What's new at Toyota?
By Lucy Lazarony • Bankrate.com

Toyota is making a play for younger drivers with an all-new, category-defying, crossover vehicle and revamping some tried-and-true favorites in 2003.

Toyota set out to make a vehicle as functional as an SUV, with the style of a sports car and the affordability of a subcompact sedan. The result? The 2003 Toyota Matrix.

The Matrix, which arrived in February, looks like an amped up small wagon with its high roofline, rounded contours and aerodynamic halogen headlamps. Under the hood there's plenty of power. The standard Matrix and Matrix XR both sport a double overhead cam 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that revs to 130 horsepower.

The Matrix XRS, which borrows its double overhead cam 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine from the Celica GT-S sport coupe, produces 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130-lb.-ft of peak torque at 6,800 rpm.

Inside there's plenty of headroom and legroom for five passengers. A fold-down passenger seat, tie down hooks and cargo nets make hauling bulky, outdoor items a snap.

A standard Matrix starts at $15,155. A Matrix XRS starts at $19,235.

4Runner

click image for larger view

Changes to the no-nonsense, mid-sized sport utility vehicle include an all-new lightweight, 4.0-liter V6 aluminum engine, which produces 245 horsepower. For a more heavy-duty performance, a 4.7-liter V8 engine can be placed in any model.

Echo
Toyota's subcompact, the Echo, gets a major redesign in 2003. Its sleeker, more aerodynamic exterior is available in an array of new colors including "Impulse Red Pearl" and "Aqua Ice." Prices start at $10,105 for a two-door with a five-speed transmission.

Mr2 Spyder
Toyota's Mr2 Spyder roadster also gets a new look in 2003 with new headlights, fog lights, larger wheels and a new power antenna. Starting price for a 2003 Mr2 Spyder with five-speed manual transmission is $24,570.

Corolla
No radical changes for Toyota's reliable and popular Corolla. The 2003 model, which is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, has boosted its engine output by five horsepower. Inside, new standard features include a CD stereo system and an outside temperature gauge. Prices start at $13,570.

-- Posted: Oct.1 , 2002

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