Was Toyota Starlet sold in the USA?
Officially, no—the Toyota Starlet was not sold in the United States by Toyota’s U.S. operations. The model was marketed in Japan, Europe, Oceania, and parts of Asia, but it never appeared in the American showroom under a Toyota USA banner. A handful of private imports did circulate in the U.S., but these were not official offerings.
The Starlet has a long history as a compact hatchback nameplate from Toyota that spanned several generations. This article explains where the Starlet actually sold, how U.S. buyers encountered the model, and what that implies for the U.S. subcompact market today.
Global footprint of the Starlet
The Starlet was produced in several generations from the late 1970s through the 1990s and was tailored to regional markets rather than the U.S. market. It found strong presence in Japan and in multiple overseas markets, adapting to local regulations and consumer tastes. Here is a snapshot of where it was officially available.
Markets where the Starlet was officially sold
These are the primary regions where Toyota or its regional subsidiaries marketed the Starlet during its production years.
- Japan
- Europe (including the United Kingdom and continental European countries)
- Oceania (Australia and New Zealand)
- Other parts of Asia (including Southeast Asia markets)
These markets illustrate the Starlet’s global reach, while highlighting that the United States was not among the official destinations.
Officially not sold in the United States, but private imports exist
While the Starlet never reached Toyota’s U.S. dealerships, a small number of cars were brought into the United States by private importers. These grey-market imports vary in condition and specification and typically did not come with U.S. warranty or guaranteed compliance with all federal safety and emissions standards. Buyers often faced adjustments to meet local regulations.
- Private/grey-market imports from Japan or Europe
- Potential emissions/safety compliance challenges for the U.S.
- Interest among collectors and enthusiasts in vintage Starlet models
In practice, private imports exist for enthusiasts, but they do not constitute official U.S. sales and carry considerations that official channels would not.
Why the Starlet’s U.S. absence matters in the subcompact landscape
The U.S. subcompact market ultimately relied on other Toyota models for small-car offerings, notably the Echo (and its successor, the Yaris). Toyota’s strategic decisions—led by regulatory considerations, market demand, and product alignment—shaped which models carried the Starlet name worldwide and which did not appear in the United States.
Summary
In summary, the Toyota Starlet was never officially sold in the United States. It enjoyed sales in Japan, Europe, Oceania, and parts of Asia, with a small number of private imports appearing in the U.S. market through grey-market channels. For U.S. shoppers, the Starlet’s role in the subcompact segment was effectively filled by other Toyota models, most notably the Echo and, later, the Yaris.
How much is a Toyota Starlet worth?
Toyota Starlet price guide & valuations
The current average selling price across all models is £3,495, with average mileage of 16,000. The highest cost is currently £3,495 for a 1997 Toyota Starlet while the lowest cost currently sits at just £3,495.
Was the Toyota Starlet sold in the USA?
The 3-door KP61 was the only Starlet ever sold in the US, where it was available from the 1981 through the 1984 model years. The 1981–1982 models came with standard five-speed manual transmissions and tachometers. It is an equivalent to other markets' S model.
Is the Toyota Starlet the same as the Suzuki?
The Starlet Cross is derived from the Suzuki and it's the 5th product to come to market as a result of the Suzuki-Toyota product sharing agreement . Other Toyota-Suzuki models include the Vitz ( Suzuki Celerio ), Starlet ( Suzuki Baleno ), Rumion ( Suzuki Ertiga ) and the Toyota Urban Cruiser ( Suzuki Grand Vitara ).
How many miles per gallon does a 1982 Toyota Starlet get?
*EPA STATEMENT: Starlet is rated at 52 EPA Estimated Highway MPG. 38 EPA Estimated MPG (51 EPA Estimated Highway MPG. 37 EPA Estimated MPG in California).
