Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| EP82 | Front-wheel drive hatchback | GT, Soleil, Si and Gi; the GT carries the 4E-FTE turbo |
| EP85 | Related code | Full-time 4WD, naturally aspirated, from August 1990 |
| NP80 | Related code | 1.5-litre 1N diesel |
Codes are taken from Toyota's heritage and catalogue pages; Toyota does not publish a letter-by-letter breakdown in the sources used.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
Dates are Toyota's Japanese release dates. Export-market model years are not used.
- EP82 does not mean turbo. Toyota lists the GT, the naturally aspirated Soleil and the Si all as EP82; confirm the engine code.
- GT: 135 PS net, 16.0 kgf·m. The 4E-FTE has a CT9 turbocharger, an intercooler, EFI-D injection and 8.2:1 compression.
- No factory 4WD GT. Full-time 4WD arrived in August 1990 on separate naturally aspirated EP85 models.
- GT weight depends on gearbox and year. Toyota lists 830 kg for the 1989 five-speed GT and 900 kg for the 1992 automatic.
- ABS was optional and no LSD is listed. Toyota's GT catalogue pages mark ABS optional and show no limited-slip differential.
- January 1992 brought injection throughout. Toyota replaced the remaining carburettor engines with EFI versions.
Background
Codes and bodies
Toyota's heritage page gives the model codes as EP82 (1,300 class) and NP80 (1,500 class), and lists the GT, the naturally aspirated Soleil and the naturally aspirated Si all as EP82. Full-time four-wheel drive came in August 1990 on separate naturally aspirated models, coded EP85. The GT was never offered with factory four-wheel drive.
Bodies are 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, with canvas-top 3-door versions named in the launch release, and the commercial van was dropped. Launch weights were 830 kg for the GT, 710 kg for the 3-door Soleil and 790 kg for the 5-door Si.
The 4E and 1N engines
The 4E replaced the previous 2E 12-valve engine on 19 December 1989. The 4E-FTE has a CT9 turbocharger and an intercooler and makes 135 PS net at 6,400 rpm and 16.0 kgf·m at 4,800 rpm; Toyota called it the highest-powered engine in its class. The injected 4E-FE makes 100 PS at 6,600 rpm and the carburettor 4E-F 82 PS at 6,400 rpm. The 1.5-litre 1N diesel makes 55 PS.
In January 1992 Toyota replaced the remaining carburettor engines with injected versions and made minor exterior changes.
The GT
The GT has four-wheel disc brakes, and Toyota said the body shell used extensive corrosion-proof steel sheet and the exhaust stainless steel. Toyota's December 1989 catalogue page lists 830 kg, a five-speed manual, 175/60R14 tyres and optional ABS. The January 1992 sample is a four-speed ECT-S automatic at 900 kg on 185/55R14 tyres, with optional ABS and driver's airbag. Neither sample lists an LSD.
At launch the Momo steering wheel and Recaro seats were options on the GT, according to Motor Magazine, so verify what a car actually has. GT Limited appears as a catalogue grade from December 1992; no allocation figure was found, so treat it as a grade name, not a count.
Four-wheel drive and the diesel
The August 1990 Soleil L is the sampled EP85: a 1,331 cc 4E-F making 82 PS, with a five-speed manual, full-time four-wheel drive and a listed weight of 860 kg.
The diesel Soleil (NP80) in Toyota's January 1992 catalogue has a 1,453 cc 1N making 55 PS at 5,200 rpm and 9.3 kgf·m at 3,000 rpm, on 22.0:1 compression, with a four-speed automatic and a listed weight of 840 kg.
Technical Specifications
Figures are Toyota's Japanese ratings in PS with the date or grade stated; Toyota gives the turbo and the 100 PS engine as net values.
Engine Options
-
EP82 Soleil 4E-F From 19 Dec 1989
4E-F- Displacement
- 1,331 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated, carburettor
- Power
- 82 PS @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 11.2 kgf·m @ 3,600 rpm
DOHC, four valves per cylinder
-
EP82 Si, Gi 4E-FE From 19 Dec 1989
4E-FE- Displacement
- 1,331 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated, EFI-D
- Power
- 100 PS @ 6,600 rpm
- Torque
- 11.8 kgf·m @ 5,200 rpm
9.6:1 compression
-
EP82 GT 4E-FTE From 19 Dec 1989
4E-FTE- Displacement
- 1,331 cc
- Aspiration
- Intercooled turbo (CT9), EFI-D
- Power
- 135 PS net @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 16.0 kgf·m (156.9 N·m) @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT; 4AT (ECT-S in 1992)
8.2:1 compression
-
EP85 Soleil L 4E-F Full-time 4WD; from Aug 1990
4E-F- Displacement
- 1,331 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 82 PS @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 11.2 kgf·m (109.8 N·m) @ 3,600 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT, full-time 4WD
Naturally aspirated, not a turbo
-
NP80 Soleil diesel 1N 1992 catalogue
1N- Displacement
- 1,453 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated diesel
- Power
- 55 PS @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque
- 9.3 kgf·m (91 N·m) @ 3,000 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT
22.0:1 compression
Transmission Options
| Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual | GT (1989 sample); Soleil L 4WD (1990 sample) | The sampled 1989 GT is front-wheel drive and weighs 830 kg. |
| 4-speed automatic, two-way overdrive | GT (1992 sample); Gi and diesel Soleil samples | The GT's is the ECT-S with lock-up; the sampled GT weighs 900 kg. |
Variants & Trims
Grades are those in Toyota's heritage page, launch release and dated catalogue pages; the list is a selection, not every grade.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | GT (3-door) | 4E-FTE, 1,331 cc turbo | Front-wheel drive, 135 PS, four-wheel discs; 5MT or 4AT. Momo steering wheel and Recaro seats were optional; verify the fitted equipment. |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | GT Limited (3-door) | 4E-FTE, 1,331 cc turbo | Catalogue grade from December 1992; 135 PS, 4AT sampled, 900 kg |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | Gi (3-door) | 4E-FE, 1,331 cc | 100 PS; rear drum brakes; 4AT and 850 kg in the 1992 sample |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | Si (5-door) | 4E-FE, 1,331 cc | 100 PS; 790 kg in Toyota's representative specification |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | Soleil (3-door) | 4E-F, 1,331 cc | 82 PS; 710 kg in Toyota's representative specification |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | Soleil L 4WD (EP85, 3-door) | 4E-F, 1,331 cc | Full-time 4WD from August 1990; 82 PS, 5MT, 860 kg |
| Fourth generation (Japan, 1989–1996) | Diesel Soleil (NP80, 3-door) | 1N, 1,453 cc diesel | 55 PS; 4AT and 840 kg in the 1992 sample |
Should You Buy a Toyota Starlet P80?
Strengths come from Toyota's own releases and catalogues; the cautions reflect optional equipment and gaps in the published record, not measured failures.
Why You'll Love It
- Strong engine for its class at launch Toyota's launch release called the 4E-FTE the highest-powered engine in the 1.3-litre class.
- Four-wheel discs on the GT Toyota's catalogue lists ventilated front discs and rear discs on the GT, against rear drums on the sampled Gi.
- Corrosion protection at launch Toyota said the body shell used extensive corrosion-proof steel sheet and the exhaust used stainless steel. Inspect for rust regardless of age.
- Well documented Dated Toyota catalogue pages exist for the 1989 and 1992 GT, the GT Limited, the 4WD and the diesel.
Why You Might Not
- The code is ambiguous EP82 is used for turbo and naturally aspirated cars, so the chassis code alone does not identify a GT.
- Optional safety and traction equipment ABS was optional on the sampled 1989 and 1992 GTs, the 1992 GT lists a driver's airbag as optional, and neither sample lists an LSD.
- The automatic is heavier The 1992 four-speed automatic GT is listed at 900 kg, 70 kg more than the 1989 five-speed.
- Thin failure record No admissible failure-rate or repair-cost source was found for this generation.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who wants a factory all-wheel-drive turbo: Toyota's 4WD cars were naturally aspirated.
- Anyone relying on the EP82 plate to prove a GT; check the engine code instead.
- Anyone expecting ABS on every car: Toyota's catalogue samples list it as optional.
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page describes Japanese-market cars. Toyota UK's history says the UK launch was in April 1990 with a single three-door GL, a carburettor 1.0-litre 1E engine and a five-speed gearbox, while other markets had 3- and 5-door bodies, twin-cam 1.3-litre engines, the GT Turbo, a diesel and a four-wheel-drive model. No US-market specification was researched.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General inspection advice built on Toyota's specification; no model-specific failure data was found.
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Generation History
Generation span (Japan) (1989–1996)
- Sales began on 19 December 1989; Toyota's catalogue lists the generation until January 1996
- Front-wheel drive; GT, Soleil, Si and Gi share the EP82 code
Launch (19 December 1989)
- New 4E 16-valve engines: 4E-FTE turbo, 4E-FE and 4E-F, plus a 1N diesel
- GT: 135 PS net and four-wheel disc brakes; the commercial van was dropped
Full-time 4WD (August 1990)
- Naturally aspirated EP85 models; not offered on the GT
Fuel injection throughout (January 1992)
- Remaining carburettor engines replaced by EFI versions, with minor exterior changes
GT Limited (December 1992)
- Catalogue grade with the 135 PS 4E-FTE; no allocation figure was found
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Start with the engine code, not the chassis code. Toyota gave the GT, the Soleil and the Si the same EP82 code, so only the engine (4E-FTE for the turbo) and the grade tell you what a car is. The all-wheel-drive cars are a separate, naturally aspirated range.
Then check date and gearbox. Toyota's catalogue pages list the GT at 830 kg with the 1989 five-speed and 900 kg as a 1992 automatic, with different tyres. The same pages mark ABS as optional and show no limited-slip differential, so ask for evidence of anything beyond that.
GT Limited is a catalogue grade from December 1992. No production count was found, so do not pay for scarcity on the name alone.
This page has little failure data. No admissible source was found on turbo, gearbox or rust problems for this generation, so rely on inspection: engine code, boost hardware, brakes, tyres and body condition. Check import eligibility for your country before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does EP82 always mean GT Turbo?
- No. Toyota's heritage page lists the GT, the naturally aspirated Soleil and the naturally aspirated Si all as EP82. Read the engine code: 4E-FTE is the turbo.
- Was the GT available with all-wheel drive?
- No. The GT is front-wheel drive. Toyota added full-time 4WD in August 1990 on separate naturally aspirated models coded EP85.
- What is the EP85?
- The code for Toyota's full-time 4WD range. The sampled Soleil L from August 1990 has a 1,331 cc 4E-F making 82 PS with a five-speed manual, and weighs 860 kg.
- How much power does the 4E-FTE make?
- Toyota lists 135 PS net at 6,400 rpm and 16.0 kgf·m (156.9 N·m) at 4,800 rpm, about 133 hp by conversion. Compression is 8.2:1.
- How much does a GT weigh?
- Toyota's 1989 five-speed GT catalogue page lists 830 kg. The January 1992 four-speed automatic GT is listed at 900 kg. Weight depends on gearbox and date.
- Did every GT have ABS or an LSD?
- There is no evidence of either as standard. Toyota's catalogue pages list ABS as optional on the sampled 1989 and 1992 GTs and show no LSD. Verify anything fitted.
- Which other engines did Japan get?
- The 4E-F (82 PS), the 4E-FE (100 PS) and a 1.5-litre 1N diesel (55 PS). From January 1992 the remaining carburettor engines were replaced by EFI versions.
- Can a P80 Starlet be imported to the US?
- The federal safety exemption covers vehicles 25 or more years old (49 CFR 591.5(i)(1)), counted from each car's own build date. EPA emissions and state registration are separate checks; Canada uses 15 years, counted by build month.
Sources & References
Sources (31)
- Toyota 75 Years: third-generation Starlet (1984) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: third-generation Starlet Van — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota press release: Starlet full-model change (1 October 1984) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota press release: Starlet-Turbo introduced (8 January 1986) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Best Car: used turbo hot hatches, EP71 Starlet Turbo S (2020) — Best Car Verified
- History of the Toyota Starlet — Toyota GB Verified
- Starlet archive (1996 to 1998) — Toyota UK Media Site Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: fourth-generation Starlet (1989) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota press release: full model changes for Starlet (19 December 1989) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Starlet GT, December 1989 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet GT, January 1992 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Gi, January 1992 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Soleil L (4WD), August 1990 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Soleil diesel, January 1992 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet GT Limited, December 1992 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: fifth-generation Starlet (1996) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Toyota press release: full model change introduced for Starlet (26 December 1995) — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Starlet model and grade index — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Reflet, January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Glanza V, January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Glanza V Excellent Package, January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Glanza S, January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Reflet x (4WD), January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Starlet Glanza V Motorsport Package, January 1996 catalogue entry — Toyota certified used cars Verified
- Toyota 75 Years: origins of vehicle names — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Recall 886 (24 October 2002): Celsior, Caldina, Corona and four other models — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor Vehicle Safety Oversight Program: importing vehicles — Transport Canada Verified
- 49 CFR 591.5: declarations required for importation — Cornell Legal Information Institute Verified
- EPA-420-B-10-027: Importers Beware, non-conforming vehicles (2010) — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
- Toyota recycling fee table (Japan): Starlet and Starlet Van, EP and NP70 series — Toyota Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor Magazine: Starlet GT (EP82), launch options — Motor Magazine Verified
Sources last verified: