Toyota Paseo 1999

[Rumface]

The Toyota Paseo '99 (EU) was known as the Cynos in Japan.




Based on the Tercel platform, the Toyota Paseo shares many components with Toyota's of the time, such as the Starlet, Corolla and Sera. Receiving a major face lift in 1996. The top rated model of the Paseo is fitted with a 5E-FE (5E-FHE in Japan) and pulls a modest 93hp at 5400rpm and 123Nm at 3,200rpm.



This car was never a hit. It sold 1500 units in the UK and was pulled from sale after only 3 years in the UK market.

Yet this is an OEM parts bin coupe from the 90's in its simplest form, you could even pretend it is a sports car. You don't have to drive fast to get it to it's limits - which is a trait it shares with several other more popular coupes Toyota built over the years.



These cars will disappear from existence in less than 4-5 years.

So why should this car be in Gran Turismo seeing as the E30 M3 isn't in the game and the Supra R/Z isn't a premium model yet?

I think this car should be in GranTurismo because this was my GranTurismo moment - when I bought a car far from the top of the pile and experienced something cars ten times its price fail to achieve.

The Paseo is something that you don't see in cars built in the last 10 years, and won't see again after they're all gone.

TL : DR - Women Dig it, Let's party.

 

[GranTurismo916]

I love the looks of '90s Toyotas. 👍

 

[MatskiMonk]

I've been subjected to driving one of these from time to time. UK spec Paseo ST... I hate it, it's not even been that reliable. It seems eager, but as soon as you feel like it's revved up nicely it runs out of guts. The steerings too light and gives very little feedback, also first gear is too short given the poxy amount of traction off the line.

I really don't like it. I'm liking it though, 'cus then I can flip one into the wall as many times as I like

 

[Rumface]

I've been subjected to driving one of these from time to time. UK spec Paseo ST... I hate it, it's not even been that reliable. It seems eager, but as soon as you feel like it's revved up nicely it runs out of guts. The steerings too light and gives very little feedback, also first gear is too short given the poxy amount of traction off the line.

I really don't like it. I'm liking it though, 'cus then I can flip one into the wall as many times as I like

I suppose it might not be a BMW - sure perhaps the first gear is short but it will pick up and the 5E-FE admittedly in the UK version is almost 30hp down on the JDM variant but is still known for having almost limitless modding capabilities between other Turbo and high compression Toyota parts from the 90's that pretty much bolt on.

Hate is such a strong word though, perhaps you had a bad example? These cars sell for less than £800 in perfect condition - so only so much can be expected from them. In that price range you're either looking at this or a ratty looking Saxo or 106 and I won't let anyone tell me a used Focus will be anywhere near as interesting.

 

[MatskiMonk]

@Rumface

It's certainly no BMW, and I hope it wasn't a bad once since it was a demonstrator bought from a Toyota dealer! It's my mums car, which was my daily driver for a while after I passed my test, in that time I've had 1 Rover, 1 Peugeot and 7 BMW's, the Paseo has covered 122,000 miles, and to be fair, other than an engine issue at around 90k it's been fairly good, but some OEM parts are becoming harder to get your hands on. I still drive it when I'm between cars, or mine are in the garage. I guess it has some potential for tuning, especially a suspension kit and some slightly wider rubber. Either way... it's still one of the least favourite of all the cars I've driven. It's also rusting quite heavily now... and I'm trying to point out (as you do) that it's not worth the cost of sorting it out... may as well just buy a new one. Fun fact though.. the next car registered by Toyota, is the same spec and the same colour, just +1 digit on the reg, and it lives in the same town - the only difference, theirs doesn't have the rear spoiler!

Edit: that extra 30hp is SEVERELY needed.

Although, I just thought of something I did like about the car. The gearbox feel... aside from the short 1st gear, it feels quite precise and direct, with a moderately short action. They just need to move some of that revviness out of the 0-30 range and up to the 50-60 range.

 

[Harsk100]

This Paseo must be on GT. I say yes

 

[20B_4ME]

If the Celica was a "baby Supra" then this Paseo was the "baby Celica". I love these cars!

 

[NART512]

There is literally nothing special about this car. There are very few of them in the world..... and? It was just a failed marketing attempt at a low emissions car.