Honda has long been celebrated for its engineering prowess, creating vehicles that masterfully blend refinement with unwavering reliability. From their extensive lineup, the spirit of innovation shines brightly, particularly in their range of compact vehicles. Among these, the Small Honda Pickup Truck, exemplified by models like the Honda Acty, stands out for its exceptional build quality and impressive fuel efficiency. These aren’t just about getting the job done; they offer a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience, proving that practicality can indeed be fun.
If you’re in the market for a small Honda pickup truck, you’ve come to the right place to learn more. Let’s delve into the world of these efficient and charming urban workhorses, exploring what makes them a smart choice for various needs.
Honda’s Foray into the Small Pickup Truck Market: The Acty Legacy
The Honda Acty is a renowned Kei vehicle, a class of small vehicles unique to Japan, expertly manufactured by Honda Motor Company. Production began in 1977 and continues to this day, a testament to its enduring appeal. The name “Acty” itself, derived from “Activity,” underscores its versatile nature. While primarily designed for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), its reputation and availability as a used import have garnered global attention.
The small Honda pickup truck, like the Acty, doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It shares the stage with other capable Kei trucks such as the Mitsubishi Minicab, Nissan Clipper, Mazda Scrum, Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, and Subaru Sambar. In this competitive landscape, the Honda Acty has consistently distinguished itself by emphasizing adaptability and practicality, solidifying its position as a top contender in the small pickup truck segment. Despite facing numerous rivals, the Acty Truck’s core strengths have allowed it to thrive as an incredibly adaptable and efficient small commercial vehicle, purpose-built for a wide array of utilitarian tasks.
Generations of Innovation: Honda Acty Small Pickup Truck Evolution
The Honda Acty small pickup truck has undergone several evolutions, each generation building upon the last to refine its capabilities and appeal. Let’s trace its history through the generations.
First Generation Honda Acty Truck (1977-1988): The Foundation
The inaugural Honda Acty truck debuted in 1977, marking the beginning of an era for this iconic small pickup truck. Honda introduced the Acty to succeed earlier Kei truck models like the Honda TN360 and Honda T360. This first generation set the stage with its distinctly compact design, a hallmark of Kei trucks, perfectly suited for navigating tight urban spaces. Moreover, the original Acty featured a small yet efficient engine, tailored for everyday driving demands.
Specifically, these first small Honda pickup trucks employed a mid-engine layout, housing a 545cc 2-cylinder engine. This water-cooled engine featured a single overhead cam (SOHC) design and produced 28 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, along with 4.2 kg⋅m of torque at 4,000 rpm. For export models designed for markets with less stringent emissions regulations, Honda offered a slightly more potent version, boosting output to 30.6 horsepower at the same engine speed. These small engines were celebrated for their exceptional fuel economy, establishing the first-generation Acty as an economically sound choice for businesses and individual users alike.
Second Generation Honda Acty Truck (1988-1999): Engine and Feature Upgrades
The second generation Acty Truck brought a significant powertrain upgrade: the Honda E05 engine. This enhancement added a cylinder, resulting in a 3-cylinder, 547 cc engine still featuring a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) configuration. This improved engine provided a boost in performance while maintaining the fuel efficiency that small Honda pickup trucks are known for.
A notable shift in this generation was the transmission options for 4-wheel drive models (HA-4). Automatic transmissions were discontinued for these models, focusing exclusively on manual transmission options, catering to users who prioritized control and off-road capability in their small pickup truck. Another key introduction was the “Acty Attack,” a specialized version tailored for agricultural applications. This model came equipped with a rear differential lock, significantly improving traction and stability on challenging terrains, making it an ideal small Honda pickup truck for farmers.
Compared to its predecessor, the second generation offered a broader range of Acty Truck models, each with subtle distinctions. For instance, the TOWN and SDX2 models featured color-coded (white) speedometers and bumpers, adding visual flair. These refinements were aimed at accommodating a wider spectrum of drivers and requirements, further establishing the Acty Truck as a highly adaptable and efficient commercial JDM vehicle and a versatile small Honda pickup truck option. Production of this generation continued until 1999, paving the way for the next iteration.
Third Generation Honda Acty Truck (1999-2009): Modern Design and 4WD
The third generation Honda Acty Truck, launched in 1999, presented a more contemporary and youthful aesthetic compared to the boxier designs of the first two generations. This small Honda pickup truck adopted smoother, more aerodynamic lines, reflecting evolving design trends and potentially contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.
While safety has always been a consideration, the third generation placed increased emphasis on safety features and enhanced crash protection. This advancement aimed to offer better occupant safety in accidents, representing a notable improvement over earlier models of this small pickup truck. Furthermore, a standout feature of this generation was the wider availability of a 4WD option. This enhanced the Acty Truck’s versatility, making it more capable in diverse and challenging driving conditions – a feature not as prominently offered in the first and second generations.
Engine performance also saw an upgrade, with a 656 cc engine capable of producing a maximum power of 46 PS (approximately 45 horsepower). Continuous improvements led to the adoption of the 660 cc in-line 12-valve E07Z gasoline engine, which in 4WD models, delivered 6.2 kg⋅m of torque at 4,000 rpm. This provided ample power for a vehicle of its size and intended applications, cementing its reputation as a capable small Honda pickup truck.
Fourth Generation Honda Acty Truck (2009-2021): Comfort and Payload
The fourth generation Acty Truck, introduced in 2009, continued the legacy of its predecessors by maintaining its compact dimensions, perfectly suited for congested urban environments with narrow streets and tight parking spaces. This small Honda pickup truck also offered an increased payload capacity while still adhering to the size restrictions of the Kei truck class, maximizing its utility without sacrificing its nimble footprint.
Notably, this generation prioritized driver comfort, incorporating improved ergonomics and a more refined cabin design. Drivers could expect a more comfortable and convenient experience, especially during extended periods behind the wheel. Each generation of the Honda Acty Truck, since its inception, has played a crucial role in establishing this small yet powerful vehicle as a reliable and adaptable mode of transportation for drivers worldwide. The Honda Acty Truck’s ongoing development reflects a commitment to staying current, integrating advanced safety and technology features to deliver a smooth and adaptable ride, no matter the intended use.
Honda Acty Small Pickup Truck: A Closer Look (1988-1999)
To provide a more detailed understanding, let’s examine the 1988-1999 Acty Truck, one of the most successful generations of this small Honda pickup truck. This period represents a sweet spot in terms of features, reliability, and availability in the used market.
Here are the general specifications for the 1988-1999 Honda Acty Truck:
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model | Acty Truck |
| Body | Pickup Truck |
| Production | 1988 – 1999 |
| Number of seats | 2 seats |
| Length | 3,295 mm |
| Width | 1,395 mm |
| Height | 1,775 mm – 1,795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,875 mm |
| Wheel | 12-inch wheel |
| Curb Weight | 620 kg – 660 kg (1,366 pounds – 1,455 pounds) |
| Bed size (Length/Width) | Length: 1.2 meters – 1.5 meters (4 ft – 5 ft) Width: 1 meter – 1.2 meters (3.3 ft – 4 ft) |
| Towing Capacity | 350 kg (772 pounds) |
| Engine type | 549 cc – 656 cc (3-cylinder engine) |
| Horsepower | 29 – 39 horsepower |
| Torque | 39 – 57 Nm |
| Valve Train | SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) |
| Transmission | 4 – 5 MT / 3 AT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 liters (7.9 gallons) |
| Fuel consumption | 15 – 18 km/L (35 – 47 miles per gallon) |
Let’s explore specific aspects of the Honda Acty small pickup truck from the 1988-1999 series in greater detail.
Exterior & Interior: Practicality in a Small Package
Honda Acty truck models from 1988 to 1999 feature a compact, practical, and straightforward exterior design. Prioritizing function over pure aesthetics, the vehicle’s narrow body design facilitates easy maneuvering in urban settings and on constricted roads. Inside the cabin, the focus remains on functionality and durability.
The Acty’s dashboard features a simple layout with essential controls readily accessible for ease of use while on the move. While interior materials aren’t luxurious, they are robust enough to withstand the demands of regular commercial use. This utilitarian approach is central to the appeal of this small Honda pickup truck.
Engine
The second generation Acty Truck is powered by a small displacement engine, typically ranging from a 547 cc to 656 cc in-line 3-cylinder configuration. These compact engines are engineered for efficiency and are perfectly matched to the vehicle’s size and practical purpose. They emphasize fuel economy and reliability, key attributes for a small Honda pickup truck intended for daily use.
Power output varies depending on the specific model and year but generally falls between 29 and 39 horsepower. Torque figures range from 39 to 57 Nm. While not designed for high-speed performance, these engines provide adequate power for their intended applications, excelling in tasks requiring low-end torque and fuel efficiency.
Performance and Driving
The performance of this small pickup truck generation is geared towards practicality and nimble, convenient driving. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and available front- or four-wheel-drive options make the 1988-1999 Actys exceptionally maneuverable and easy to park, particularly in crowded urban environments.
Although not built for high performance in the traditional sense, it excels in city and farm driving scenarios where agility, ease of handling, and comfort are paramount. The responsive steering and tight turning radius make it a breeze to navigate tight corners and narrow lanes, further enhancing its practicality as a small Honda pickup truck.
Safety
Safety features in the 1988-1999 generation Honda Acty Truck are basic by contemporary standards. These trucks were equipped with fundamental safety components typical for their era, including seat belts, essential lighting like headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, and compliance with the safety regulations applicable at the time.
Advanced safety technologies now commonplace in modern vehicles, such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and advanced collision avoidance systems, are absent in this generation. For buyers prioritizing advanced safety features, opting for more recent Acty models from 2019, 2020, or 2021 would be advisable. However, for its time, the 1988-1999 Acty provided the essential safety features expected of a small pickup truck.
Price
The ’90s Acty trucks were remarkably cost-effective, both in terms of initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance. Their simplicity and robust engineering contribute to low maintenance requirements, making them an economical choice.
Numerous domestic and international auto dealers offer used Honda Acty models at competitive prices. Newer used models, such as 2020-2021 Actys, can range from $10,000 to $25,000. However, older models, particularly from the 1988-1999 era, can be found for significantly less, sometimes under $1,000! The average price for a popular 1988-1999 model is typically between $1000 and $8000, making it an exceptionally affordable small Honda pickup truck.
When considering purchasing, it’s important to factor in potential customs duties and import fees depending on your location. However, even with these additional costs, the overall price remains highly attractive, especially considering the value and utility offered by a used Honda Acty Truck, particularly when buying directly from Japan.
Final Words
In summary, the Honda Acty Truck embodies the enduring appeal of a small Honda pickup truck: it’s a timeless and continuously evolving vehicle designed to meet the ongoing demand for convenient and lightweight cargo transportation. Its blend of efficiency, reliability, and compact size makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, from urban errands to light-duty work on farms or job sites.
If you are searching for small Honda pickup trucks for sale, be sure to explore reputable suppliers and trustworthy online auto marketplaces like Car From Japan. You’ll find a wide selection of offers to help you find the perfect vehicle to take home!
