The Untold Story of the Honda Acty Truck
The Honda Acty Truck, a cabover kei-class microvan, made its debut in 1977. Built mainly for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), it features a mid-engine layout with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive options. Designed as a practical, economical, and versatile work vehicle, it quickly became popular among farmers, tuners, and daily users. This article highlights the Honda Acty Truck’s design, key features, and specifications.
Exterior and Interior
First Generation (1977–1988)
Introduced on July 27, 1977, the first-generation Acty was a compact yet versatile vehicle, engineered for both utility and efficiency. Models included TA, TB, TC, VD, and VH. Later variants like HA1, HA2, HH1, HH2 (E05A engine) and HA3, HA4, HA5, HH3, HH4 (EN07A engine) followed. Though basic, certain models offered power steering and air conditioning.
The Acty Van was introduced in 1979, featuring the same taillights as the truck along with side handles for easier entry. In 1981, Honda introduced the Honda Street, a passenger-focused variant that enhanced comfort with soundproofing, improved seating, and a high-roof design.
Second Generation (1988–1999)
The second-generation Acty, released in March 1988, featured a fully redesigned engine along with refreshed styling. Both the Acty and Honda Street received longer dimensions and shared headlights.
In 1993, the Honda Street was updated with a facelift that introduced square-shaped headlamps. In the same year, Honda released the Acty Attack, a 4WD variant designed for farmers, featuring a differential lock, ultra-low forward and reverse gears, and a 4-speed manual transmission.
Third Generation (1999–2009)
The third-gen Acty, produced from May 1999 to December 2009, brought significant upgrades, including a longer wheelbase, improved performance, better fuel efficiency, power steering, and enhanced safety.
Airbags for both the driver and passenger were made standard, while design enhancements improved overall comfort and crash safety. This generation offered three trims:
Standard Truck – basic work model
SDX (Super Deluxe) – added comfort features
Town Version – optimized for urban driving.
Fourth Generation (2009–Present)
Introduced in December 2009, the fourth-gen Acty retained its mid-engine layout but reduced the wheelbase to 1,900 mm to maximize cabin space. Chassis codes include HA8 (2WD) and HA9 (4WD).
Key upgrades include keyless entry, power steering, power windows, anti-lock braking (ABS), and improved overall practicality while maintaining its lightweight and efficient design.
Engine Performance
First Generation (1977–1988)
The original Acty used a 545cc 2-cylinder EH engine, producing 28 PS (27.6 hp) and 41 Nm torque. Export models offered slightly more power at 31 hp. In 1983, Honda upgraded the engine, increasing output to 29 PS and adding a 5-speed manual transmission.
Second Generation (1988–1999)
This generation introduced the E05 engine, a 547cc 3-cylinder SOHC producing 34 PS. In 1990, Honda introduced the 656cc E07A engine to the Acty, producing 38 PS and 54 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 115 km/h.
Third Generation (1999–2009)
Powered by a 656cc E07Z inline-3 gasoline engine, this version delivered 53 PS and 61 Nm of torque in 4WD models, providing enhanced performance and better fuel efficiency.
Fourth Generation (2009–Present)
The current Acty continues with the 656cc E07Z SOHC engine, producing 45 PS and 59 Nm torque, while supporting a load capacity of 350 kg (772 lbs).
Conclusion
The Honda Acty Truck has earned a solid reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Over four generations, it evolved from a simple work vehicle into a more refined, feature-rich, and efficient kei truck. Its versatility makes it ideal for farmers, small businesses, and everyday users needing cargo space and cost-effective performance.
If you’re looking for a compact, dependable, and economical kei truck, the Honda Acty remains one of the best choices in its class.