The initial launch of the Toyota Starlet was in April 1973, and it was introduced as the Publica Starlet 40 series. The basic shape and design of the Starlet looked like a shorter version the Corolla. It was offered in a 2-door sedan and a 3-door wagon. In October 1973 it became available in a 4-door Sedan. The Toyota Starlet was produced from 1973 until 1999, originally replacing the Publica, but it still kept the ‘P’ code and generation numbering. Although the Publica was known as the Starlet in Japan, it continued to be known as the Publica in other export markets.
In 1978 the Starlet 60 series was rolled out, and was specifically intended to be sold outside of its homeland of Japan. The 60 series Starlet was available with three different gasoline engine types…a 993cc, 1166cc and the 1290cc. A five door wagon was sold in Japan, Hong Kong and Germany, the three door and five door hatchbacks were the models that were available in their export markets.
A total facelift was done on the Starlet in 1980 that included, the then, unique square headlights. In 1983 another redesign was completed that introduced a slant nose front end, and also a lowered back hatch opening.
The only model offered in the United States was the KP61 version, from 1980 until it was eventually replaced by the Corolla FX in 1984. A five speed manual transmission and tachometer was standard in the 1981 and 1982 models. Furthermore, the 1983 and 1984 versions were offered with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) and a 4K engine which was a 2 valve pushrod design. The 4K engines were not the norm as far as the typical engines that were found in most Toyotas.
The 70 series Toyota Starlet was released in October 1984. It saw Toyota change to a front wheel drive system. As with the 60 series, the 70 series was available in a three door and five door hatchback. The old K series engines were replaced with a 12 valve 1E and 2E designs. The new engine type also came with a turbo option. In the markets that Toyota exports the Starlet 70 series into was fitted with the 1.0 that came standard.
Toyota Starlet was exported as the Si Limited, and was fitted with front and rear spoilers, as well as sporty black and red interiors. In 1985, Indonesia became the first country to produce the Toyota Starlet outside of Japan. !987 saw some minor design changes like a larger bumper, new tail lights and nose and an improved interior.
In December 1989 Toyota unveiled the 80 series Starlet. A new twin cam engine was standard and a CT9 turbocharger was also an option. It also saw the Starlets body style become more rounded body style as well as a rounded interior.
In the Japanese market place the best selling Starlet model was the Soleil L. and also available in the S, X, X limited, Si, Canvas Top and the sporty Gi and GT Turbo. The sports versions differed from the regular Starlet with their sporty bucket front seats and a rear spoiler. They also had bumpers, head and tail lights that were unique for that model.
The last model that Toyota offered was the Starlet 90 series which was introduced in 1996. It was also offered in the same three or five door hatchback. In the Japanese models Toyota made available three different variants. The Reflect (regular), Glanza (sporty), and the Carat (classic). Minor revisions and redesigns were made to the Starlet in 1998, and its production ended in 1999.