Japanese Mini Truck FAQ
Not sure if a mini truck is the right choice for you? Take a look at these frequently asked questions about mini trucks—you’ll likely find the answer here. Click the + symbol to expand each response.
Japanese Mini Trucks: The Basics
What's a 'Japanese mini truck'?
If you’ve just come across Mini Truck Depot from a Google search or elsewhere, your first question is probably, ‘What exactly is a mini truck?’ You’re familiar with regular UTVs, but what about these mini trucks? Are they small utility vehicles? A scale model? Something else entirely?
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How are Japanese mini trucks better than competing off-road vehicles?
Why choose a Japanese mini truck over a regular UTV? What makes these kei trucks the better choice for farmers, ranchers, hunters, and others who need a reliable off-road vehicle in the USA? Here are 10 solid reasons why they stand out.
Buying A Japanese Mini Truck
How can I choose the right mini truck for me?
With so many different models and a wide selection of mini trucks for sale here at Mini Truck Depot, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which one is right for you. We’ll guide you through the process step by step, helping you narrow down your options and find the best match for your needs.
I've seen much older Japanese mini trucks for sale. Why don't you sell them?
Maybe you’ve come across much older Japanese mini trucks from the 1980s or 1990s listed for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. So what’s the story with these aging mini trucks, and are they worth considering?
Japanese Mini Truck Models
Can you give me an overview of the different Japanese mini truck models?
You’ve probably heard of the Suzuki Carry and Daihatsu Hijet, but what about the other manufacturers? And did you know mini trucks come in a variety of body types beyond the standard pickup style?
Daihatsu
Daihatsu Hijet regular cab model with fixed bed
The Daihatsu Hijet with the regular cab (rather than the Jumbo cab) and the fixed load bed is probably the most common mini truck. This model is very popular in the US for its excellent off road capabilities, comfort, and sharp price point.
Daihatsu Hijet regular cab model with tipping dump bed
These are some of the most popular mini truck models because, not only can they go pretty much anywhere off-road, but they can also haul with the best of them and dump. Whether you’re a rancher, or want to use one around a construction site, these hardy mini trucks are definitely worth taking a look at.
Find out more …
Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo extended cab model with fixed bed
The Hijet Jumbo is a popular model in the US as it has all the practicality, amenities and off-road abilities of the regular cab models, but it also has an extended “jumbo” cab for exterior interior room and is, therefore, more comfortable particularly for taller users.
Daihatsu Hijet Deckvan crew cab model
The Hijet Deckvan doesn’t follow the typical format of most Japanese mini trucks. It still has a load bed, but it’s shorter (and deeper). It’s standout feature is that it can take up to 4 people off-road in comfort as well as hauling gear in that rear bed.
Daihatsu Hijet Cargo passenger van model
The Hijet Cargo is a Japanese mini truck built for off-road use, featuring a fully enclosed cab and load area with seating for four. These Hijet Cargo passenger vans offer a practical alternative to golf carts or UTVs, providing covered transport for both passengers and equipment that needs protection from the elements. Perfect for colleges and other large private campuses.
Suzuki
Suzuki Carry regular cab model with fixed bed
The Suzuki Carry, with its regular cab and fixed load bed, recently marked 60 years of continuous production—an impressive milestone. But what does that mean for you? It means six decades of refining this off-road workhorse for reliability, durability, and performance.
Suzuki Carry regular cab model with tipping dump bed
Combining the longest-running mini truck in the industry, the Suzuki Carry, with the added versatility and power of a dumping bed makes for a practical and highly capable off-road solution.
Suzuki Super Carry extended cab model with fixed bed
An extended cab Japanese mini truck with even more interior space than the already roomy Daihatsu Jumbo? That’s the Suzuki Super Carry. Its design might look a bit unconventional, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for with a spacious and practical cabin.
Suzuki Every passenger van model
The Every Van is the to the Suzuki Carry, what the Hijet Cargo is to the regular Hijet pickup. Use it to transport 4 passengers and equipment off-road out of the elements.
Other Japanese Mini Trucks
Honda Acty Truck and Van
Honda is a well-known name from Japan, but how does it rank in the mini truck market? When it comes to Japanese mini trucks, Honda’s Acty was never one of the dominant players and was ultimately discontinued in 2021.
Mitsubishi Minicab Truck and Van
Mitsubishi was an independent player in the Japanese mini truck market for 47 years, producing its own models. However, when the sixth generation was set to be replaced, Mitsubishi chose to exit mini truck production and instead rebadge Suzuki’s Carry and Every models under the Mitsubishi name.
Subaru Sambar Truck and Van
Subaru was the first to build a Japanese mini truck. Beyond that, they maintained a unique rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout for decades. Today’s Subaru Sambars are simply OEM-rebadged Daihatsu Hijets, but there’s more to the story of this distinctive mini truck—read on to learn more.
Mazda Scrum Truck and Van
Mazda once sold an undeniably charming mini truck called the Porter, which remained in production until 1989. Since then, Mazda has taken the OEM rebadge route for its mini trucks.
Toyota Pixis Truck and Van
Toyota is now Daihatsu’s parent company but despite this doesn’t want to leave the kei truck market completely to its subsidiary.
Nissan Clipper Truck and Van
Nissan is another well-known Japanese brand, but in the world of off-road mini trucks, it takes a back seat to manufacturers like Daihatsu and Suzuki.
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More Japanese Mini Truck Questions
Are Japanese mini trucks reliable?
So, are Japanese mini trucks reliable? Here’s a hint: They’re engineered to high standards by some of the most respected manufacturers in the world.
Can I get an LHD mini truck?
Japanese mini trucks are imported into the US, so does that mean I can get an LHD (left-hand drive) Japanese mini truck?
Japanese mini trucks vs. side-by-sides
Comparing Japanese mini trucks and side-by-sides? Unsure which one is the better fit for your needs? We take a deep dive to help you find the answer.
Mini trucks: are they the ultimate farm work UTVs?
When there’s work to be done, which is the better choice? Your regular UTV or a Japanese mini truck?
What are 'kei' trucks?
If you’ve done any research into Japanese mini trucks, you’ve probably stumbled across this term ‘kei truck’ as well. So what are these kei trucks, what does ‘kei’ even mean, and how do you pronounce it?
More Mini Truck Information Coming Soon
This Japanese mini truck FAQ page and its related sections will be extensive—packed with valuable information on these remarkable kei vehicles. Creating such a comprehensive resource takes time, but we’re committed to expanding it until it becomes the most in-depth English-language guide to Japanese mini trucks available online.
