Is Toyota Starlet still in production?
The Toyota Starlet is not in production today. The nameplate last appeared in 1999, and Toyota has not revived the model for a new car in its current lineup. This article reviews the Starlet’s history and its present status in Toyota’s catalog.
We’ll look at how the Starlet started, how it evolved across generations, why the badge disappeared from new-car showrooms, and what that means for enthusiasts and potential buyers today.
History and timeline
The Starlet began life in the late 1970s as Toyota’s compact hatchback aimed at urban buyers. Over four generations, it served as a compact, economical option in many markets, often sharing platforms with other small Toyotas and evolving with the era’s design and safety expectations.
Here is a concise timeline of the Starlet’s four generations, including production years and general characteristics.
- First generation (1978–1984): Introduced as a practical subcompact hatch, establishing the Starlet name and its emphasis on affordability and efficiency.
- Second generation (1984–1989): Refined styling and improved interior comfort, with expanded trim choices and updates to meet evolving safety and emissions standards.
- Third generation (1989–1995): Broader market presence and incremental technology upgrades, maintaining the Starlet’s focus on economy and city usability.
- Fourth generation (1995–1999): Final era for the Starlet name, with gradual modernization before the model line was discontinued in favor of other Toyota subcompacts.
In short, the Starlet line ended with the 1999 model year, and Toyota subsequently leaned on other subcompact offerings—most notably the Yaris/Vitz family—for its small-car portfolio.
Current status and context
Today, no production model carries the Starlet badge. Toyota’s subcompact lineup is built around the Yaris (known as Vitz in some markets) and related small-car platforms, along with newer crossovers and hybrids that anchor the brand’s global strategy.
Why the name faded
Several factors contributed to the Starlet’s retirement: consolidating branding around a global subcompact lineup, shifts in market preferences toward newer platforms, and the move toward newer Toyota designs that shared more components with other models. The Starlet’s niche was absorbed into the broader Yaris-based ecosystem in many regions.
What this means for buyers and collectors
For buyers today, a Starlet is a used- or classic-car proposition rather than a new-car option. Early-generation Starlets can be sought by collectors, but availability of original parts and service can vary by region. Enthusiasts often find value in the Starlet’s historical place in Toyota’s lineup, even as the brand moves forward with newer designs.
Looking ahead
There are no official announcements from Toyota about reintroducing the Starlet name as a production model. While carmakers occasionally revive historic badges for special editions or market-specific releases, Toyota has not signaled plans to bring back the Starlet in its current global strategy. For now, the Starlet remains a chapter of Toyota’s past rather than a glimpse of its future.
Summary
The Toyota Starlet is not in production. It ran through four generations from 1978 to 1999, after which Toyota shifted emphasis to other subcompact designs, notably the Yaris/Vitz family. As of today, there is no confirmed plan to revive the Starlet badge, and existing Starlets live on mainly in the classic-car market and among collectors. The model’s legacy endures as a reflection of Toyota’s early efforts to offer an affordable, efficient city car.
