What kind of car is a Starlet?
A Starlet is a small, subcompact hatchback produced by Toyota. It’s the kind of city car designed for affordable, everyday driving rather than luxury or high performance.
In its classic form, the Starlet developed as a line of compact hatchbacks spanning four generations from 1978 to 1999. These cars were typically front‑engine and front‑wheel drive, offered in three- or five-door configurations with small petrol engines focused on efficiency and practicality. Over time, Toyota phased out the Starlet in many markets, replacing it with newer small-car models such as the Yaris/Vitz, though the name persists in some regions for market-specific variants or editions.
Class and design
The Starlet sits in the subcompact (city car/supermini) class, optimized for urban use with compact dimensions, economical engines, and straightforward handling.
Evolution across generations
Listed below are the main generations and the approximate production windows that defined the Starlet’s evolution.
Before reviewing the generations, note that the Starlet’s core focus remained practicality and efficiency throughout its run.
- 1978–1984: First generation — basic, economical five-door (and some three-door) hatchback with small displacement engines
- 1984–1989: Second generation — more aerodynamic styling and incremental safety/comfort improvements
- 1989–1995: Third generation — larger footprint, updated tech, and improved refinement
- 1995–1999: Fourth generation — final Evolution of the Starlet before it largely gave way to newer Toyota small cars
These generations illustrate the Starlet’s trajectory from a simple city car to a more refined subcompact, before Toyota moved its small-car lineup toward the Yaris/Vitz platform in many markets.
Regional presence and legacy
Markets and enduring impressions
Historically, the Starlet was popular in Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East as an affordable, reliable transportation option. It earned a reputation for low running costs and ease of maintenance, traits that have helped shape Toyota’s brand in the subcompact segment. In many regions, the Starlet name faded as Toyota introduced the Yaris (also known as Vitz in Japan), though in some markets it remains a badge used on market-specific variants or special editions.
Summary
In short, the Starlet is Toyota’s small hatchback lineage—the subcompact city car that offered economical transport across multiple generations from the late 1970s through the 1990s, ultimately giving way to newer small-car designs like the Yaris. Its legacy centers on practicality, efficiency, and reliability in the subcompact segment.
How much does a Toyota Starlet cost?
Price List - TOYOTA STARLET Series
| Model | Price | Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA STARLET 1.5 XI 5-DR | R268,300.00 | 11.2 |
| TOYOTA STARLET 1.5 XS 5-DR | R275,900.00 | 11.2 |
| TOYOTA STARLET 1.5 XS 5-DR AT | R297,900.00 | 11.2 |
| TOYOTA STARLET 1.5 XR 5-DR | R307,600.00 | 11.2 |
Was the Toyota Starlet sold in the US?
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.
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.
What is the life expectancy of a Toyota Starlet?
What is Toyota Starlet lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Starlet is 139,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.
