Let’s first talk about what Kei cars are. These are the smallest cars in Japan, created in 1949, though the regulations about them have changed several times since then. Initially, the engine sizes were supposed to be 350 cc or below, but for the Kei cars of today, a 660-cc engine is considered to be the maximum displacement.
While many of these cars are too small and weak to make for successful exports, the Suzuki Jimny and Alto are two notable exceptions, having been exported rather successfully to other countries.
The reasons for the success of Kei cars, other than being cheap, fuel savvy, and parking-friendly, lie in the government tax incentives given to owners who drive them. In 2015, the tax was increased and sales did drop for a while but soon bounded back up. In 2018, seven of the top 10 selling cars in Japan were Kei cars. So, while we can’t have them in the US, we wish we could, because whether they are sick or ridiculous, they are always adorable.
15 Too Cool: Mitsubishi Pajero Mini
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a full-size SUV, sometimes marketed as the Montero, and also as the Dodge Raider. But Japan being Japan, they also had the Pajero Mini, a Kei version made from 1994-2012 which had nothing in common with the Pajero, aside from its name. It was based on another Kei car, the Minica, and was pretty successful during its production run.
14 Too Cool: Daihatsu Midget II
We are in love with this. A single-seater Kei-class “pickup,” it was made from 1996 to 2001. To save space, the spare tire was front-mounted. While the engine only gave out some 31 horses, it could still go all the way up to 70 mph, which, for a truck this size, feels like breaking the sound barrier. Oh, and it's on Gran Turismo.
13 Too Cool: Suzuki Cappuccino
Honestly, they should have called it the Espresso, considering its tiny size but relatively powerful output. Along with the Autozam AZ-1 and the Honda Beat, the Suzuki Cappucino completed the A-B-C Kei car series of the ‘90s. The coolest thing about this car was its multi-transformable roof which could turn the car into a Targa-top or even a full convertible.
12 Too Cool: Nissan Figaro
With only 20,000 of these made in complete retro styling, the Nissan Figaro was a beauty. Technically, it wasn’t a Kei car because the dimensions and the engine size were bigger than the restrictions, so we can call it a small and gorgeous JDM car that was simply superb. It looks vintage but was a 1991 model.
11 Too Cool: Honda Beat
The B of the A-B-C Kei cars of the ‘90s, the Honda Beat came with a 656-cc naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine that managed 63 horses. The design was cool, and since it was designed by Pininfarina, the legendary Italian coachbuilder, it had to be, right? Many of the models can now be imported in the US as JDM cars, so hurray for us.
10 Too Cool: Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny of today isn’t a Kei car, especially the ones that are exported. But when it was first launched, it was introduced as a Kei car. And Japan still has a Kei car version of the Jimny to date by putting in a small engine and getting rid of the fender flares and bumpers to make it smaller.
9 Too Cool: Autozam AZ-1
The Autozam AZ-1 was A of the A-B-C Kei cars of the ‘90s and came with a 657-cc engine, just one cc more than the Honda Beat. The coolest thing about this little car were the gullwing doors and an extra-large rear wing that limited editions of this model sported. Some models of this fetch double the price of the Honda Beat because of its exotic styling.
8 Too Cool: Suzuki Mighty Boy
Doesn’t it resemble a miniature Subaru BRAT? Now, while this was a Kei “truck,” it didn’t offer any utility, unless all you wanted was to grab a minimal amount of groceries in an ultra-cute vehicle. The naturally-aspirated motor did only 28 horses, so this could not tow anything or go with much speed. But seeing it on the road is still a delight.
7 Too Cool: Honda S660
Call this one the Acura NSX’s tiny cousin. Both were mid-engined and began life at about the same time. While some in the US were able to get their hands on the Acura NSX, no one could get the Honda S660. Also, while the Acura NSX makes more than 600 horses, this tiny little Kei sports car made just 63. Adorable, nonetheless!
6 Too Cool: Subaru Sambar Dias Classic
Forget minivan; this is a microvan, just slightly bigger than a full-size child’s toy. One look at it and we are sold, never mind the starved engine it usually came with. It also comes in a pickup version and offers better utility than the Kei trucks mentioned before it. Plus, we can’t get over the "aww" factor here.
5 Ridiculous, But Still Cute: Suzuki Carry/Every
The tires on this look ridiculous for a car this size. While the car is a small Kei van, the tires have to be downright micro. The Carry version is a pickup, while the Every is the van version shown in the picture. This is a 657-cc, 63-horsepower motor on a 5-speed manual, and can promise utility, even if it’s the perfect box.
4 Ridiculous, But Still Cute: Suzuki Alto Works
While it may resemble the Renault 5 a bit, the Suzuki Alto Works is a two-door Kei hatchback with a 63-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine that can, in JDM style, be tuned for more. This is the fastest version of the Alto Kei car, and rather nifty to drive, even if it looks more like an amusement park ride.
3 Ridiculous, But Still Cute: Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce
You cannot get more ridiculous than a half-glass liftgate Kei car, named the Minica Lettuce of all things. It looks more like a cartoon version of a real car, and we fully expect a Looney Tunes character to come bounding out of this one, chomping on a carrot or something. But, all eyes would be on it if it ever came to the US.
2 Ridiculous, But Still Cute: Daihatsu Mira Tocot
As far as Kei cars go, the Tocot is among the more spacious ones. But unless you are your only family and don't mind people pointing and laughing as you roll past them in this car; we wouldn't recommend it.
1 Ridiculous, But Still Cute: Nissan Dayz Roox
Unlike the Suzuki Carry and Every, the Nissan Dayz Roox is a more defined and scalloped box, but it is still riding on tires best suited for a kids’ trike. The thing is, Japan is flooded with these ridiculous cars, and there, no one will bat an eye on these strange, wonky designs; but get them in the US and you may have people whooping around in laughter. Though they may still buy them in droves.