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Honda Acty · Kei truck import

Honda Acty import guide

Kei truck & van · 660cc · 2WD / 4WD · sourced from Japan

The Honda Acty is one of the most-searched kei trucks in the U.S. — a compact, rear- or mid-engine mini pickup that's reliable, cheap to run, and right at home on farms, ranches, and job sites. We bid on Acty trucks and vans at Japanese auctions every week.

  • 660cc engine
  • 2WD & 4WD
  • Truck & van bodies

At a glance

Honda Acty quick facts

Type
Kei truck / kei van
Engine
545–660cc inline, mid/rear-mounted
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive or selectable 4WD
Generations
TN (1977–88), HA/HH (1988–99), HA6–7 (1999–2009)
Transmission
5-speed manual or automatic
Import eligibility
25+ year examples are FMVSS-exempt

Overview

Why import a Honda Acty

The Acty (from "Activity") is Honda's kei-class workhorse, built from 1977 to 2021 across truck, van, and the sporty Street variants. Its mid- or rear-mounted engine layout frees up a flat, usable bed and gives the truck surprising traction with weight over the drive wheels.

American buyers love the Acty for the same reasons Japanese farmers did: it sips fuel, fits anywhere, and shrugs off years of hard use. Selectable 4WD models are especially sought-after for property work and snow.

  • Compact footprint that fits trails, barns, and tight job sites
  • Low running costs and simple, parts-friendly mechanicals
  • 4WD and locking-diff options on many trims
  • Flatbed, dump, and panel-van body styles

Generations

Acty generations & variants

First-gen TN trucks (1977–1988) are now well into classic territory. The second generation (1988–1999) introduced the four-stroke E05/E07 engines and is the sweet spot for U.S. imports today. Third-gen HA6/HA7 trucks (1999–2009) add refinement and are becoming eligible year by year.

  • Acty Truck — the standard flat-deck kei pickup
  • Acty Van — enclosed panel van on the same platform
  • Attack / Crawler — low-range, locking-diff off-road trims
  • Street — passenger-oriented van variant

Buyer notes

What to look for at auction

  • Frame and bed-floor rust — common on hard-worked farm trucks
  • 4WD engagement and locking-diff function on Attack/Crawler trims
  • Timing belt history on E07 engines
  • Auction sheet grade and any accident-repair notes
  • Cold-start behavior and clutch wear on manual examples

Importing

Importing an Acty to the U.S.

Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.

Clearing customs is only half the job — whether you can plate an Acty for the road depends on your state. Kei trucks are titled and driven legally in many states and restricted in others, so check your state's rules before you buy.

FAQ

Honda Acty import — common questions

Is the Honda Acty 4WD?
Many Acty trucks and vans were offered with selectable 4WD, and off-road Attack/Crawler trims add low-range gearing and a locking differential. Plenty of 2WD examples exist too, so confirm the drivetrain on the auction sheet before bidding.
How fast is a Honda Acty?
An Acty is geared for utility, not speed. Most top out around 60–75 mph depending on generation, gearing, and load. They're ideal for property roads and city streets rather than sustained highway cruising.
Is a Honda Acty street-legal in the U.S.?
Federal law allows Acty trucks 25+ years old to be imported under the FMVSS age exemption. On-road registration is then decided by each state — some title kei trucks for street use, others restrict them. See our state import guides for specifics.
How much does it cost to import a Honda Acty?
Total landed cost combines the Japanese auction price, inland transport, ocean freight, customs duty, and our service fee. Well-used examples can start in the low thousands; clean low-mileage 4WD trucks cost more. Request a quote for an all-in estimate.
What engine is in the Honda Acty?
Depending on year, the Acty uses a 545cc or 660cc inline engine mounted amidships or at the rear. The four-stroke E05 and E07 units in 1988-onward trucks are the most common and well-supported.

Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.

Ready to import a Honda Acty?

Pacific JDMbids at Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya auctions every week. Browse what's in stock or have us source the exact Acty you want from Japan.