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 AvalonTORRANCE, 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.