2003 Toyota Echo reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Toyota Echo resources:
2003 Toyota Echo
Not a company that likes to be behind the curve in
auto offerings, the Toyota has allayed the fears of
the sporty, adventure-seeking set, who are often young
and working with a small budget, by coming out with
the 2003 Toyota Echo.
This 4-door sub-compact is designed to offer superior
amounts of cargo space, has a sufficient level of power
to get into and out of trouble yet still be easy enough
on the pocket-book that young people and new families
can afford them.
Automatic and manual versions are available with either
the 2-door sporty coupe or with the spacious 4-door
sedan.
Under the Hood
One engine choice is available for the Echo. This powerplant
embodies the company's many decades of experience building
highly efficient small-car engines. A 1.5-liter aluminum
DOHC engine produces 108 horsepower at 6'000 rpm and
105 lb.-ft. of torque at 4'200 rpm. It enjoys Variable
Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology ensuring
an even power spread through the engine speed range
an makes the ECHO especially responsive at low and mid-range
speeds.
Environmentalists will love the fact that fuel economy
is among the best of gasoline-powered vehicles in North
America estimated city/highway ratings of 35/43 mpg
with the standard five-speed manual transmission and
33/38 mpg with the four-speed electronic automatic transmission.
Surprisingly this doesn’t mean the Echo is slow.
A quick acceleration on the 5-speed Echo can get you
to60 mph in just 8.5 seconds.
Dual front airbags are standard while antilock brakes
and front side airbags are optional additions.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Echo has a number of standard and solid base features,
as well as a variety of options. This solid trim level
remains the same whether the sporty coupe or the hatchback
are chosen. For example, the basic goods are the AM/FM
radio, a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery on front
bucket seats and center console.
However, add-ons like stereo upgrades, interior styling
improvements and conveniences like power air are also
available.
With such great mileage and awesome amount of carrying
capacity, the Echo is sure to continue receiving high
acclaim and good sales.
| 
