2003 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

July 7, 2003

First Drive: 2003 Toyota Vios 1.5G M/T and A/T

Let’s face it—we’re going to be late again. Rushing through a mid-afternoon’s Metro traffic, our humble Toyota Echo zipped between bigger motor vehicles. The 1.3-liter engine was clearly given a thrashing as the responsive four-speed auto ‘box gave us much needed accelerating power. We subjected ourselves to a slightly sore backside for the sake of motoring journalism.

Given a fixed length, width and height, the most efficient shape to enclose a space is that of a box. That's something that appliance designers, modern architects and seasoned travelers know only too well—we don't see too many cylindrical refrigerators or triangular office towers. Passenger vans have to follow the same rule, so don't expect anything other than a refrigerator on wheels when you go shopping for that 12-seater.

Review: 2003 Volvo S40 T4

Now, more than ever, the lines of automotive design and engineering are beginning to blur. American sedans, once noted for their crudeness are gaining European sophistication; Korean reliability and durability is heading well into contention with the Japanese; the British, for all their pride on identity is starting to get a bit Teutonic. Even the quiet Scandinavian nation of Sweden isn’t spared from this inevitable global trend, and the new Volvo S40 T4 can attest to this.

There’s always something alluring with the girl next door. She may not be the prettiest, sexiest or richest, but somehow she always manages to lift your spirits with her honest to goodness smile. It seems that you’ve known her all your life—she’s dependable, reliable and trustworthy. In short, she’s like a Toyota Revo.

Review: 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4V

It seems that Nostradamus is right after all. Our world may not have ended with the now infamous Y2K debacle or with a Nuclear Holocaust, but continuously watching CNN would have anyone thinking that every day is a disaster.

When a promised gift arrives later than it should, it can be frustrating and exciting at the same time. The same sense of anxious anticipation pervaded our wait for the 2003 Lancer. This was not helped by the sight of gray-market Evo VIIs burbling around Manila. The Lancer's rivals had certainly advanced the 1.6 liter game, and, good or bad, we wanted to know how the Lancer would stand up to the challenge. As the New Year rolled in, Mitsubishi Motors eventually delivered.

Review: 2003 Isuzu Crosswind XUV

Even as Isuzu struck success with its first Isuzu AUV, the Hi-lander, it was already developing its second iteration, the sportier, sleeker Crosswind. Soon after, Isuzu brought the Crosswind to the next logical step in its evolution, the XUV.

I’ve always taken a liking to bright, red wrapping paper. There’s a sensation of butterflies in the stomach, coupled with anticipation that makes the entire experience worth it—it’s just short of actually crapping in the pants.

Review: 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master

James Bond is one cool guy; there’s no doubting that. Everything from driving (and subsequently wrecking) his Aston Martin V12 Vanquish to having any girl he wants, he’s surely any man’s fantasy life personified. However, there’s a greater chance of seeeing pigs fly than for us slipping into a Brioni suit armed with an Omega Speedmaster with standard laser gun. So what’s the next best thing to Bond? McGyver.

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July 7, 2003

First Drive: 2003 Toyota Vios 1.5G M/T and A/T

Review: 2003 Nissan Urvan Estate

April 21, 2003

Review: 2003 Volvo S40 T4

Review: 2003 Toyota Revo 1.8 SR

March 25, 2003

Review: 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4V

Review: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MX

February 3, 2003

Review: 2003 Isuzu Crosswind XUV

Review: 2003 Ford Expedition

January 8, 2003

Review: 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master