Honda built the Acty truck from 1977 to April 2021, and its roots go back to Honda's first car, the 1963 T360 truck. Honda ended production rather than re-engineer the Acty for new emissions and automatic-braking rules, and it has not built a kei truck since, so every Acty is now a used truck. Like every kei truck, it's built to Japan's kei rules: a 660cc engine (since 1990), a body no wider than 1.48 m / 58 in (1.40 m before late 1998), and a maximum load rating of 350 kg, about 770 lb.
What makes the Acty different
Honda put the engine in the middle of the truck, between the axles and under the bed, driving the rear wheels. Honda calls this layout "MR" (midship, rear-wheel drive).
Which Actys can be imported
U.S. rules let a vehicle that was never sold here be imported once it's at least 25 years old, counted from its month and year of manufacture. In 2026 that means Actys built in 2001 or earlier:
Years
Chassis code (2WD / 4x4)
Engine
Transmissions
1990–1999
HA3 / HA4
656cc 3-cylinder E07A, carburetor, 37 hp
4- or 5-speed manual; 3-speed automatic (2WD only)
1999–2009
HA6 / HA7
656cc 3-cylinder E07Z, fuel injection, 45 hp
5-speed manual; 3-speed automatic (2WD only)
The 1988–1990 trucks (HA1 / HA2) have the older 550cc engine. The 1999 truck is a semi-cab-over with a much longer wheelbase (2,420 mm, about 95 in). In December 2000 Honda shortened its cab and lengthened the bed, so a 2001 Acty has a slightly longer bed than a 1999–2000 one. Later trucks (HA8 / HA9, from 2009) are too new to import.
2WD or 4x4?
Acty 4x4s (HA4, HA7) use what Honda calls "real-time 4WD." A viscous coupling sends power to the front wheels automatically when the road calls for it, so there's no 4WD lever to engage. For farm, ranch and hunting use, most buyers want the 4x4. A 2WD Acty is lighter and simpler, and it's the only way to get an automatic.
Versions you'll see
STD, SDX, Town: the everyday grades.
Attack: the 4x4 work grade. It adds an ultra-low gear and ultra-low reverse (marked UL and UR on the shifter) and a rear differential lock. The 1990s Attack pairs these with a 4-speed manual, the 1999-on Attack with a 5-speed.
Timing belt. The Acty engine uses a timing belt. If there's no record of a change, replace it, usually together with the water pump.
Cooling. The radiator is up front and the engine is in the middle, so the coolant lines are long. Overheating is a common problem: check for a failed thermostat, a weak cap or fan, and air left in the system after coolant work (it has bleeder valves). Japanese sources call the head gasket a weak spot, and Honda Japan extended its head gasket warranty on later 1999–2009 Actys.
Ignition. On trucks with a distributor, check the cap, rotor and plug wires.
Clutch and driveline. Listen for a whining clutch release bearing, and on 4x4s look for split CV boots.
Rust. Look at the wheel arches, frame rails, door edges and bed. Surface rust is normal at this age. Holes in the frame are not.
Any Acty that's in Houston can be inspected and test driven at our lot.
Questions buyers ask
Can I title and register an Acty in Texas? Since September 1, 2025, Texas law (SB 1816) lets kei trucks be titled and registered as "miniature vehicles." Our Texas title and registration guide walks through the paperwork. Other states have their own rules, so check with yours before you buy.
Is the odometer in miles? No. Japanese trucks read in kilometers, and our listings show the odometer in km. 1 km is about 0.62 miles.
Is it right-hand drive? Yes, like every Japanese-market kei truck.
Can I buy one that's still on its way from Japan? Yes. Reserve an In Transit Acty with a $1,000 deposit. See how buying works.
