How big is a 1998 Toyota Starlet?
The 1998 Toyota Starlet is a compact hatchback with a small-car footprint. In practical terms, it sits around 3.7–3.8 meters long, about 1.6 meters wide, and roughly 1.4 meters tall, with a wheelbase near 2.35–2.40 meters. It accommodates five passengers and offers a modest amount of cargo space, which can expand when the rear seats are folded. Exact measurements vary by market and bodystyle (3-door vs 5-door) and by trim level.
Exterior dimensions at a glance
Understanding the car’s footprint helps with parking, city driving, and loading. Because the Starlet was sold in multiple markets with slightly different bodystyles, the numbers cover a small range rather than a single figure.
- Length: about 3,730–3,800 mm (3.73–3.80 m)
- Width: about 1,600–1,660 mm (1.60–1.66 m)
- Height: about 1,400–1,430 mm (1.40–1.43 m)
- Wheelbase: about 2,350–2,400 mm (2.35–2.40 m)
- Front/rear track: roughly 1,370–1,420 mm (1.37–1.42 m) each
- Curb weight: roughly 860–970 kg depending on trim and market
Exact figures depend on factors such as trim level, wheel/tire package, and whether the car is a 3-door or 5-door model. For precise numbers, refer to the specific vehicle’s factory spec sheet.
Interior space and practicality
Inside, the Starlet is designed to maximize usable space for daily urban use. The following figures reflect typical 1998-model measurements, with variations based on bodystyle and equipment.
- Seating capacity: 5 occupants
- Cargo behind rear seats: about 190–260 liters
- With rear seats folded: approximately 550–880 liters
Cargo and interior layout can shift slightly depending on whether a full spare tire is carried or a space saver tire is used, as well as the exact door configuration and trim features. Always check the specific vehicle’s spec sheet for precise numbers.
Market and trim variations
In 1998, Toyota offered several Starlet trims and market-specific variants (including export-focused 5-door hatchbacks and, in some markets, sportier versions). While the overall footprint remained compact across models, small differences in wheel size, spoiler treatment, or roof rails could affect exterior dimensions by a few millimeters. For prospective buyers or restorers, confirm dimensions against the car’s documentation.
Summary
Overall, the 1998 Toyota Starlet presents as a classic subcompact hatch with a compact, city-friendly footprint. Expect a length near 3.7–3.8 meters, width around 1.6 meters, height about 1.4 meters, and a wheelbase close to 2.35–2.40 meters. Interior space supports five passengers and offers a practical, if modest, cargo area that enlarges with rear-seat folding. Given the model’s market and bodystyle variations, exact measurements should be verified on the specific vehicle’s specification sheet.
Is the Toyota Starlet a small car?
The Toyota Starlet (Japanese: トヨタ・スターレット, Hepburn: Toyota Sutāretto) is a subcompact car manufactured by Toyota from 1973 until 1999, replacing the Publica, but retaining the Publica's "P" code and generation numbering.
What car is similar to a Toyota Starlet?
Suzuki Fronx
It is the actual model on which the Starlet Cross is based, thanks to the Suzuki/Toyota partnership! The Suzuki Fronx offers no-nonsense motoring in an attractive, fuel-saving package. This model also houses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, offering 77kW and 138Nm of torque.
How wide is a Toyota Starlet?
The width is 1625 mm across all variants. The length is 3740 mm across all variants. See the table below for a comprehensive list of dimensions for the Toyota Starlet 1999 including the height, width, length and more for each vehicle.
Are 1998 Toyota Starlets reliable?
Mechanics have a high regard for the Starlet and report few faults with it. When it's serviced according to Toyota recommendations, mechanics say a Starlet will do 300,000km-plus without problem.An important service item is the cam timing belt, which should be changed every 100,000km.
