For 2003, the affordable ECHO receives a new look with increased length, and a redesigned front and rear fascia. The front bumper and fenders feature sharper, more prominent lines, a new chrome-slat grille, and new headlamps with a distinctive bulb layout. Optional round fog lamps accent the bold new front-end design. In the rear, a new trunk lid with chrome plate garnish, a new bumper and redesigned combination clear-lens taillights provide a more upscale look.

A new Appearance Package adds aerodynamic body enhancements, including overfenders that blend into the front and rear underbody. A rear trunk spoiler incorporates the LED high-mounted stop lamp.

The standard 14-inch wheels get a sporty looking new wheel cover design, and, for the first time, ECHO offers an optional 15-inch wheel package. The new styling is topped off with five new colors: Phantom Gray Pearl, Silver Streak Mica, Impulse Red Pearl, Sand Castle Metallic, and Aqua Ice Opalescent.

For 2003, ECHO prices increase by $110, or 1.0 percent. The MSRP for ECHO ranges from $10,105 for the two-door with a five-speed manual transmission to $11,495 for the four-door with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission.

For 2003 the eight-passenger Sequoia SUV features new 17-inch alloy wheels and tires and an inside rear-view auto-dimming mirror as standard equipment on the top-of-the-line Limited grade, and as options on the SR5 model. A rear DVD entertainment system with two cordless headphones, and load leveling rear suspension are new features available on both Sequoia models.

The base MSRP for the 2003 Sequoia SR5 4x2 is $31,625, an increase of $360, or 1.2 percent. The SR5 4x4 is priced at $35,155, an increase of $360, or 1.0 percent. Base MSRP for the Limited 4x2 is $40,200, an increase of $795, or 2.0 percent. The Limited 4x4 is priced at $43,520, an increase of $795, or 1.9 percent.

The rugged Tacoma compact pickup is upgraded for 2003 with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) on all models. Additionally, child restraint system (CRS) lower anchors have been added to the front passenger seat on Regular- and Xtracab models, and to the rear outboard seats on Double Cab models.

Tacoma 4x2 MSRPs range from $12,100 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $15,460 for the Xtracab four-cylinder with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission. MSRP for the performance-focused S-Runner Xtracab V6 is $19,020. The MSRP for the popular PreRunner ranges from $14,015 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder automatic to $19,170 for the Double Cab V6 automatic. On average, 2003 Tacoma 4x2 prices increase only $94, or 0.6 percent.

Tacoma 4x4 MSRPs range from $16,510 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder five-speed manual to $22,320 for the Double Cab V6 automatic. On average, 2003 Tacoma 4x4 prices increase $200, or 1.0 percent. Total Tacoma prices (4x2 and 4x4 combined) increase $139, or 0.8 percent.

The ninth-generation 2003 Corolla broke new ground in the compact class for roominess, comfort and value when it debuted in January of this year. Starting October 1, the base MSRP for the Corolla CE with a five-speed manual transmission is $13,570, an increase of $200, or 1.5 percent. The base MSRP for the CE with a four-speed automatic transmission is $14,370, an increase of $200, or 1.4 percent. All Corolla S and LE grades remain unchanged. Base MSRP ranges from $14,515 for the S grade with a five-speed manual to $15,480 for the LE with an automatic transmission.

The 2003 Corolla is currently in dealer showrooms. The Sequoia arrives in dealer showrooms on September 2, ECHO on September 3, and Tacoma on September 10.