Toyota’s entry vehicle, the Echo, struts a redesigned exterior for 2003 that includes a new chrome slat grille, re-sculptured trunk lid, and new 14-inch wheel cover design. For the first time, Echo offers an optional 15-inch wheel package – a zesty treat for a car that boasts a less than 33-foot turning circle. Other changes for the 2003 model year include five new exterior colors, optional chrome and silver painted trims in the interior as well as availability of a combination speedometer/tachometer dial in the center mounted gauge cluster. Echo acquires its sprinting power from a 108-horsepower/105 pounds-feet torque, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Echo left a lasting favorable impression after a nearly 500-mile, one-week test drive. From a fuel economy perspective, Echo – when fitted with the five-speed manual transmission – tallies per gallon earnings of 35 city/43 highway. The storage zones are everywhere: passenger seat tray, dual glove compartments, deep-dish door pockets as well as CD slots on each side of the audio/temperature control console stack. The two-door is an impressive vehicle. Although there’s ample room for four adults, getting in the back seat could benefit from a ‘tumble forward’ front seat feature. Standard equipment includes tinted glass, three-point front seatbelts, dual front/rear cup holders, and tilt steering wheel. Air conditioning is a $925 option. MSRP is $10,105.