The Daihatsu Hijet has one of the longest, most respected runs in kei-truck history — and one of the best reputations for genuine off-road ability. But between the 1980s and today there's a whole string of chassis codes: S80, S81, S82, S83, S100, S110, S200, S210, S211 and beyond. If you own one (or you're shopping), knowing which Hijet you've got is how you order the right part the first time. Here's the plain-English rundown.
What makes the Hijet special
Daihatsu built the Hijet to work. It's a cab-over mini truck like its rivals, but it's especially loved for offering the widest range of drivetrain options — including a genuine granny-low "Extra Low" crawler gear on many 4WD trucks that makes it a favorite for farms, ranches, trails and job sites. Simple, rugged, and surprisingly capable for something this small.
The generations US owners see most
These are the 25-year-eligible Hijet trucks you're most likely to import. A couple of code-reading tips: the number cluster sets the generation (S100 vs S200 vs S500), and the suffix tells the body — P = truck, with V/C used for the vans.
| Years | Truck codes (2WD / 4WD) | Engine | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986–1994 | S80P / S81P · S82P / S83P (4WD) | EB 547cc, then 660cc from 1990 | Belt |
| 1994–1999 | S100P / S110P | EF 659cc | Belt |
| 1999–2007 | S200P / S210P | EF 660cc | Belt |
| 2007–2014 | S201P / S211P | KF 660cc | Chain |
A handy trick with these codes: the third digit is your drivetrain — a "0" is usually 2WD and a "1" is 4WD (so S200P is 2WD, S210P is 4WD). The S100/S110 and S200/S210 trucks are the classic imports on American roads today.
The one thing that changes your parts list: belt vs. chain
Just like its rivals, the Hijet's timing setup depends on the engine. The EB and EF engines (through the S210 era) use a rubber timing belt — a scheduled wear item, and one you should assume is overdue on any older import without paperwork. The later KF engine (from the 2007 S201/S211 onward) switched to a timing chain. So the 2007 EF→KF changeover is your dividing line: an EF Hijet needs belt service, a KF Hijet doesn't.
Keeping your Hijet happy
The Hijet is cheap and straightforward to maintain, and most imports are due for a refresh simply because of age. Start with the usual wear items:
- Filters — oil, air and fuel filters are the cheapest way to keep the EF running clean.
- Belts — accessory belts crack and squeal with age; we stock alternator and A/C belts by chassis code.
- Ignition & cooling — fresh plugs and ignition parts smooth out running, and thermostats/hoses keep temps in check.
- Timing belt (EB/EF only) — no service records? Treat it as due.
How to tell which Hijet you have
Find the chassis code on the ID plate (usually in the engine bay) and the chassis number stamped into the body — often under the seat. Read it as: number cluster = generation (S100/S200/S500), third digit = drive (0 = 2WD, 1 = 4WD), and the suffix = body (P = truck, V/C = van). Need help? Our guide to finding your kei truck's chassis number shows you exactly where to look.
Get the right Hijet parts
We stock genuine OEM and quality aftermarket parts for the Daihatsu Hijet — imported from Japan and shipped fast from our USA warehouse. Browse the full Daihatsu Hijet parts collection, and if you're not sure exactly which model you've got, send us your chassis number (S110P, S210P…) or a photo of the plate at scott@keiimportparts.com and we'll match the right part the first time. New to kei upkeep? Our kei truck tune-up guide covers the basics for every brand.