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

Performance

Just the one 16 valve 1.3 litre engine for the last-generation Starlet, which is lively without being too quick. A 0-60 mph time of just under 12 seconds is respectable as is the top speed of just over 100 mph. The fine five-speed gearbox helps to deliver the power smoothly, and also gives the Starlet a big car feel on the move.

1.5 out of 5

Handling

The driver has a comfortable driving position and clear instrumentation, but the steering is on the lifeless side and the car rolls around sharp corners. The ride is firm, but on longer journeys it is fairly quiet and refined. In town however, power steering is a big help. Vague PAS, patchy roadholding, wallowy suspension, notchy gears; good brakes.