The early 1980s marked a shift in automotive design and global market reach, and Toyota’s 1981 lineup reflects that transition with a mix of compact cars and light commercial models designed for different regions. Whether you’re researching for restoration, comparison, or curiosity, these models show how Toyota balanced efficiency and market needs at the time.
There are 27 1981 Toyota Car Models, ranging from Carina to TownAce. For each entry you’ll find below the columns Body style,Engine (L / hp),Markets to help you compare configurations and regional availability as you scan the list you’ll find below.
What counts as a “model” in this 1981 Toyota list and are trim levels included?
This list counts distinct model names as marketed in 1981 (for example Carina or TownAce) rather than every trim or option; trims and special editions are noted only when they represent different body styles, engines, or market availability reflected in the Body style,Engine (L / hp),Markets columns.
How can I use the Engine (L / hp) and Markets columns to find the right car for parts or restoration?
Use the Engine (L / hp) values to match displacement and power outputs, and check the Markets column to confirm the regional spec—these details help narrow down compatible parts and correct factory settings, but always verify with a VIN or factory documentation for final confirmation.
1981 Toyota Car Models
| Model | Body style | Engine (L / hp) | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla | Sedan/coupe/wagon | 1.6L / 75 hp | Japan, USA, Europe, Australia |
| Sprinter | Sedan/coupe | 1.5L / 68 hp | Japan, Europe, Asia |
| Corona | Sedan/wagon/coupe | 2.0L / 95 hp | Japan, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| Carina | Sedan/coupe | 1.8L / 90 hp | Japan, Europe, Australia |
| Celica | Coupe/hatchback | 2.0L / 105 hp | Japan, USA, Europe, Australia |
| Supra | Coupe/grand tourer | 2.8L / 145 hp | USA, Japan, Europe, Australia |
| Cressida | Sedan | 2.8L / 135 hp | USA, Japan, Australia |
| Crown | Sedan | 2.8L / 135 hp | Japan, Asia, Middle East |
| Mark II | Sedan | 2.0L / 105 hp | Japan, Asia, Australia |
| Chaser | Sedan | 2.0L / 105 hp | Japan, Asia |
| Cresta | Sedan | 2.0L / 105 hp | Japan, Asia |
| Century | Luxury sedan | 3.0L / 160 hp | Japan |
| Soarer | Coupe | 2.8L / 170 hp | Japan |
| Land Cruiser | SUV/utility | 4.0L / 135 hp | Japan, USA, Australia, Middle East |
| Hilux | Pickup | 2.2L / 83 hp | Worldwide (Asia, Australia, Africa, USA) |
| Hiace | Van/commuter | 2.2L / 72 hp | Japan, Asia, Europe, Australia |
| LiteAce | Van/compact truck | 1.6L / 60 hp | Japan, Asia, Europe |
| Starlet | Subcompact/hatchback | 1.0L / 48 hp | Japan, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| Tercel | Subcompact/hatchback | 1.5L / 65 hp | Japan, USA, Europe, Asia |
| Celica Camry | Sedan/coupe | 1.8L / 85 hp | Japan, Asia, Europe |
| TownAce | Van/wagon | 2.0L / 85 hp | Japan, Asia, Australia |
| Dyna | Light truck | 3.0L / 95 hp | Japan, Asia, Europe |
| Coaster | Minibus | 3.0L / 95 hp | Japan, Asia, Australia, Middle East |
| Stout | Pickup/light truck | 2.2L / 70 hp | Japan, Asia, Africa |
| Corsa | Hatchback | 1.3L / 68 hp | Japan, Europe |
| Publica (small export models still active in some markets) | Hatchback/sedan | 1.0L / 52 hp | Selected export markets |
| Corona Mark II (wide-bodied variants often called Carina Corona) | Sedan/wagon | 2.0L / 95 hp | Japan, Asia |
Images and Descriptions
Corolla
The compact workhorse of Toyota’s 1981 lineup, the Corolla offered economical 1.6L engines, practical sedans, coupes and wagons, and broad global availability; prized for reliability and simple mechanics across many trim and body variations.
Sprinter
A closely related Corolla sibling sold primarily in Japan and some export markets, the Sprinter featured similar compact chassis and efficient 1.5L engines, emphasizing a slightly sportier look and value-focused features for everyday drivers.
Corona
Mid-size family car bridging compact and large models, the Corona in 1981 offered comfortable sedans and wagons with 2.0L engines, known for durability and steady sales in Asia, Europe and Commonwealth markets.
Carina
A mid-size model positioned for European and Oceania buyers, the Carina combined Toyota reliability with conservative styling and a range of 1.6–1.8L engines, appealing to families seeking comfort and proven mechanics.
Celica
Toyota’s sporty compact coupe in 1981, the Celica offered sharp styling, nimble handling and a choice of lively four-cylinder engines; a popular choice for buyers wanting sportiness without exotic prices.
Supra
The Supra (export name) was Toyota’s performance grand tourer, sharing roots with the Celica but with larger inline-six engines, stronger chassis tuning and upscale features — a flagship sports car for long-distance pace and luxury.
Cressida
A near-luxury rear-wheel-drive sedan aimed at American and Australian markets, the Cressida offered smooth inline-six power, comfortable appointments and conservative styling — Toyota’s answer to midsize premium sedans of the era.
Crown
The Crown was a long-running full-size sedan in Toyota’s domestic lineup, known for refined inline-six engines, spacious rear seats and use as executive transport and taxis across Japan and regional markets.
Mark II
A popular mid-size sedan in Japan and nearby markets, the Mark II balanced comfort and performance with a range of straight-six and four-cylinder engines; it formed the basis for sportier cousins like the Chaser and Cresta.
Chaser
The Chaser was a sportier, driver-focused variant within Toyota’s mid-size family, offered mainly in Japan with tuned suspensions and engine choices that appealed to enthusiasts seeking sedan practicality with performance intent.
Cresta
Positioned as an upmarket sibling to the Mark II and Chaser, the Cresta catered to buyers wanting comfort and style in a mid-size sedan package, often featuring higher trim and luxury-focused appointments for the domestic market.
Century
Toyota’s flagship limo for dignitaries and executives, the Century offered restrained luxury, a smooth straight-six engine and exceptional build quality; it was sold almost exclusively in Japan and symbolized status and traditional craftsmanship.
Soarer
Launched in 1981, the Soarer was Toyota’s personal luxury coupe for the domestic market, pairing sharp styling with potent six-cylinder engines, advanced features and a premium feel that set it apart from export sports models.
Land Cruiser
The rugged Land Cruiser 60-series served global markets as a durable off-road SUV and workhorse, offering large-displacement engines, heavy-duty chassis and wide appeal among explorers, ranchers and utility fleets.
Hilux
The Hilux pickup was a compact, highly reliable truck used for work and play worldwide, offering simple durable engines and solid chassis that earned a reputation for toughness in harsh environments.
Hiace
Toyota’s light commercial van and people-mover, the Hiace provided roomy cargo or passenger layouts, dependable 2.2L engines and strong fleet appeal for businesses, shuttles and small-scale transport around the globe.
LiteAce
A compact van and light truck for urban delivery and family use, the LiteAce offered compact dimensions, economical 1.6L engines and versatile interiors, popular in Asian and some European markets for tight-city operations.
Starlet
The tiny Starlet was an economical city car noted for fuel efficiency and easy parking, packing a small 1.0L engine and basic comforts; it was a common starter car in many markets in 1981.
Tercel
The front-wheel-drive Tercel provided an affordable, efficient alternative to Corolla-class cars, with a simple 1.5L engine and practical hatchback layouts that appealed to economy-minded buyers internationally.
Celica Camry
Sold as the Celica Camry in 1981, this compact-to-mid-size model blended Celica styling with greater interior space; it foreshadowed the later independent Camry nameplate and targeted buyers wanting comfort with sportier looks.
TownAce
A family- and commercial-oriented van, the TownAce offered flexible seating and cargo arrangements with modest 2.0L engines; it was a popular choice for businesses and larger families in Asian and Oceanic markets.
Dyna
Toyota’s medium-light commercial truck used for deliveries and trade work, the Dyna featured robust diesel and petrol engines, a practical cab-forward design and strong sales to fleets and municipalities.
Coaster
The Coaster minibus served as a compact shuttle for commercial and institutional transport, offering diesel reliability, seating for dozens and widespread use in tour, school and corporate fleets across many regions.
Stout
An older light truck in Toyota’s commercial stable, the Stout remained in limited markets as a simple, utilitarian pickup with basic mechanicals and proven durability for small businesses and rural use.
Corsa
A rebadged small hatchback related to the Tercel line in some markets, the Corsa offered compact dimensions and economical 1.3L engines for city commuting and entry-level buyers in Europe and Japan.
Publica (small export models still active in some markets)
Although largely replaced by the Starlet, some Publica-based small models and derivatives lingered in select export markets in 1981, offering tiny 1.0L engines and ultra-economical transport for budget buyers.
Corona Mark II (wide-bodied variants often called Carina Corona)
Large-bodied Corona-Mark II hybrids provided spacious interior options and stronger engines for buyers wanting more room than a Corona but less luxury than the Crown; they were sold predominantly in Japan and nearby markets.
