Imported directly from Japan, Japanese mini trucks (known as “Kei” Class, “Keitora” or “micro” trucks) are, in reality, gas-conserving work animals. Most of these admittedly very practical, but diminutive pickup trucks are equipped with 660cc engines and 4-wheel drive. Constructed to meet requirements for light vehicles in Japan, each mini truck is approximately 11 ft. (3.4m) long with a box generally measuring 6 ft.-4 in. (1.95m) in length. The hauling capacity of such Japanese mini trucks is almost half a ton. The majority of these mini trucks have fold-down box sides and are available with hydraulic dumps and scissor lifts. Also for purchase are models with van bodies. In addition, these mini trucks are equipped with fully enclosed cabs, seat belts, windshield wipers, AM radios, heaters, lights and signals.

Japanese mini trucks weigh approximately 1500 pounds and can accelerate to a speed of 75 miles per hour. Popular throughout Asia, second-hand models are now in use in the US for off-road purposes—for example, on farmland. In Canada, Japanese mini trucks are considered suitable as regular vehicular traffic after passing local certification inspections. As road cars, they’re low-maintenance, fuel-efficient, inexpensive and practical. According to your choice of a new or used car, US prices for Japanese mini trucks range from about $4,000 to $8,500. In the used mini truck market, a 1990 Suzuki Every Van is priced at around USD $6,086, while a 1992 Daihatsu Hi-Jet mini truck sells for approximately USD $5,848.

Current makes and models of Japanese mini trucks are the result of many generations of evolving styles and designs. In 1959 the Kurogane KB pickup truck with a highly built rear engine was introduced. The Honda T360, a semi-front truck or pickup, came out in 1963 as the first Honda 4-wheel vehicle. New on the market for 1964 was the fashionable Daihatsu Hi-Jet Cab. In 1965, the Cony 360 Wide entered the market with a wheelbase of 168 cm, a rear rigid axle with leaf springs, and an engine of 354 cc located beneath the center floor. Then, a van was brought out in 1966. Even though lacking unique character, the styling was quite modern, and this automobile was available through the early seventies. Later, in 1969, the Mazda Porter Cab was introduced with engine placement under the front seats. This mini truck’s round headlights with rounded cadres which resembled spectacles, contributed to its partially comic style. Since that time, many additional makes and models of Japanese mini trucks have been introduced to the modern road vehicle market, with such major and currently popular manufacturers’ names as Mitsubishi, Diahatsu, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru.

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