Toyota Announces Prices for 2000 ECHO And Celica and Avalon
22 September 1999
Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2000 ECHO And Next-Generation Celica and Avalon
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 21 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS),
U.S.A., Inc., released manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) today on
the all-new ECHO entry-level sedan and next-generation Celica and Avalon
models.
The ECHO brings a new name and a fresh concept to the Toyota lineup, as
well as a dynamic approach to designing, developing and marketing an entry-
level sedan to meet the unique demands of young, new-car buyers. Offered in
both two- and four-door models, ECHO offers the interior roominess of a
compact sedan with the exterior dimensions of a subcompact.
Power is supplied by an all-new 1.5-liter twin cam four-cylinder engine
featuring Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve technology that delivers an
exceptional blend of power and fuel economy and is EPA-certified as a
low-emission vehicle (LEV).
ECHO standard equipment includes tilt steering, AM/FM stereo, color-keyed
bumpers and door handles, fabric seats and 14-inch wheels and wheel covers.
The MSRP for the 2000 ECHO ranges from $9,995 for the two-door, five-speed
manual to $11,095 for the four-door with an automatic transmission. ECHO is
the first Toyota vehicle since 1995 to carry a base price under $10,000.
Also aimed at young buyers, the all-new Toyota Celica enters its seventh-
generation with a radical new direction that features cutting-edge styling and
aggressive performance.
Styled at Toyota's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., Celica's
cab-forward design features a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements.
Celica is shorter in overall length than the previous generation, but longer
in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs.
The Celica GT-S is powered by an all-new aluminum alloy, 1.8-liter four-
cylinder twin-cam engine. The engine employs Toyota's all-new Variable Valve
Timing Lift-intelligence (VVTL-i) induction system to produce 180 horsepower
at 7,600 rpm. The newly developed system combines continuously-variable valve
timing and continuously-adjustable valve lift, depending on engine rpm. It
provides an exceptional blend of power, fuel economy and reduced emissions
over a broad rpm range. The GT model is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder
twin-cam engine employing variable valve timing (VVT-i) and producing 140
horsepower at 6,400 rpm.
The 2000 Celica GT and GT-S are both available with different variations
of all-new automatic and manual transmissions. The newly developed high-
response four-speed automatic transmission is found in both the GT and GT-S
models. The GT-S version of the automatic features a Sport Shift, which
allows up or down shifting through the use of easy access steering wheel
buttons. A standard five-speed manual transmission is featured on the GT
model while the GT-S receives a six-speed gearbox, a first for Celica.
Standard features on the Celica GT include air conditioning, an AM/FM
stereo with cassette, CD player and six speakers, power steering and power
mirrors. The GT-S adds standard power windows and door locks, cruise control,
fog lights, aluminum sport pedals and premium audio system with eight
speakers.
Prices for Celica range from $16,695 for the GT, five-speed manual to
$21,865 for the GT-S with four-speed automatic transmission. On average, the
repositioned and re-engineered Celica GT received an overall price reduction
of 21.6 percent, or $4,745.
Entering its second generation, the all-new full-size Avalon is roomier,
more powerful and more technically advanced. The Kentucky-built Avalon
features all-new contemporary styling, inside and out, enhanced safety
features, increased engine performance and more comfort and convenience than
its predecessor.
Avalon's 3.0-liter V6 engine is improved with the adoption of Variable
Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), providing 10 additional horsepower to
210, six additional lbs./ft. of torque to 220, excellent fuel efficiency and
lower emissions.
Safety is enhanced with an all-new optional active-safety system that
includes Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control and a Brake Assist
feature that detects emergency braking and applies supplemental line pressure
to maximize braking performance.
Avalon's redesigned interior includes a new multi-information display at
the center of the instrument panel. The XL grade features warning lamps,
odometer, trip meter, clock and outside temperature functions. The premium
XLS grade adds a compass, trip computer and calendar functions. Standard
equipment on Avalon includes a dual climate control system, AM/FM stereo with
a cassette and CD player, power windows with auto up/down driver's window with
jam protection, power door locks with auto-lock function, an illuminated entry
system and dual double sun visors with extensions.
Prices for the 2000 Avalon range from $25,195 for the XL model with bucket
seats to $29,755 for the XLS with bucket seats. On average, the Avalon
received an overall price increase of 3.0 percent, or $802.
All three models will reach dealer showrooms around October 1.