Like most new cars in 1981, the Starlet used an electric fan, then being phased into most companies’ product lines it also used visible reservoirs for easy maintenance. Front fender liners were used to prevent rust, and the rear window pushed out rather than rolling down to keep prices down. Its 1.3 liter engine helped it to get high mileage, while low weight kept it from being a “dog.” Black urethane bumpers weathered well and were cheaper and lighter than chrome an aerodynamic roof lip kept rain from dripping on passengers as they got in, but presented little wind noise. The first year for the Starlet in the United States was 1981, when Road & Track called it the “commuter car for the 1980s.” During its brief stay in the United States, the rear-wheel-drive, 1.3-liter-engine Starlet liftback was billed as “cheap to keep” with stunning gas mileage (38/52) and strong reliability, especially for its price class it included electronic ignition, a five-speed stick-shift, rack and pinion steering, comfortable seats, and good cargo capacity (23 cubic feet with rear seats folded) aided by a temporary spare steel belted radials were standard along with power disc brakes. A microcomputer precisely controlled fuel flow and had diagnostic capabilities. The electronic fuel injection system used starting in the 1980s increased both performance and fuel economy. In 1981-82 American models, the 4K-C engine was used in 1983-84, the similar 4K-E. In 1980, the grille was updated for the de rigeur square headlights affecting just about every car of the time, despite their higher cost and lower utility. Trim lines were cut back to Standard, DX, XL, S, and SE. Buyers nearly everywhere could get two and four door hatchbacks, with some having a four-door wagon option. The Starlet KP60, still sold as a Publica in some areas, added a 1.3 liter four-cylinder to the original engine mix. The Starlet/Publica was rear wheel drive until 1984.ġ978 brought the “60 series” (KP60), the model known to Americans. Trim lines were standard, deluxe, Hi-Deluxe, ST, and SR. Originally sold as the Publica 40, the Starlet started out in 1973 with 1.0 and 1.2 liter engines, with two-door sedan and two-door wagon models a four-door sedan arrived late in 1973. The Starlet moved to front wheel drive in 1984, but Americans were moved on to the Tercel. The American version had rear wheel drive, a four-link rear suspension, and a MacPherson strut front suspension with plastic-lined front fenders to prevent rust. The small Toyota was beloved by many owners, but had (for Toyota) a relatively short lifespan in the United States, running from just 1981 to 1984 referred to as a microcar outside of the US, the Starlet was actually made starting in 1973 to 1999, a typically long run. Toyota Starlet A general history of the Starlet
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