Daihatsu Hijet vs Honda Acty
Two of the most popular kei trucks for US buyers, compared on specs, price, and real-world reliability. Here's how they stack up.
| Daihatsu Hijet | Honda Acty | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu | Honda |
| Engine | EB 547cc 2-cylinder / EF 659cc 3-cylinder | E07A 656cc 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 40 hp | 45 hp |
| Drivetrain | 4WD part-time | 4WD real-time |
| Price range | $4,500 - $11,000 | $6,000 - $14,000 |
| Popularity | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Timing | belt | belt |
| Engine codes | EF | E07A, E07Z |
Reliability & common problems
Daihatsu Hijet
Wins on raw durability and rebuildability — the EF is considered the simplest, most rebuildable engine in the segment.
- Cooling-system air-locks (signature issue): design traps air pockets → localized overheating; fix is a proper bleed at the thermostat housing, no parts needed
- Steel fuel lines corrode from the outside in (salt-belt trucks) — leaking onto exhaust is a fire hazard
- Clutch cable stretch/failure
- Prop-shaft U-joint wear → vibration/clunk
Honda Acty
Staggeringly reliable, especially manual models — the E07 revs hard and lasts. Main weaknesses are transmission synchros and faster rust (thinner panels).
- Gear grinding / worn 2nd–3rd synchros past ~150k km
- Timing-belt tensioner loses tension → belt skips teeth → valve contact
- Spark plug wires run near the exhaust manifold → insulation breaks down → random misfires
- Rusts faster than other kei trucks (thinner sheet metal) — check chassis/body