Japanese Trucks – Kei Trucks – Mini Trucks

The utilitarian capabilities of the Japanese Mini truck are remarkable, making it one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet. Small enough in stature to fit in the bed of an F-150, but amazingly resilient conquering mountainous terrain as a top notch 4wd drive should.

Mark Roehrig
author of "An Introduction to All Things Kei Truck"

Everyone wants a mini truck

Are you looking for the perfect utility vehicle or ATV? Well, the Japanese mini truck is the perfect truck for you! Mini trucks are amazing go-anywhere machines that are fun, durable, easy to maintain and extremely affordable (starting at $800 for a good condition 25 year old one and up to more than $5000 for those around 10 years old with dump boxes). They are just one of the handiest vehicles you can find. They are easily maneuverable, sporting 4WD on all makes with hi and low range. These trucks have plenty of power, unbeatable fuel efficiency (avg. 16Kpl / 36.7Mpg), and of course the comfort of a full cab with optional A/C. All makes have fold down sides and rear gates available, so it’s very easy to haul whatever you are loading on or off. The good thing about these pickup trucks is that most of them will haul 12-1500lbs of load. Opposed to a standard utility vehicle, they have much more payload capacity for their size. Fold ‘em down and rock and roll!

Japanese mini trucks that are carbureted can reach 55-60mph, and mini trucks with fuel injectors can get up to 65-70mph. They are supremely versatile and can be converted to anything you are looking for, most commonly, a modified dump truck. Japanese Mini trucks have been popular throughout Asia for decades. Now the rest of the world is waking up to their practical appeal. This is especially true in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK, where more and more people are importing used mini trucks directly from Japan.

Customers who want to export a Kei Truck from Japan often ask us: What is the Best Kei Truck?

Ouch! This one is hard to answer. We have an affinity for all Japanese mini trucks. The Japanese kei truck is one of the ultimate utility vehicles. It’s an engineering and mechanical ideal: The Most for the Least / Do More With Less. As such there is little room for frills and fancy stuff in the compact size of any of the kei trucks, be it the Daihatsu Hi-Jet, the Suzuki Carry, the Subaru Sambar, or any of the others. In a sense, they are all basically alike: tough, simple, long-lasting, cheap to run, highly capable. The most capability for the least metal and fuel and money. Deciding which tiny kei truck is the best to export from Japan is thus a difficult question because choosing between good and bad is easy, but choosing between good and good is much harder. Whichever kei truck you buy, you get something good and you won’t lose. I’ve had a number of kei trucks and other Japanese Kei vehicles and, with the kei trucks, my favorite is the pre-October-1998 Subaru Sambar.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s “The Best.” Although I think it is, or, at least, I like it most; but I’ll be the first to admit the drawbacks in these mini trucks. For example, it doesn’t have a full low range like you get with the excellent Suzuki Carry. But I’ve always been well satisfied with the Sambar’s Extra Low as more than enough to get me out of anything off road.

Some guys will swear by the Hi-Jet, or the Honda Acty, or the Minicab kei trucks, or whatever, and I can’t disagree. Other guys will point out that having the engine at the extreme rear (as in the Subaru Sambar) is not ideal due to the increased potential for over steer on dodgy road surfaces.

True. And yet I found more over steer in our two Honda Actys on dirt and gravel roads at speed. Not the fault of the vehicle, really, since only dorks overdrive the conditions, right? But, yeah, I’m sometimes a dork. (Hey, you gotta have fun sometimes, and if you can’t have fun on a middle-of-nowhere back road in your kei truck, then where can you have fun?)

For build quality, many mini truck owners will plug for the Daihatsu Hi-Jet. Again, I’m with them on that, based on the Hi-Jets that I have test driven (although I’ve never owned one or used one for work, so I have no experience on long term with a Hi-Jet). But still, when it comes time for me to look for my next used kei truck, I’m going to look for a nice, fresh, Subaru Sambar.

For all round value and cheap running cost and good parts availability, I guess the Suzuki Carry mini truck is in the lead, and its full-on low range in 4WD is awful nice. They also function well as off-road vehicles. I’ve had good fun with the off-road capabilities in Carrys, both pre 98s and (once) in a newer, post 98 model. That full low range is great. At the moment, I’ve got the use of a newer model Suzuki Carry owned by a lady friend of mine up here on Mount Fuji, so I’m content. I mean, content with the kei truck….well, and the lady friend, too. I’ve got no complaints about her, but I do, actually, have complaints about her mini truck. The late model Carry mini trucks now have a transmission that I just don’t like. I don’t like the way it goes into gear, too wishy washy and clunky thunky. Guys, go for the older Carry mini trucks, I think they are better. So, for the folks in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia that can’t get the new kei trucks anyway, I’d say you’re not missing anything much. Go old kei truck.

Now, for something to help you decide what may be the best mini truck for you to import from Japan, we have some articles over on our blog here, here, here, and here.

Of course, if you can get the chance to test drive your friend’s kei truck, jump at the chance. The things that make you decide on the kei truck you pitch for, the kei truck that is best for you, may be very subjective. It’s that way for me with the Subaru Sambar. This is because, at base, like I said before, all the Japanese kei trucks are good, and are good value. There are no “easy outers” in the kei truck dugout. Kei trucks are sluggers.

Especially these days, with hard economic times coming, due to government responses to the Corona Virus, Japanese mini trucks are going to be the best vehicle going forward, especially for preppers, for people hoping to stay out of the cities but who need a light vehicle to work, get around, stock up, you name it; for hunters who really do need to bring home the bacon (well, the venison, actually); for people who are forced to downsize and cut back on their contracting, landscaping, or small delivery service, again, mini trucks are the best thing to have right now. We’re all going to have to cut back, but with a tiny kei truck, you don’t have to cut back on capability and capacity.

We don’t know what the world will look like after all this is settled. There seem to be fewer and fewer things that we can rely on. But with their high reliability, high capability, and low running costs, I think that we can rely on our kei trucks. They’ll keep their value, too in the months and years ahead.

The Advantages of Mini Trucks

Inexpensive, strong, effective, and versatile, all season utility vehicles
Run smoothly on the highway at 90km/hr (55mph)
Dimensions: 3.3m/10’8″ long, 1.4m/4’6″ wide, 1.8m/5’9″ high
Truck Bed: 1.95m/6’5″ long, 1.4m/4’7″ wide, and 30cm/12″ deep
Easy loading and unloading with fold down rear and side gates, and low bed height, (approximately 70cm/28inches).
Low ground stress and good torque for climbing, pulling and hauling
Only weigh 720kg/1600lbs
Bullet proof, liquid cooled 3 or 4 cylinder gasoline engine
Excellent gas mileage 17-20km/l (40-44mpg)
Perfect for on and off-road use of all kinds: farming, hunting, lake lots, golf courses, campgrounds, construction sites, vineyards, orchards, airports, landscaping, etc.
Fully functional, spacious cab for two adults complete with heater, defrost, and optional air conditioning.

Common Uses for Kei Trucks

Families and businesses use mini trucks for transportation and almost any purpose you can imagine at farms, ranches, golf courses, schools, parks, airports, lumber yards, warehouses, factories and campgrounds. Check out the pictures in the gallery below for a peek at some of the great versions available for different uses.

550cc versus 660cc engines

Mini trucks produced before March 1990 have 550cc engines, while those produced later feature 660cc engines. Engines of both displacements deliver more than ample power at low to medium speeds, but later 660cc models provide noticeably more power at high speeds, allowing you to pass vehicles more easily when traveling uphill.

Generational Differences

Each generation represents the response of carmakers to new Japanese government regulations increasing maximum allowable vehicle size and engine displacement. Most mini trucks closely match these specifications.

Performance, size, weight and refinement generally increased over the years. But maximum load capacity remained the same at 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds). Some people prefer earlier models because they are lighter, simpler and less expensive while still having low mileage in many cases.

First-generation mini trucks
(1976 – 1990)

Used mini trucks that originally sold between January 1976 and February 1990 can be imported from Japan to the majority of countries around the world. These vehicles are up to 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) long and 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) wide with engines up to 550cc.550cc mini truck engines typically produce around 35 PS, which is more than ample for off-road and city driving because the vehicles are so lightweight and their transmissions are geared low. But power is somewhat lacking at high speeds, especially when traveling uphill.Many models from the mid-to-late 1980s are equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger, for extra power, and options like 4WD and air conditioning.

Second-generation mini trucks
(1990 – 1998)

Used mini trucks that originally sold between March 1990 and September 1998 can be imported from Japan to most countries except Australia. These vehicles have longer bodies and larger engines than earlier models, with a maximum length of 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and a maximum displacement of 660cc. The higher 660cc displacement more than compensates for the additional weight of newly required safety equipment and provides noticeably stronger power than first-generation models at high speeds, especially uphill. Regulations limited engine output to 64 PS, perhaps in anticipation of turbo and supercharger advances. But average horsepower for this generation is around 40 PS.

Third-generation mini trucks
(1998 – today)

Used mini trucks that originally sold from October 1998 onward can be imported to Canada (if sold up to 2001) and the UK (if sold up to 2006). These vehicles are larger, more powerful, safe and comfortable than earlier models and provide more amenities. But they are also heavier and more complex. They are up to 3.4 meters (11.2 feet) long and 1.48 meters (4.8 feet) wide, with much of the additional length used for a required front safety extension. Their engines are the same displacement (660cc) as second-generation engines, but produce more power at around 48 PS.

Mini trucks get better with age!

Depending on the country of import, choosing a mini truck of a certain age will allow you to import it from Japan easily and cheaply. Fortunately with a little help from Japan Car Direct mini trucks from 10 to over 25 years old with low mileage and in excellent condition can be easily found in the dealer auctions and on domestic lots across Japan.

Available Models

Popular Japanese mini truck models include the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Minicab, Nissan (Mitsubishi) Clipper and Mazda (Suzuki) Scrum. All models offer high-quality Japanese design and peppy performance for trails and transportation around town. But each mini truck model has its own special characteristics as presented in the following short descriptions of four major models. See our comparison tables of mini trucks below for more details.

Suzuki Carry

The Suzuki Carry is by far the most popular mini truck and you can easily find secondhand models in pristine condition. It also has the best parts support in the United States, partly because so many of its components are shared with later-model Carrys and other Suzuki vehicles like the Jimny. Lightweight and durable, the Carry is great for off-road work. 4WD is available at all speeds, letting you haul loads and travel fast over rough terrain. The highly reliable engine is centrally mounted beneath the front seats with a transmission geared low for hauling.

Subaru Sambar

The Subaru Sambar engine is mounted just behind the rear axle, making the ride quieter and less tiring than in mini trucks with engines mounted under the seats. This explains why a major company in Japan exclusively uses Sambars for their delivery vehicles. The rear-heavy design is slightly noticed when cornering fast on wet or snowy roads, but the four-wheel independent suspension helps keep everything under control. The rear engine in these mini trucks also contributes to solid off-road traction. When the going gets rough and you enter first gear, 550cc models conveniently enter 4WD mode without the need to press a button. They switch back to 2WD when you enter second gear.

Honda Acty

The Honda Acty is quiet and comfortable to drive. It supplies more power than other Japanese mini trucks when traveling uphill at high speed thanks to basically the same reliable engine powering the Honda Beat sports car and Honda Today. As in the Sambar, a rear-mounted engine (just in front of the rear axle) contributes to a quieter ride, less cabin heat in the summer, higher stability when carrying heavy loads and very slight oversteer when cornering fast on roads covered with gravel, rain or snow. Power windows are optional. Parts from 660cc models are often compatible with 550cc models.

Daihatsu Hijet

The Daihatsu Hijet is comfortable, durable and perfect for hauling loads. In comparison with the Suzuki Carry, it offers slightly more legroom in early to mid-1990s models and a higher sense of luxury overall. But the Hijet also tends to cost a little more. Its three-cylinder water-cooled engine is mounted beneath the front seats and delivers excellent acceleration. Some models are available with options like power steering. Hijet parts are easier to find in the United States than parts for any Japanese mini truck except the Suzuki Carry. Dump truck models are available.

Mitsubishi Minicab

The Mitsubishi Minicab came came into its own from the mid 80’s. Angular headlights became the defining feature of the Minicab’s styling, along with larger windows to improve visibility. A rear wiper, electronic locking rear gate and power brakes were adopted on these mini trucks. Mitsubishi began to offer a wide variety of both FW and 4WD model variations. The next generation Minicab incorporated many class-leading features such as an automatic free wheel hubs adopted on all four-wheel drive models. The estate models featured the first sliding sunroof in their class. Mitsubishi also became the first manufacturer to offer supercharged kei trucks.

Spec Comparison

First Generation Models

Second Generation Models

Third Generation Models

	Honda Acty HA2 1988-1990	Suzuki (Mazda) Carry DB51T 1986-1990	Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet S81P 1986-1990	Mitsubishi Mini Cab U15TG 1990-1990
Length	3.25m 10’6″	3.3m 10’8″	3.2m 10’5″	3.2m 10’5″
Width	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″
Height	1.7m 5’7″	1.7m 5’7″	1.7m 5’7″	1.7m 5’7″
Wheel Base	1.9m 6’2″	1.8m 6’0″	1.8m 6’0″	1.8m 6’0″
Wheel Bolt Pattern	4/100	4/114.3	4/110	4/114.3
Ground Clearance	16cm 6’3″	17cm 6’7″	16cm 6’3″	15cm 5’9″
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Engine	Mid EO5A Inline 3 SOHC	Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC	EB water cooled Inline 3 OHC	Mid 3G81 Inline 3 OHV
Fuel Injection	No	No	No	Optional
Displacement (cc)	540	657	547	548
Horse Power (ps/rpm)	34/5500	38/5500	30/5500	46/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm)	4.5/5000	5.3/4000	4.5/3500	6/4000
Transmission (floor)	MT4/MT5	MT4	MT4	MT5
Weight	670kg 1476lbs	680kg 1498lbs	700kg 1542lbs	740kg 1630lbs
Payload Capacity	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs
Power Steering	No	No	No	No
Turning Radius	3.8m 12’4″	4m 13’1″	3.6m 11’8″	3.8m 12’4″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon)	37 9.8	36 9.5	35 9.2	36 9.5
MPG/KPL	47.9 MPG 21.1 KPL	37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL	37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL	37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL
Front Suspension	Macpherson Strut	Strut	Strut/Coil Spring	Strut
Rear Suspension	Trailing Arm	Rigid Axle	Rigid Axle/Leaf Spring	Half Oval Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum
Tires	5.00-12-4PR	5.00-12-4PRULT	145R12-6PRLT	145R12-6PR
A/C	No	No	No	No

Make Model Year	Subaru Sambar KS4 1990-1998	Honda Acty HA4 1990-1999	Suzuki (Mazda) Carry DB52T 1990-1999	Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet S83P 1990-1998	Mitsubishi Mini Cab U42T 1991-1998
Length	3.3m 10’8″	3.3m 10’8″	3.3m 10’8″	3.3m 10’8″	3.3m 10’8″
Width	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″	1.4m 4’6″
Height	1.8m 5’9″	1.7m 5’7″	1.7m 5’7″	1.8m 5’9″	1.7m 5’7″
Wheel Base	1.9m 6’3″	1.9m 6’3″	1.9m 6’3″	1.8m 6’0″	1.8m 6’0″
Wheel Bolt Pattern	4/100	4/100	4/100 or 4/114.3	4/100	4/114.3
Ground Clearance	19cm 7.5″	19cm 7.5″	16cm 6.3″	17cm 6.7″	17cm 6.7″
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Engine	Rear EN07 Inline 4 SOHC	Mid E07A Inline 3 SOHC	Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC	Mid EF Inline 3 SOHC	Mid 3G83 Inline 3 SOHC
Fuel Injection	Optional	No	No	No	No
Displacement (cc)	658	656	657	659	657
Horse Power (ps/rpm)	40/6500	38/5300	42/5500	38/5600	42/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm)	5.5/3500	5.5/4500	5.8/4500	5.5/4000	5.7/5000
Transmission (floor)	MT5	MT4 MT5	MT4 MT5	MT4 MT5	AT3 MT4/MT5
Gear Ratio Km/h@RPM	4th: 90 @ 6500 5th: 110+ @ 6500	4th: 91 @ 7500 5th: 110 @ 7500	44th: 98 @ 6500 5th: 118 @ 6500	4th: 89 @ 6200 5th: 100 @ 6200	4th: 92 @ 6000 5th: 108 @ 6200
Diff Lock	Selective (Opt.)	Attack Model	Optional	Optional	No
HI/LO 4wd Available	Selective AWD	Ultra Low 1st and R	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	740kg 1628lbs	710kg 1562lbs	700kg 1540lbs	700kg 1540lbs	710kg 1562lbs
Payload Capacity	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs
Power Steering	No	No	No	Optional(’94)	Optional(’94)
Turning Radius	3.9m 12’8″	3.8m 12’5″	3.8m 12’5″	3.7m 12’1″	3.7m 12’1″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon)	40 10.5	37 9.7	36 9.5	35 9.2	40 10.5
MPG/KPL	35.7 MPG 15.2 KPL	37.1 MPG 15.8 KPL	36.2 MPG 15.4 KPL	36.4 MPG 15.5 KPL	36.7 MPG 15.6 KPL
Front Suspension	Strut	Strut	Strut	Strut	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi Trailing Arm	De Dion Bouton	Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle	Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear	Ventilated Disk/ Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum
Tires	145R12-6PRLT	145R12-6PR	5.00-12-4PRULT	5.00-12-4PRULT	5.00-12-4PR
A/C	Optional	Optional	No	Optional	No

Make Model Year	Subaru Sambar TT2 1999-2003	Honda Acty HA7 1999-2005	Suzuki (Mazda) Carry DB62T 1999-2005	Daihatsu (Toyota) Hijet S210C 1999-2002	Mitsubishi Mini Cab U62T 1999-2002
Length	3.4m 11’2″	3.4m 11’2″	3.4m 11’2″	3.4m 11’2″	3.4m 11’2″
Width	1.5m 4’9″	1.5m 4’9″	1.4m 4’6″	1.5m 4’9″	1.5m 4’9″
Height	1.8m 5’9″	1.7m 5’7″	1.8m 5’9″	1.8m 5’9″	1.8m 5’9″
Wheel Base	1.9m 6’3″	2.4m 7’8″	2.4m 7’8″	1.9m 6’3″	2.2m 7’2″
Wheel Bolt Pattern	4/100	4/100	4/100	4/100	4/100
Ground Clearance	19cm 7.5″	19cm 7.5″	16cm 6.3″	16cm 6.3″	15cm 5.9″
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Engine	Rear EN07 Inline 4 SOHC	Mid E07Z Inline 3 SOHC	Mid F6A Inline 3 SOHC	Mid EF-SE Inline 3 SOHC	Mid 3G83 Inline 3 SOHC
Fuel Injection	All Models	All Models	All Models	All Models	All Models
Displacement (cc)	658	656	657	659	657
Horse Power (ps/rpm)	46/6400	46/5500	50/6000	43/5900	48/6000
Torque (kgm/rpm)	5.9/4000	6/5000	6.3/3500	5.8/3600	6.3/4000
Transmission (floor)	MT5	MT4 MT5	MT4 MT5	AT3 MT5	AT3 MT4/MT5
Gear Ratio Km/h@RPM	4th: 110 @ 6500 5th: 130 @ 6500	4th: 110 @ 7500 5th: 135 @ 7500	4th: 105 @ 7000 5th: 120 @ 6800	4th: 98 @ 6200 5th: 120 @ 6200	4th: 80 @ 6000 5th: 120 @ 6000
HI/LO 4wd Available	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	770kg 1697lbs	830kg 1829lbs	730kg 1608lbs	750kg 1653lbs	770kg 1697lbs
Payload Capacity	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs	350kg 770lbs
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Turning Radius	3.9m 12’8″	4.6m 15’0″	4.1m 13’5	3.8m 12’5″	4.4m 14’4″
Fuel Tank(liter/gallon)	40 10.5	37 9.7	40 10.5	38 10	40 10.5
MPG/KPL	38.1 MPG 16.2 KPL	38.1 MPG 16.2 KPL	37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL	37.6 MPG 16.0 KPL	38.6 MPG 16.4 KPL
Front Suspension	Strut	Strut	Strut	Strut	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi Trailing Arm	De Dion Bouton	Leaf Spring	Rigid Axle	Leaf Spring
Brakes Front/Rear	Ventilated Disk/ Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum	Disk/Drum
Tires	145R12-6PRLT	145R12-8PRLT	145R12-6PRLTT	145R12-6PR	145R12-6PR
A/C	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	No

Optional Features on Kei Trucks

Not only are there quite a number of mini truck models that you can import yourself directly from Japan, there are also many options for mini trucks. When we are talking about Japanese mini trucks and we say “options,” we don’t exactly mean the sort of options that you can get on a fancy road car, like a luxury sedan or a high end supercar; we’re not talking leather seats with massage and heat features, we’re not talking cruise control and lane assist, we’re not even talking power steering (although power steering is actually an option on mini trucks, they are not that rough of machines) and we’re not talking cup holders.

When you’re talking mini truck options you are looking at things like a scissors lift and options like the very popular dump bed, perfect for contractors, landscapers, and anybody who often needs to deliver a load of soil or gravel to a tight spot on a project site. You’re looking at four wheel drive, and diff locks and axle locks, which we talk about on our Japan Car Direct blog. We also have a look at extended (jumbo) cabs and the 4-speed vs 5-speed vs automatic transmission question and the mini truck garden option in part two of our post.

Now you’re thinking: “A garden option for a Japanese mini truck?” These JCD guys are pulling my leg. No we’re not, we’re serious. Check it out in the link above, at the very end of the post, and click the link there, too. You’ll love it.

These are the kinds of things that we mean when we are talking about mini truck options and what is available at the used car auctions and the used car dealers here in Japan for direct import to the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries (regulations permitting)

Alright, alright, I guess we’ve got to say something about cup holders. Actually, cup holders are kind of an issue in the mini truck fraternity and some of the best minds have been working on it, as you’ll see here, here, and here, over at Mini Truck Talk. One of the best sites, by the way, for people who own or who want to buy a Japanese mini truck.

Image Gallery

Mini Trucks with dump beds are great for farming, construction sites, landscaping jobs etc.

Box Mini Trucks come in standard and refrigeration unit types. Perfect for local delivery of goods that need to be kept dry, safe and even refrigerated.