What do you get when you plunk down $13,000 for Toyota's sporty-looking Paseo? You get tepid acceleration, poor visibility, rear drum brakes, and a two-speaker AM/FM radio. On the plus side, the new Paseo comes with dual airbags, side impact protection, remote hatch and fuel door openers, locking split-fold rear seats, rear defroster, and a car that can handle on the twisties as well as a Pontiac Firebird or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Basically, what you get is a Tercel that corners well. Oh yes, there is also the issue of Toyota reliability. Is it worth $13,000? Well, you could buy a Neon Coupe or a Nissan 200SX. If those don't get you drooling, how bout a Mitsubishi Mirage LS Coupe, Honda Civic DX Coupe, or Ford Escort GT? The answer to the question depends on what you're looking for in a set of cheap, sporty wheels.

The Paseo comes with a minimum of standard equipment. Add some alloy wheels, air conditioning, antilock brakes, cruise control, and a cassette player, and the Paseo runs above $16,000. We're thinking that this isn't much of a value. We're thinking Neon Sport Coupe.

Styling is new this year, and while it is derivative, the Paseo certainly is attractive. The greenhouse is small, squashed between a high beltline and low roof. Windows have been enlarged and pillars have been thinned, but the inside of the Paseo is still rather claustrophobic.

This car was conceived as a commuter sport coupe. It shares its market niche with a dreadful vehicle called the Mazda MX-3. Neither car sells very well, and the reason is because any of the cars mentioned previously is far more satisfying to own and drive than either of these two vehicles. However, if we had to choose between the Paseo or the MX-3, we'd definitely go with the Toyota.

1996 Highlights

All-new Paseo looks like last year's car, but is much improved. It now meets 1997 passenger car safety standards, and has a split-fold rear seat.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Toyota Paseo.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.323 reviews

Write a review See all 23 reviews

5(52%)

4(31%)

3(17%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Finally died at 342,800 miles

richardlarue,12/16/2010

I bought my 96 Paseo in 2003 when I started a new job which was 194 miles round trip to and from work. It had 119,000 on it then. I never garaged it and it never failed to start, even through the winters. The only maintenance I had to perform was a clutch the day I bought it, brakes several times and wheel bearings. I was averaging 41,600 miles per year. 4 days ago on my way to work the

A good value

paseoforkid,05/07/2009

Bought this car exactly five years ago with 113,000 miles on (for $2700). Have about 190,000 on now. Only maintenance is one O2 failed at about 117,000 (at engine, the second one failed -after converter- at about 185,000). I got engine check light both times and used obdII code reader. Sensor was about $75. Did brakes and replaced starter & battery. Other then that just oil change.

cool paseo

Alan22,04/16/2002

I have had my 1996 paseo for about one an a half year, the only thing that I am impress about not the power, its the handling that i am impress of, I tested my car doing 60mph in a round about u still feel very safe at that point, compare to a bmw handling I think that the paseo will beat the handling no problem. Because I also own a BMW E36 318i

good car

sunshine45525,04/16/2002

My dad picked out this car for me. I think it's a reliable car. Ive had it for a year and a half now and I never once had a problem with it yet. Its great on gas too.

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Features & Specs

MPG

26 city / 32 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

93 hp @ 5400 rpm

See all Used 1996 Toyota Paseo features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1996 Toyota Paseo

Used 1996 Toyota Paseo Overview

The Used 1996 Toyota Paseo is offered in the following submodels: Paseo Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Toyota Paseo?

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Which used 1996 Toyota Paseos are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Toyota Paseo?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 1996 Toyota Paseo

Used