controls are well laid out and found just below the new location for the displays. Plenty of nooks and crannies abound for storing a vast quantity of personal items. Cargo space is enhanced with the optional 60/40 rear fold-down seat back.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 93.3; overall length: 164.8; width: 65.4; height 59.4 -- measurements in inches
Engine: 1.5L DOHC twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder with VVT-i -- 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 105 lbs-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed electronically controlled automatic
EPA fuel economy: 35 city/43 highway (manual); 33 city/39 highway (automatic) using regular unleaded gasoline
Cargo capacity: 13.6 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, side door impact beams and head impact protection. Optional safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes with daytime running lights, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, remote keyless entry and front fog lamps.
Warranty
Basic: 3 year/36,000 mile, limited
Powertrain: 5 year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5 year/unlimited
Pricing
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Toyota ECHO 2-door sedan starts at $10,105 for the manual and $10,965 for the automatic. Destination charges add $485.
As tested
2003 Toyota ECHO two-door sedan
Exterior color: Indigo ink pearl
Interior color: Shadow gray
Base price $10,105
Destination charge $ 485
Automatic transmission $ 860
All weather guard package $ 275
Air conditioning $ 925
Power door locks $ 180
Split folding rear seat $ 165
Appearance package $ 1,060
Chrome package $ 75
Carpeted floor mats $ 87
Cargo net $ 49
CD deck $ 275
Total as tested: $14,541
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