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Toyota Starlet

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Toyota Starlet: The compact hatch with a turbocharged GT cult following. Light, tunable, fun.
Photo: Rudolf Stricker / Wikimedia Commons · Attribution

The compact hatch with a turbocharged GT cult following. Light, tunable, fun.

The Toyota Starlet is a compact car best known among enthusiasts for the turbocharged GT and Glanza V versions of the 1990s. These hot hatch variants used the turbocharged 4E-FTE engine in a tiny, lightweight body, creating a fun, tunable pocket rocket with a cult following. The Starlet GT Turbo and the later Glanza V are sought-after JDM imports, prized for their light weight, peppy turbo engine, and tuning potential. Standard Starlets were humble economy cars, but the turbo versions define the nameplate enthusiast reputation. On WhipJury, Starlet submissions favor the GT Turbo and Glanza V.

Starlet highlights

GT Turbo and Glanza V (1990s). Turbocharged 4E-FTE in a light hatch, a cult pocket rocket.

Starlet on WhipJury

The turbocharged GT and Glanza V are the enthusiast picks.

Frequently asked questions about Toyota Starlet

What is the Starlet GT Turbo?
A turbocharged hot-hatch version of the Starlet using the 4E-FTE engine in a tiny, light body. The later Glanza V is a similar turbocharged variant, both cult JDM imports.
Can you import a Starlet to the US?
Yes, the 1990s GT Turbo and Glanza V are now eligible under the 25-year import rule as JDM enthusiast cars.
Is the Starlet a good tuner car?
Yes, the turbocharged 4E-FTE and light weight make it a fun, tunable pocket rocket with a dedicated following.
Is the Starlet rear-wheel drive?
The turbocharged GT and Glanza V are front-wheel drive. Some earlier Starlet generations were rear-wheel drive.
Is the Starlet reliable?
Generally yes, with typical Toyota durability. Age and the turbo on the GT models are the main considerations on used imports.

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