The Toyota Paseo (known as the Toyota Cynos (Japanese: トヨタ・サイノス, Toyota Sainosu) in Japan and other regions) is a sports-styled subcompact car sold from 1991 until 1999 by Toyota and was directly based on the Tercel. It was available as a coupé and in later models as a convertible. Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet. Several parts are interchangeable between the three.
The name "Paseo" is Spanish for "a walk" or "a stroll", while the name "Cynos" is a coined word taken from "cynosure", meaning "the target of attention". In Japan it was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations.
Second generation (L50; 1995)
The second-generation Paseo was introduced in Japan in 1995, and for the 1996 model year in North America. Apart from some modernizing in the engine electronics, the only noticeable change was in the body sheet metal. A convertible model was shown at the October 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and was released for sale in August 1996. This was the last year the Paseo was sold in the United States (1997 model year).
Timeline
Further Resources
1995 Toyota Paseo: Regular Car Reviews
Web
June 7, 2021