Subaru launched the Sambar in 1961, and in 1980 it became the first kei truck offered with part-time four-wheel drive. Subaru built its own Sambar until February 2012. Since then the Sambar has been a rebadged Daihatsu Hijet, so a Subaru-engineered Sambar is a 2012 or older truck, and the ones old enough to import are from 2001 or earlier. 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 Sambar different
Four-cylinder engine. The EN07 is a 658cc four-cylinder, where the Hijet, Carry and Acty use three cylinders.
Rear engine. The engine sits at the back, under the bed, driving the rear wheels. That's why Japanese owners nicknamed it the "Farm Road Porsche" (農道のポルシェ).
Four-wheel independent suspension. On the 1990s truck that means MacPherson struts in front and semi-trailing arms in the rear.
Which Sambars 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 Sambars built in 2001 or earlier:
Years
Chassis code (2WD / 4x4)
Engine
Transmissions
1990–1999
KS3 / KS4
658cc 4-cylinder EN07, carburetor, 39 hp. Supercharged with fuel injection, 54 hp (SDX Supercharger)
5-speed manual (4x4s add an extra-low gear); 3-speed automatic from late 1995
1999–2012
TT1 / TT2
658cc 4-cylinder EN07, fuel injection, 45 hp (47 hp from August 2001). Supercharged, 57 hp
5-speed manual (4x4s add an extra-low gear) or 3-speed automatic
2WD or 4x4?
How a Sambar 4x4 (KS4, TT2) drives depends on its transmission. Manual 4x4s have part-time four-wheel drive that you switch on when you need it, plus an extra-low gear (marked EL) for crawling, steep ground and heavy loads. Automatic 4x4s have full-time four-wheel drive through a viscous coupling. For farm, ranch and hunting use, most buyers want a 4x4. A 2WD Sambar is lighter and simpler and suits paved roads and flat yards.
Versions you'll see
STD and SDX: the everyday grades. Equipment varies, and some grades lack power steering, air conditioning or power windows, so check the listing.
SDX Supercharger: the SDX with the supercharged, fuel-injected engine.
SDX Classic (1996–1997): a retro-styled version of the 1990s truck.
Dump: a tipping bed, offered on the 1999-on TT series. See our kei dump trucks.
Akabou and JA Sambars: special versions built for Japan's Akabou delivery cooperative (with uprated engine parts) and for the JA farm cooperatives.
What to check before you buy
Coolant pipes. The radiator is up front and the engine is at the back, so long steel pipes carry coolant under the truck. They corrode, often with pinholes under the clamps, and leaks lead to overheating. The system is also hard to bleed of air after any coolant work.
Timing belt. The EN07 uses a timing belt. Ask for records, and plan on a new belt if there are none.
Oil leaks and A/C. Japanese used-car guides call these common faults on the 1999-on TT series.
Engine access panel. Check the rear steel panel over the engine for dents.
Rust. Look at the sills, floor and rear wheel arches. Surface rust is normal at this age. Holes are not.
Any Sambar that's in Houston can be inspected and test driven at our lot.
Questions buyers ask
Can I title and register a Sambar 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 Sambar with a $1,000 deposit. See how buying works.
