2000 A Big Year For Toyota
2000 is a break-out year for Toyota, which debuts three new models and remakes two. The Prius gas-electric hybridis scheduled to arrive in dealerships mid-year. A 58-hp, 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 40-horsepower electric motor work in tandem, produce tremendous energy savings and emissions reductions. The Prius should be good for about 66 mpg while producing a fraction of the emissions of a normal, internal combustion engine. The batteries never need charging.
The Prius sports a neat Euro design and a ton of interior space. And with what should be a sub-$19,000 price tag, it is an attractive and practical package.
The subcompact Echo offers more interior space than a car this size has any right to. It replaces the Tercel and redefines the entry-level category with outstanding styling, build quality and fit and finish. A technologically advanced 1.5-liter inline four makes 108 hp and delivers more than 40 mpg. It uses variable valve timing technology to produce maximum power over a broad range of engine speeds.
With its tall roofline, the Echo offers up acres of headroom and the rear seat and trunk are surprisingly commodious.
Due this spring, the 140-hp, two-seat MRSpyder is set to invade the Mazda Miata’s domain. Sporting a 140-hp, 1.8-liter inline four mounted amidships and either a fivespeed manual or clutchless sequential shifter, the MR-Spyder should rank well up in the fun category.
The Celica isn’t a new model but it might as well be. With its complete redesign and sophisticated engine technology it’s an exciting addition to the affordable sport coupe market. Edgy sheet metal is departure for Toyota.
The base engine is the same 140-hp 1.8-liter four that will power the MR-Spyder, while the uplevel choice is a 180-hp screamer with Variable Valve Timing. A five-speed manual is standard and electronic clutchless shifting is optional. Activation is via steering-wheel-mounted controls.
An upgraded suspension produces a quality ride and respectable handling characteristics and the revised interior is quiet, comfortable and snazzy.
The full-size Avalon gets its first full makeover since its creation in 1995. It’s wider and taller and gets all-new sheet metal. The interior is roomier and more open - the instrument panel has been moved four inches forward - and there’s a wealth of new convenience and comfort features. Better isolation creates a quieter, more comfortable ride.
The 3-liter V-6 gets Variable Valve Timing and a power boost to 210 hp and 220 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The Camry gets a facelift and Corolla’s power is up from 120 hp to 125 hp. Land Cruiser gets Toyota’s new anti-skid system and Active TRAC electronic four-wheeldrive. The RAV4 is now available in a value edition and 4Runner receives minor upgrades.