Toyota will go after some new markets later this year - the lucrative truck market with its new full-size pickup, the Tundra, and the younger market with its new Echo.

Until those vehicles debut, the 1999 Camry Solara is the most recent introduction for Toyota. The rest of the lineup gets very few changes. This year is also the end for several models: the Celica GT sport coupe, the two-door Tercel, the T100, and the Supra.

The following models get minor changes such as upgraded stereo systems, new colors, and daytime running lights with automatic-off headlamps: Avalon, Camry sedan, and Corolla. The Land Cruiser, redesigned for 1998, remains unchanged for 1999.

The Tundra will be the first Toyota vehicle launched as a 2000 model and will be in dealerships in May. It will be larger and more substantial than the current T100. The Tundra will get a 4.7-liter double-overhead-cam 32-valve V-8 (which meets Low-Emission Vehicle standards) and will deliver about 245 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. Tundra will be offered in a wide variety of configurations powered by either V-8 or V-6 engines, including two- or four-wheel drive, two-door regular-cab with an 8-foot bed or four-door Access Cab with a 6.5-foot bed. The new Access Cab features large double-doors and this four-door pickup features an exterior handle on each door, providing easier operation from the outside.

Toyota says that when the Echo arrives in dealerships this fall it will be available in both two- and four-door models, will be priced substantially below the Corolla, and yet will offer more passenger volume than the Mercedes C-Class. In addition to its low sticker price, Toyota officials say, it will be affordable to own over the long run. Its engine will be an all-new 1.5-liter twin-cam four-cylinder that features variable-valve timing, similar to systems available on Lexus products.

Although the Solara coupe and the Camry sedan ride on identical platforms, the goal in developing the Solara's ride and handling characteristics was to create a platform that was tighter and more responsive than that of the Camry. The Solara comes with either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine in five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 is rated at 200 horsepower (hp) and 214 lb-ft of torque. The 2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine is rated at 135 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque

The 4Runner sport-ute gets amenity upgrades. The 4Runner Limited model has a new four-wheel-drive system equipped with a center differential and featuring a full-time four-wheel-drive mode in addition to the current two-high, four-high and four-low modes. The exterior of the 4Runner gets a new grille and multi-reflector headlamps, and a new design for the front bumper. A new enhanced sport package is available on SR5 models and includes front and rear color-keyed bumpers, a new wheel design, fender flares and a hood scoop. Changes inside include a new center console and cup holder design and an overhead console.

The RAV4 remains unchanged except for some cosmetic options such as color-keyed mirrors and door handles.

The Tacoma for 1999 has front seat belt pretensioners and force limiters for added safety. The recently introduced Tacoma PreRunner adds a Regular Cab, front seat belt pretensioners and force limiters.

The Sienna minivan enters its second full model-year with the addition of a right-side power sliding door.