1987 Toyota Starlet GL 1.0
Summary:
Reliable and economical, but mind how you go!
Faults:
Nothing.
General Comments:
My Starlet was faultlessly reliable.
It was the ideal first car for me, being economical on fuel and cheap to insure, although parts can be quite pricey.
It felt solid, well built, and relatively safe for a small car. It was also very well equipped, and compared to a Ford Fiesta or similar it felt quite plush inside.
It handled reasonably well with good road-holding, although the body tended to pitch and roll about a bit.
The main problem with this car was that it was SLOW! In fact, I'd go as far as to say it was dangerously underpowered. If you attempted to merge onto a motorway whilst climbing a hill you wouldn't even hit 50mph by the time you hit the end of the slip road, let alone 70mph. You'd just better hope that the other traffic can get out of your way!
The Starlets other shortcoming was the brakes, which although servo-assisted were woefully inadequate. If you braked hard to do an emergency stop the wheels would lock up almost immediately, but if you don't brake hard enough you just won't stop!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th May, 2003
6th Mar 2006, 21:59
I don't know what the last comment was about, I had the same car and agree with the reviewer that the acceleration was painfully slow.
2nd Apr 2009, 10:24
My 1988 Starlet is also slow. But I wouldn't go so far to say it is dangerous. I can blend in with the other traffic. City traffic is no problem, motorway asks for a little looking ahead. 160 km/h can be reached if the wind condition is favorable.
2nd Apr 2009, 11:38
"Slow" is a VERY relative term. If a car merges into traffic and can maintain freeway speeds, it is NOT "dangerously slow". American car magazines regard ANYTHING that does 0-60 in over 5 seconds as "slow". No way. If it can do 65 merging and cruise at 80 it is MORE than adequate.
21st Aug 2010, 04:43
I've owned a Toyota Starlet from 1987 for 2 years now, had no major problems yet, only costs for damage I was responsible for.. it's very reliable, and it isn't slow at all, I drive 140km/h on highways no problem..
OK, it doesn't go from 0 to 100 in 10 seconds, but who needs that?
I like it a lot!
22nd Jun 2005, 20:40
I can't believe what you wrote? My starlet 1987 is one of the quickest cars I have ever owned! This is true, I promise, I can easily out accelerate most cars up to and including 2.0 litres. I cruises at 90mph, I often drive it in excess of 105mph! It is awesome. Why? I don't know. It's the ordinary 12 valve engine 1000cc. I love it. I do400miles a week to work, and it cost me £300 three years ago, It had 69k on it when I got it, now 97,000miles. I service it myself, and am putting a new cam belt on this week. I can change the oil and points and condenser in a half hour. It is expensive parts, But a flying machine. No more Fords for me. Regards Andy.