Honda has long been celebrated for its engineering prowess, crafting vehicles that seamlessly blend sophistication with unwavering reliability. From their passenger cars to their utility vehicles, Honda’s commitment to quality and fuel efficiency shines through. Among their diverse offerings, the Small Honda Pickup Truck stands out as a testament to their ability to pack impressive capability and driving pleasure into a compact package. The Honda Acty Truck, a prime example of this, perfectly embodies these qualities.
If you’re in the market for a small Honda pickup truck, particularly a used Honda Acty Truck for sale, you’ve come to the right place to learn more. Let’s delve into the world of these efficient and charming urban workhorses and discover why they might be the perfect fit for your needs.
What is a Honda Acty Truck? A Look at this Small Honda Pickup
The Honda Acty is a renowned Kei vehicle, a class of small vehicles unique to Japan, produced by Honda Motor Company. Its production began in 1977 and continues to this day, demonstrating its lasting appeal and practicality. The name “Acty” itself, derived from “Activity,” underscores the vehicle’s intended versatility. Primarily designed for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), the Acty Truck has nonetheless garnered international attention for its compact size and robust utility.
The small Honda pickup truck segment, while seemingly niche, is actually quite competitive within the Kei truck category. The Honda Acty Truck competes with other notable Kei trucks such as the Mitsubishi Minicab, Nissan NT100/NV100 Clipper, Mazda Scrum, Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry/Every, and Subaru Sambar. In this crowded field, the Acty Truck distinguishes itself through its reputation for adaptability and reliability, making it a compelling option for those seeking a small Honda pickup truck.
Despite the competition, the Acty Truck has firmly established itself as a highly adaptable and efficient small commercial vehicle, designed for a wide array of utilitarian purposes. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its successful blend of compact dimensions and practical capability.
A Journey Through Time: Generations of the Small Honda Pickup Truck – Acty
First Generation Honda Acty Truck (1977-1988): Laying the Foundation
The journey of the small Honda pickup truck, the Honda Acty Truck, began in 1977 with the introduction of the first generation model. This marked a significant step for Honda, as the Acty Truck was designed to supersede earlier Kei truck models like the Honda TN360 and Honda T360.
Alt Text: First Generation Honda Acty Truck – a classic small Honda pickup truck with a boxy Kei truck design.
This inaugural generation of the Acty truck embraced a compact design characteristic of Kei trucks. Furthermore, the first generation Acty featured a small yet capable engine, perfectly suited for a variety of driving needs within its intended use case.
Specifically, these original small Honda pickup trucks employed a mid-engine layout, housing a 2-cylinder, 545cc engine. This engine incorporated a single overhead cam (SOHC) design and was water-cooled, producing 28 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 4.2 kg⋅m of torque at 4,000 rpm.
For export models, designed to meet different emissions standards, Honda offered a slightly more potent version of this engine. This enhanced variant delivered 30.6 horsepower at the same engine speed, providing a modest power increase for models destined for markets outside of Japan.
These small engines were renowned for their exceptional fuel efficiency, making the 1st-generation Acty a highly economical choice for businesses and individuals alike. This fuel efficiency is a key characteristic that continues to attract buyers to small Honda pickup trucks today.
Second Generation Honda Acty Truck (1988 – 1999): Refinement and Specialization
The second generation of the small Honda pickup truck, the Acty Truck, arrived in 1988, bringing with it notable advancements. The centerpiece of this generation was the Honda E05 engine. This engine was upgraded with an additional cylinder, evolving into a 3-cylinder, 547 cc engine still featuring a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) configuration.
Alt Text: Second Generation Honda Acty Attack – a specialized small Honda pickup truck variant designed for farm work.
A significant change in this generation was the discontinuation of automatic transmission options for 4-wheel drive models (HA-4). The focus shifted towards manual transmission options for these models, catering to drivers who prioritized control and off-road capability in their small Honda pickup truck.
Another noteworthy addition was the introduction of the “Acty Attack,” a specialized version of the Acty Truck specifically engineered for agricultural applications. This model was equipped with a rear differential lock, a feature that significantly enhanced traction and stability on challenging terrains commonly encountered in farming environments. This demonstrated Honda’s commitment to tailoring their small Honda pickup truck to specific user needs.
Compared to the first generation, the second generation Acty Truck offered a wider variety of models, each with subtle but distinct differences. For example, the TOWN and SDX2 models featured color-coded (white) speedometers and bumpers, adding a touch of visual differentiation and appealing to a broader range of tastes.
These improvements collectively aimed to cater to a diverse spectrum of drivers and requirements, solidifying the Acty Truck’s position as a highly flexible and efficient commercial JDM vehicle, and a desirable small Honda pickup truck option. Production of this generation continued until 1999, paving the way for the next evolution of the Acty Truck.
Third Generation Honda Acty Truck (1999-2009): Modernization and Enhanced Safety
The third generation Honda Acty Truck, launched in 1999, presented a more contemporary and youthful aesthetic compared to its predecessors. This iteration of the small Honda pickup truck moved away from the boxier designs of the first and second generations, embracing a smoother and more aerodynamic profile.
Alt Text: Third Generation Honda Acty Truck – a modern small Honda pickup truck with a rounded front end and enhanced safety features.
While safety considerations were present in all Acty Truck generations, the third generation placed a greater emphasis on safety features and improved crash protection. This advancement aimed to provide enhanced occupant safety in the event of collisions, representing a significant improvement over previous models and aligning with evolving safety standards.
Furthermore, a key differentiator of this generation Acty was the increased availability of a 4WD option. This enhancement significantly broadened the Acty Truck’s versatility, enabling it to perform more effectively in challenging driving conditions – a feature not as prominently available in the first and second generations. This made the small Honda pickup truck even more appealing to users with diverse needs.
The engine also received an upgrade. The 656 cc engine was capable of producing a maximum power of 46 PS (34 kW; 45 HP) at 5,000 rpm, delivering ample power for its size and intended applications.
Over time, Honda continuously refined the engine, culminating in the current 660 cc in-line 12-valve E07Z gasoline engine. In 4WD models, this engine also produced 6.2 kg⋅m of torque at 4,000 rpm, ensuring optimal performance across a wide range of operational demands for this small Honda pickup truck.
Fourth Generation Honda Acty Truck (2009-2021): Comfort and Payload Enhancements
The fourth generation Acty Truck, introduced in 2009, continued the legacy of its predecessors by maintaining its compact dimensions, making it ideally suited for urban environments characterized by narrow streets and limited parking spaces. This commitment to compact size is central to the appeal of a small Honda pickup truck.
Alt Text: Fourth Generation Honda Acty Truck Interior – showcasing the driver-focused cabin and ergonomic improvements in this small Honda pickup truck.
In addition to its compact footprint, this generation of the small Honda pickup truck offered an increased payload capacity while remaining within the regulatory limits of the Kei truck class. This improvement enhanced its practicality and utility for commercial and personal use.
This generation also prioritized driver comfort, incorporating improved ergonomics and a more refined cabin design. Drivers could expect a more comfortable and convenient driving experience, even during extended hours behind the wheel, making it a more user-friendly small Honda pickup truck.
As clearly demonstrated through each generation, the Honda Acty Truck has consistently evolved, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and capable small Honda pickup truck for drivers worldwide.
The ongoing development of the Honda Acty Truck reflects Honda’s dedication to staying abreast of evolving needs and technological advancements. Equipped with increasingly sophisticated safety and technology features, the Acty Truck continues to offer a smooth and adaptable driving experience, regardless of the intended application.
Honda Acty Truck Review: A Closer Look
Before diving into a detailed review, let’s examine the general specifications of the 1988-1999 Acty Truck – a particularly successful generation of the Honda Acty Truck for sale. This generation exemplifies the key features and capabilities of a small Honda pickup truck.
General Specifications of Honda Acty Truck (1988-1999)
| 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 the 1988-1999 series Honda Acty Truck for sale in more detail, examining various aspects that contribute to its appeal as a small Honda pickup truck.
Exterior & Interior: Practicality Focused Design
Honda Acty truck models from 1988 to 1999 are characterized by a compact, practical, and straightforward exterior design. Prioritizing functionality over elaborate aesthetics, the vehicle’s narrow body design facilitates effortless maneuverability in congested urban environments and on narrow roads. This is a key advantage of a small Honda pickup truck. Inside the cabin, Honda’s focus is clearly on functionality and durability.
The Acty’s control panel features a simple and intuitive layout, with essential controls readily accessible for ease of use while on the move. While the interior materials are not luxurious, they are robust enough to withstand the rigors of continuous commercial use, highlighting the practical nature of this small Honda pickup truck.
Engine: Efficient and Reliable Power
The second generation Acty Truck is powered by a small displacement engine, typically a 547 cc – 656 cc in-line 3-cylinder unit. These compact engines are engineered for optimal efficiency and are perfectly matched to the vehicle’s size and practical purpose. Fuel efficiency is a major draw for buyers of small Honda pickup trucks.
Power output varies depending on the specific model and year, but generally ranges between 29 and 39 horsepower. Torque values typically range from 39 to 57 Nm. While not high performance in the traditional sense, this power is more than adequate for the intended use of this small Honda pickup truck.
Performance and Driving: Nimble and Maneuverable
The performance of the Acty Truck is oriented towards practicality and nimble, convenient driving. The 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 tight urban spaces. This agility is a significant benefit of owning a small Honda pickup truck.
While not designed for high-speed driving, the Acty Truck excels in city and farm environments, where a truly nimble, easy-to-maneuver, and comfortable vehicle is essential. Its performance characteristics perfectly suit its role as a practical small Honda pickup truck.
Safety: Basic but Functional for its Era
The safety features of the 1988-1999 generation Honda Acty Truck are basic by modern standards. These trucks were equipped with fundamental safety elements typical of their era, including seat belts, basic lighting systems (headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights), and compliance with the safety regulations applicable during that period.
However, advanced safety technologies that have become standard in contemporary vehicles, such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and sophisticated collision avoidance systems, are not present in this generation. For buyers prioritizing advanced safety features, newer models of the small Honda pickup truck, such as the Acty models from 2019, 2020, and 2021, would be more suitable.
Price: Affordable and Economical
The ’90s Acty trucks were remarkably cost-effective, both in terms of initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance. This affordability is a major advantage for those seeking a budget-friendly small Honda pickup truck.
Numerous domestic and international auto dealers offer attractive discounts on used Honda Acty models. For newer models, a used 2020-2021 Acty can be found for between $10,000 and $25,000. However, older models are significantly more affordable, with some available for under $1,000! The popular 1988-1999 line typically ranges from just $1000 to $8000, making it an incredibly accessible small Honda pickup truck.
Considering these attractive prices, it’s important to factor in potential customs duties and additional fees depending on your country of import. However, even with these extra costs, the overall price remains highly competitive, making a used Honda Acty Truck a bargain, especially when purchased directly from Japan.
Final Thoughts on the Small Honda Pickup Truck – Acty
In conclusion, the Honda Acty Truck stands as a timeless and continuously evolving contender in the small Honda pickup truck category, consistently adapting to meet the ongoing demand for convenient and lightweight cargo transport. Its blend of compact size, practicality, reliability, and affordability makes it an exceptionally appealing vehicle for a wide range of users.
So, if you are searching for Honda Acty Trucks for sale, be sure to explore reputable suppliers and trustworthy online auto marketplaces like Car From Japan. They offer a wide selection of these fantastic small Honda pickup trucks, ready for you to find the perfect one to take home!
