Toyota Starlet (96-99) - Review

Review by Parkers on
This was the model that ended the long line of Starlets with a wider range (including the sporty SR) than ever before. Despite the Hollywood inspired name, the Starlet does not really draw attention to itself. It can’t. The styling is so dull, the Starlet is easy to overlook. Style matters now even at the entry level end of the car market so this is a major flaw. On the plus side, it inherits Toyota's legendary reliability and with prices starting at £2500, it makes an efficient runabout. Replaced by the more charismatic Yaris.
3 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£7,945 - £11,855

Used price range:

£225 - £872

View all used prices

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Promises trouble-free motoring; well built and long lasting

Mediocre ride and handling

This was the model that ended the long line of Starlets with a wider range (including the sporty SR) than ever before. Despite the Hollywood inspired name, the Starlet does not really draw attention to itself. It can’t. The styling is so dull, the Starlet is easy to overlook. Style matters now even at the entry level end of the car market so this is a major flaw. On the plus side, it inherits Toyota's legendary reliability and with prices starting at £2500, it makes an efficient runabout. Replaced by the more charismatic Yaris.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "Just the one 16 valve 1.3 litre engine for the last-generation Starlet, which is lively without..."

  • Handling

    1.5 out of 5

    "The driver has a comfortable driving position and clear instrumentation, but the steering is on the..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "Fine for front seat passengers, the seats are very supportive and the brightly coloured trim is..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "There are plenty of storage options including deep door bins, and rear accommodation is confined..."

  • Equipment

    1.5 out of 5

    "Considering that the Starlet is still a high quality, but low price Toyota the equipment levels are..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2 out of 5

    "Interior is basic and now looks very 1990s and very dated. Everything is simply laid out, but lacks..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Average fuel economy for class; longer service intervals than previous Starlet; reasonable insurance..."

  • Green credentials

    0 out of 5

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    1.5 out of 5

    "No Euro NCAP rating - Starlet pre-dates the test. Standard driver’s airbag throughout the range and..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "Toyota has a fantastic reputation for reliability and the Starlet is no exception with its Japanese..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    0 out of 5

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "Not cheap, but you're buying longevity. The cheapest Yaris – which is a far more stylish and..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "There's always a market for reliable superminis. At the right price, there will be no problems..."

Owners' reviews