Like the Tercel, the Paseo is a simple, straightforward car. It takes
only a moment of orientation to locate all the controls, which are logically
placed, well marked and operate as one would expect.
We found the Paseo surprisingly quiet and taut for a convertible. There
was some wind noise noticeable from the driver's seat, but not much, and
not enough to interfere with conversation, even at freeway speeds.
And equally pleasant was the ease with which conversation between front
and back seat occupants was possible, without raising voices.
However, we think there won't be many occasions when you'll be talking
to folks in the rear seats. This is a subcompact car, and even though the
Paseo has almost as much rear seat legroom as a Ford Mustang, it's still
a 2+2, and that back seat is suitable only for very short trips.
A primary mission of subcompact cars is to keep costs down, which means
they don't offer much in the way of comfort and convenience features, at
least not as standard equipment.
However, the Paseo is not a stripper. Standard appointments include
two front air bags, reclining cloth-covered sport bucket seats in front,
intermittent windshield wipers, full carpeting, and a gauge package that
includes a tachometer and trip odometer.
Also standard is the digital clock, which is recessed high in the center
of the dash making it easily readable day or night from anywhere in the
car. An AM/fM radio with four speakers is also standard, along with the
requisite cup holders.
Air conditioning, the only extra on our test car, adds $926 to the sticker
price. Also available as factory options are cruise control, power windows
and door locks, and an upgrade radio with a cassette player. Antilock brakes
add $550, and coupe purchasers can also consider adding a moonroof ($415),
as well as a rear decklid spoiler.
This straightforward, honest little car acquits itself respectably in
everyday driving.
Thanks to its low curb weight, the Paseo's 1.5-liter twin-cam 16-valve
four-cylinder engine delivers surprisingly peppy acceleration, as well
as very good fuel economy on good old unleaded regular. We liked the shift
action of the manual five-speed transmission, which adds to the driving
fun, but even with the optional four-speed automatic the car performs respectably
compared to other small cars.
ASC seems to have done its usual good work in creating this convertible
for Toyota. Although its chassis isn't quite as rigid as the coupe, an
inevitable consequence of removing the roof structure, it has the solid
feel we've come to associate with Toyotas over the years.
It also delivers respectable handling and a sporty but comfortable ride.
This is another area where the Paseo's low weight pays high dividends.
The less weight there is to shift back and forth, the quicker the response
to driver commands.
The combination of crisp steering and prompt responses in avoidance
maneuvers gives the Paseo a lively feel that we found surprising. It's
not a Miata, but it doesn't pretend to be; and, as we noted earlier, your
insurance company won't think it's a Miata, either.
Braking performance, from a front disc, rear drum system, is good--low
curb weight paying yet another dividend--though we recommend popping the
extra $550 for ABS, a good price for this important active safety feature.