1992-1997 Toyota Paseo: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Smaller and less costly than a Celica, the front-drive Paseo sport coupe replaced the 2-door Corolla GT-S and SR5 in 1992. Paseo shared its wheelbase with the subcompact Tercel, but styling differed considerably. The 4-cylinder engine also came from the Tercel, but was boosted to 100 horsepower with the addition of dual camshafts. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. Paseos got a firmer suspension than Tercel, including a rear stabilizer bar and 14-inch tires (versus the Tercel's 13-inch rubber).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Paseo coupe 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Toyota Paseo:
A driver-side airbag was installed in 1993 models, as antilock braking became optional.
1994 Toyota Paseo:
Like other Toyotas, Paseo switched to CFC-free refrigerant for its optional air conditioning. Also, passenger seatbelts added automatic-locking retractors.
1995 Toyota Paseo:
Cars sold in states with California-level emissions requirements used a 93-horsepower engine, while the rating in other states remained at 100 horsepower.
1996 Toyota Paseo:
Reshaping for '96 was accompanied by installation of dual airbags. Styling changes included a smoother nose, larger rear quarter windows, and a more shapely tail. Despite this year's sleeker look, dimensions were unchanged. Interior dimensions also remained as before, but the newly designed, dashboard incorporated a passenger-side airbag. Both the driver and front passenger now had manual 3-point seatbelts. All Paseo engines now were rated at 93 horsepower.
1997 Toyota Paseo:
A convertible joined for 1997, but both body styles failed to last past the end of the model year. The convertible got a manual folding top, with a heated glass rear window.
Our road test for the 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1997 Toyota Paseo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is more than adequate with manual shift, though the engine vibrates somewhat when worked hard. Takeoffs are less than brisk, but the engine revs eagerly to higher speeds. As expected, an automatic transmission saps some of the engine's pep, approaching the sluggish level. Exhaust resonance is noticeable and the engine gets loud, even during moderate acceleration. Gas mileage is a major bonus: With manual shift, we've averaged 34.3 mpg. Ride quality is pleasantly supple and well-controlled with optional wider tires, despite light weight and short wheelbase. Most bumps register with a thump or a jolt, but the coupe feels reasonably solid. Modest size aids in handling, but the suspension and tires don't come close to furnishing true sports-car moves. A Paseo feels agile and competent in most maneuvers, though the body leans in tight turns, and front tires plow through corners. Road/tire noise gets annoying on coarse pavement. Paseo is actually a 2 2 rather than a real 4-seater, so rear-seat space is for toddlers or groceries. Tall people might need more leg room in front, and there's no great abundance of head space. Well-bolstered bucket seats are comfortable. Controls are nicely laid out, though the steering wheel might be high for some drivers. The Paseo's over-the-shoulder view is impaired by thick rear pillars. Trunk space is better than average.
Value for the Money
Paseos aren't the best or the cheapest small sport coupes. Because convertibles were available for such a short time, they're sure to be rarities on the used-car market.
Paseos aren't the best or the cheapest small sport coupes. Because convertibles were available for such a short time, they're sure to be rarities on the used-car market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Paseo coupe 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Paseo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Paseo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air-conditioner compressor may randomly stop, and the air-conditioning light may flash due to a bad wiring harness. (1992-94)
Climate control:
Poor heater output can usually be corrected by replacing the thermostat. (1995-96)
Wheels:
Proper wheel alignment may be impossible without installing new camber-adjusting bolts. (1992-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $505 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $820 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $400 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Radiator | $415 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $900 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $155 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Paseo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Paseo convertible | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Paseo coupe | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Paseo | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Paseo | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Paseo | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Paseo | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Paseo | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Paseo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.7 | 93.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 163.6 | 163.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.4 | 65.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.0 | 51.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2160 | 2025 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.6 | 7.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- | 41.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | 32.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | 30.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine powered 1992-95 models. Starting in 1995, however, output dropped to 93 horsepower but torque went up. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed in a Paseo.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 90 | 100 | 91 | 5-speed manual: 28/34 4-speed automatic: 26/32 |
5-speed manual: 34.3 4-speed automatic: 25.9 |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 90 | 93 | 100 | 5-speed manual: 30/35 4-speed automatic: 28/34 |
5-speed manual: 28.2 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Paseo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Paseo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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