1997 Toyota Paseo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$13,628 to $17,148

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(6 reviews)
1997 Toyota Paseo Preview summaryImage

For its last year of production, Toyota added a convertible to the Paseo lineup. Despite having a small following of fans, Toyota decided to discontinue the small, sporty coupe after this year. Sales were lagging, and overall consumers were turning away from sporty coupes.

The 1997 Toyota Paseo came in two trim levels, the two-door coupe and the two-door convertible. The convertible had a manual-folding top. Both shared a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, 93-horsepower engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with the option of a four-speed automatic. Fuel economy was about 27/32 mpg.

The 1997 Toyota Paseo is well liked for its small, sporty looks; excellent fuel economy; and reliability. Most drivers caution that the car is not for more than two people, as the backseat is unreasonably small, and many find the engine to be way underpowered. While the Paseo had its fans, many derided it as a “girl car,” and it passed into retirement without much fanfare.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
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User reviews for 1997 Toyota Paseo

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User rating:
by Jeremy W
Jan 20, 2011
This car has given me no trouble. I bought the car in 2009 at 98000km and am just about to hit 140000 in early 2011. Since I bought it, I have only had to replace the brakes(which you have to replace on every car) and the windshield (which broke because a chunk of ice from a snowplow cracked it). The car drives smooth, and is comfortable to drive. The car does lack power, but there are plenty of ways to increase power on small engines. Overall, a great car. Jan 20, 2011
by Yanick B
Jun 27, 2009
Maniabilité exemplaire, mais il ne faut avoir d'illusions avec le moteur d'origine... Les freins de compagnie sont des Brembo, alors l'auto à une puissance de freinage assez bonne. Le rapport puissance poid est d'environ 10Kg/hp, ce qui n'a rien d'extraordinaire, mais ça fait le travail. Les possibilités de gain de performance sont assez complexes, mais elle valent la peine. Avec le moteur d'Europe/Japon, en ajoutant un turbo, il est possible t'atteindre 300hp dans ~950kg. Ça donne un rapport de 3.167kg/hp.Jun 27, 2009
by Cody W
Nov 28, 2008
I am use to my Celica, but other than that, this car is awesome. Of course Toyota is known for making great engines and this is no exception. More torque than horsepower, makes it easy to pass traffic on highways. Even though I am 6ft, I would buy this car if it had a tilt steering wheel, and if the shifter/gearbox was towards the back. It truly was made for people who are shorter. But don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore small cars, and this car fits in there.Nov 28, 2008

1997 Toyota Paseo Pricing

Original MSRP
$13,628 to $17,148
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Toyota Paseo price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (2)

Other years

1997 Toyota Paseo For Sale