Model guide

Daihatsu Hijet buying guide

The Daihatsu Hijet is widely considered the toughest kei truck you can buy -- body-on-frame construction and the longest wheelbase in the class make it feel like a genuine mini pickup rather than a car-based utility vehicle.

Construction and engine

Unlike some competitors, the Hijet uses true body-on-frame construction, which is a large part of why it holds up so well to heavy, repeated loads -- it is a favorite of Japanese municipalities and fire departments for exactly this reason. The water-cooled three-cylinder engine sits beneath the front seats. Models from 1999 onward (GD-S series) gained electronic fuel injection, a meaningful reliability upgrade over earlier carbureted versions.

Daihatsu Hijet specifications and dimensions

• Engine: 659 cc three-cylinder (EF series); fuel-injected versions make about 44 to 53 hp
• Generations: S100 / S110 (1994-1999) and S200 / S210 (1999-2014); only trucks built in 2001 or earlier are federally eligible today
• Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive (S100 / S200) or 4WD (S110 / S210)
• Overall size: after the 1998 kei rule change, up to 3,395 mm long x 1,475 mm wide; trucks built before that are slightly smaller
• Payload: capped at 350 kg (772 lb) by the kei class

Trim, cab type (standard or Jumbo) and bed style change the usable dimensions, so verify them against the auction sheet for the exact truck.

Why buyers choose the Hijet

• Longest wheelbase in the kei truck class, meaning the largest flatbed for its footprint
• “Jumbo” extended cab option adds passenger and storage space without giving up bed length
• Body-on-frame durability that handles heavier, more frequent loads better than car-based alternatives
• Trusted enough for fire, utility, and municipal fleet use in Japan -- a strong real-world durability signal

What to check before buying

• Prioritize 1999+ GD-S series models if fuel injection reliability matters to you over an older carbureted example
• Confirm whether you are looking at a standard cab or Jumbo extended cab -- the difference matters if passenger space is a priority
• Request the auction sheet grade, not just photos, given how hard these trucks are typically worked
• Check your state’s rules before committing -- see our state-by-state legality guide

New to importing? Read our full step-by-step import guide first.