Suzuki Carry Mini Trucks

Officially called the Suzulight Carry, this first generation truck was the beginning of a long line of best-selling mini trucks under the Carry and eventually Every nameplate. The first truck was organized in a “midship” layout, with the engine sitting under the driver’s seats near the middle of the car. Although it was essentially a cabover truck, it did have a small hood to resemble front-engined trucks. The Suzulight Carry was offered with a two cylinder two-stroke air-cooled engine producing 21hp, which was enough to carry up to 350kg (771lbs) of cargo in the bed.
In subsequent years a Suzulight Carry Van was also released based on the Truck. This was a three-door van with seating for four people that could also carry 300kg of cargo in the back. This first van was the genesis of the Suzuki Every van that would soon follow.

For a brief period the L20 and newer L30 Carry models were sold simultaneously in the same showrooms. The newer L30 received a full redesign from front to back. The bonnet of the L20 was gone and replaced with a flat front panel that would become the norm for kei trucks for decades. The L30 was officially sold under the Suzuki brand, rather than Suzulight, starting with this generation.

Specs and dimensions were largely similar to the outgoing L20, but there were some improvements and additional features offered. Just as the previous generation, the L30H came with a frame and canopy over the truck bed for workers to get some shade while out in the field. L30H models also came fitted with bed-mounted seats that faced inward. There were no seatbelts on those seats, so it’s safe to assume they weren’t meant to carry passengers while moving too quickly.

The L31 also featured a triple tailgate bed for the first time, allowing easy access to the bed from any side. This was another feature that would later be adopted by all models in the kei truck segment. The bed was also 380mm (15 in) longer than the L20, allowing more space for that easy-load cargo.

A van variant of the L30 Carry was also available with similar form and features as the L20 van that came before it. This lived on until 1968 when the next generation Carry was released.

The L30/31 Suzuki Carry was the first model to encompass the standard looks and features that became standard across the entire kei truck segment. It’s no wonder that Suzuki decided to do a throwback style of this truck with later generations, as it was just too good of a formula to pass up.

Suzuki hired Giorgetto Giugiaro’s newly founded firm, Italdesign, to completely redesign the Carry for its fourth generation. Italdesign created a unique and useful design for Suzuki to work with, which became the beginning of many more iconic Japanese cars to be designed by Giugiaro. Just as its predecessors, the L40 Carry came in van and truck configurations, with largely similar running gear and underpinnings on each model.

Carry trucks and vans still maintained Suzuki’s 359cc 2-stroke 2-cylinder engine, initially producing the same power output as the previous generation truck. In 1971 output increased from 25ps to 27ps in truck and van models, pushing the top speed up over 100km/h for the first time. All drivetrains were still rear wheel drive.

The van was advertised as a stylish, aerodynamic, and useful vehicle. It featured four doors, a one-piece rear hatch, and a small table between the front and rear seats. Design was oddly symmetrical from a side profile, giving the van a unique and functional look. Apparently the vehicle was not so popular, and the slanted rear hatch was seen as a detriment to cargo space compared to other commercial vans. In response to this, Suzuki tried to pivot this model to be more passenger centric, for family-oriented use instead. With that, they introduced a camping edition of the Carry Van in the early 70’s. The camper van featured window curtains, a roll-up bed mat, mosquito nets and more creature comforts for a weekend in the mountains.

The L40 truck was adapted from Giugiaro’s van design, with the front cabin appearing largely similar to the van. Trucks were offered with both single-tailgate beds and the triple-gate beds that were introduced in the previous generation. Bed length was again extended to 1.8m (6ft). A higher trim level, called “Super Deluxe” was offered for the trucks with styling and interior upgrades. Super Deluxe models featured a black trim that ran above the headlights and under the blinkers, and continued along the doors of the cab. Interior upgrades included extra padding for seats, a radio, and a cigarette lighter.

Suzuki also started to sell modified versions of the L40 carry for different commercial applications. The Mini Container and Panel Van Carry featured a box-truck configuration rather than a traditional truck bed. This was useful for covered cargo and was the beginning of many various commercial applications for kei trucks in the coming generations.

The fifth generation Suzuki Carry was a mostly evolutionary update, taming down the Giugiaro design to something a bit more contemporary. Spec levels were largely similar to the previous generation, offering a truck and van with multiple variants within each range. Both models came equipped with a new water cooled 3-cylinder engine, a first for the Carry truck and van. This engine increased power and efficiency over the previous air-cooled 2-cylinder engines. Suzuki also moved the shifter from the steering column to the floor; a change that has persisted to the present day.

The Carry Van came equipped with dual sliding doors, which provided a massive boost in useability. In addition to the sliding doors, interior cargo space was increased, partially by removing the rear slanted hatch from the previous generation. Otherwise, interior features were mostly the same. Cargo weight capacity was still 350kg with two passengers in the car.

The Carry Truck also maintained most of the same features and functionality. Trucks could be fitted with a single tailgate or the more usable triple-tailgate. Additionally there were even more commercial applications such as box trucks for carrying covered cargo and refrigerated boxes for chilled and frozen cargo.

There was also an L60 and L61 export model sold, which was largely the same as the L50 and L51 models sold in Japan. Export Carrys were equipped with a 440cc 29HP engine and were made in LHD and RHD configurations.

From 1973-1974 the Suzuki Carry was the most popular truck in Japan, reporting more registrations than any other Japanese truck model at the time.

Suzuki created a short lived update on the 5th generation carry to meet new specifications for kei-class trucks in Japan. The chassis code was ST10 but it was promoted as the Carry 55. This update came with a larger 550cc 3-cylinder engine and the overall length of the truck was slightly increased. This update lasted only four months until the next generation Carry was released, based on the ST10 model that preceded it. The ST10 is one of the rarest Carry trucks to be made, and is somewhat of a collector’s item now.

The sixth generation Carry truck and van was an evolution from the ST10, making full use of new regulations allowing larger dimensions and engines for kei class vehicles. Dubbed the “Carry Wide” the truck and van models were now 100mm wider, and 25mm longer. That extension was applied to both the cabin and bed for more comfort and cargo space. The ST10’s 539cc 3-Cylinder 2-stroke was carried over to the Carry Wide, making full use of the new displacement allowance for kei trucks and vans.

As with the staggered truck release of the ST10 truck, the first model year of the ST20V van was still mostly based off of the previous generation. The front end was updated to match new styling with a faux grille and round headlights, but the van body was still the smaller size until 1977. When the new van was introduced it came with upgraded interior options and trim levels.

Vans could be ordered in standard, custom, and super deluxe trims. With standard being the lowest trim level, and super deluxe being the highest. For both truck and van models, premium features included upgraded materials for seats and door panels, locking driver and passenger side doors, and chrome accents for the grille and bumper on higher spec models.

Trucks were offered with even more options for commercial applications. As with previous models, buyers could choose between the single tailgate or triple tailgate beds. Single tailgate beds could be fitted with an FRP bed lining or a wood liner for additional protection. Canvas covers were also available on both bed types. Additionally, a factory-fitted dump bed was offered for the first time on the Carry, a feature that has become widely popular among kei trucks even today.

The seventh generation of the Suzuki Carry truck and van brought along some great innovations and firsts for the model. Though it launched with the same 2-stroke 550cc 3-cylinder engine as the previous generation, it gained an updated 4-cycle engine midway through this generation. Both engines were available to customers for a few years within the 7th generation Carry’s production cycle.

In addition to a 4-stroke engine, 4WD was also offered for the very first time on the Carry Truck. 4WD drivetrains could be fitted to both the 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines when it was first introduced. A limited slip differential was also available to further enhance off road capabilities of the 4WD trucks.

The Carry Van also received many improvements and expanded options in this generation. Most notably was the addition of a high-roof variant for more cabin space. Buyers could choose from four different trim levels, starting with the base “A Type” all the way up to the high roofed “E Type” which was fully loaded. High roof models could be optioned with a panoramic rear sunroof, which was a first for kei vans of the era. Just as the Truck, vans could be optioned with either the 2-stroke or the new 4-stroke engines. 4WD was not available on the van in this generation.

The 7th generation of the Suzuki Carry laid the foundation for it to be a ubiquitous commercial vehicle from the farm to the warehouse and everywhere in between.

The eighth generation Suzuki Carry was the most varied generation yet, with a wide range of options for engines, drivetrains, features, and configurations. Van models were officially distinguished as Every, rather than Carry Van, for the first time in this generation. As the kei truck and van market was expanding rapidly in the late 80’s, Suzuki provided many features to improve the capabilities and comfort of their kei vans and trucks in this generation.

At launch, engine choices were the same as the previous generation; a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke three cylinder engine. The 2-stroke was eventually dropped and a supercharged version of the new 4-stroke engine was made available. A turbocharged version was also available for the Every van only. There were also 2-valve and 4-valve variants of the F5B engine fitted into various trim levels.

Drivetrain configurations were vastly expanded as well. Trucks and vans could be optioned with 4 and 5 speed manual transmissions. 4WD trucks all came with part time 4WD. 4-Speed trucks could be fitted with a hi/lo 4WD selector, while 5-speed trucks came with an extra-low crawler gear for off-road usage. Full time and part time 4WD was an option for Every van models as well, in various different configurations.

In addition to 4WD, locking differentials (Diff Lock) were also a new option for off-road oriented trucks. This feature could be combined with free wheel hubs to give better traction and control in off-road conditions.

For the Carry Truck, features and configurations were mostly an evolution from the previous generation. By 1990 there were various features and commercial configurations available, such as dump beds, frozen/refrigerated box trucks, motorcycle carriers, and panel vans. Interior features included a clock, radio, floor mats, and patterned seat covers. Front disc brakes were also introduced for the first time on the Carry/Every in this generation.

The Every van was vastly expanded into many various trims, from basic cargo vans to luxury micro-vans for family excursions. As mentioned, engine and drivetrain options were plentiful, and varied greatly depending on the packages offered. New trim levels, such as Joypop and Join Sound, were heavily marketed to Japanese families at the time. Notable features included dual sliding sunroofs, high-roof configurations, and aero appearance packages.

In the final two years of this generation, the Japanese government updated the regulations for kei class vehicles to allow for larger engines. The 1990 to 1991 Suzuki Carry and Every models were upgraded slightly to add the new 660cc engines with more power and reliability over their 550cc predecessors. Turbo versions were also available for van models for the 1991 model year. These minor changes served as the basis for the next generation Carry and Every into the 90’s.

The ninth generation Suzuki Carry truck and Every van was largely an evolution of the eighth generation’s final two years of production. Throughout it’s nine year production run, there were many innovations and additional features added to truck and van models.

Continuing the chassis code classifications of the previous generation, “DC” designated 2WD trucks and “DD” designated 4WD trucks. Additionally “T” was for trucks, “B” was for specially modified models. So the DC51T was a 2WD Truck, and a DD51B was a 4WD special model. For vans, “DE” designated a 2WD and “DF” designated 4WD. “V” was also added to the end of the chassis code for vans. For example, the DF51V was a 4WD van.

All models carried over the updated F6A 657cc 3-Cylinder, water-cooled engine. This engine featured a total power output of 41hp. Electronic fuel injection and turbocharging were options on higher trimmed van models, upping the power output to 49hp and 63hp respectively. Power steering was available as an option on higher trim van models as well.

Additional changes included an extra 20mm in width and length to the overall size of the car, and a 15mm longer wheelbase. Though front drum brakes were still available on low-trimmed models at first launch, by 1993 all models received standard disc brakes up front.

Styling was changed for both truck and van models, and actually varied depending on the trim level of the car. The lowest trimmed Carry truck and Carry van received the retro-styled round headlights, while higher trimmed vehicles were given narrower rectangular shaped headlights.

Truck models were available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, and trim levels varied greatly. Basic models were still very utilitarian with manual steering, roll-up windows, no air conditioning, or other amenities The top-spec model was the KL nouhan (Agriculture) spec, which came fitted with 4WD, and locking differentials. Nouhan Carry trucks could be fitted with either an Extra Low gear on the manual transmission or a hi/lo gear selector on the part-time 4WD transfer case. 4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions were both available throughout the run of the DC/DD51T production. A factory dump-bed, known as the Kintaro Dump, was also offered in this generation. The Kintaro dump was an electronically controlled dump bed available on the WA trim level in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.

The Every van lineup became incredibly varied with over 25 different trim levels between 2WD and 4WD models. Many variations that began in the 8th generation Carry and Every vans also carried over into this generation. Those include multiple sunroofs, high roof variants, air conditioning, and more. The 80’s and 90’s were a time when Japanese manufacturers were very experimental with their offerings on Kei vans, and the Every van had one of the widest ranges of options and specs available.

The Carry Van was a trim level that lasted until 1993 with the retro-styled round headlights on the front fascia. This model was a utility spec vehicle, to be used as a work van for carrying cargo and goods around. From 1993 all vans fell under the Every model name, and eventually received the rectangular headlights.

The 8th generation Carry and Every is now becoming a favorite model among importers to the USA and Australia, due to the 25 year old rules for import regulations. As a result, many of these models are being exported regularly from Japan. Contact us today if you’re interested in importing a Suzuki Every or Carry from Japan.

Suzuki launched the 10th generation of the Carry Truck and Every Van in 1999, with many significant updates to bring it into the next decade competitively.

Both truck and van models grew 100mm longer and 80mm wider. The engine was also moved closer to the front of the car, almost directly below the front driver and passenger seats. This was seen as a benefit, as the engine could be accessed even if there was cargo in the bed. Some fluid reservoirs were also relocated to the front of the car for easier servicing and maintenance.

The addition of a small hood allowed for better collision safety. Airbags were also made available for drivers and passengers in the front row. ABS also was a feature available on the higher trim of Every van models. All of these improvements helped the Carry and Every meet stricter safety standards by the Japanese government.

For the Carry truck, engines on all but the bottom trims received electronic fuel injection (EFI). The bottom trim engines made 41HP, mid level engines produced 49HP, and the top tier turbo models produced 55HP. The Carry truck could be fitted with a turbo engine and an automatic transmission in 4WD for the first time. All 4WD carry trucks had hi/lo transfer cases for better traction. Van models received full-time 4WD systems. Power steering was available on turbo engined trucks as well.

The KU agriculture edition was a farm-focused model of the carry truck, which came standard with 4WD and locking differentials (Diff lock). Additionally silver was a new paint option, other than the standard white available on all trucks.

The van became further differentiated in this generation with the introduction of the Every Wagon. The Every Wagon was a passenger-focused model based on the Every Van, with many more interior features and comforts. From here out, the Every Van was designated as a commercial vehicle, while the Every Wagon was a passenger vehicle. Most Every Wagons were fitted with turbo engines.

There were three main engine variants for the Every van; the base EFI engine, and two turbo variants. The base engine produced 49HP, the mid-tier turbo produced 59HP and the top level turbo produced 63HP (Later 64HP). Turbo engined models were fitted on the top trims and received the most features out of the range. Initially 4WD vans had a similar part-time system to the Carry, but eventually adopted a full-time 4WD system without a 2WD mode.

Interior comforts and features improved greatly with the 10th generation vans. Air conditioning was standard on all high-roof van models. Power steering, stereo, power locks, and keyless entry were all standard equipment on turbo engine vans as well.

In 2002 the Carry Truck received a mid-cycle refresh, which included a styling upgrade that featured vertical headlights in a rectangular shape. The Every Van and Wagon continued with the original styling until being updated in 2005 to match the truck’s new styling.

For the truck, many improvements came during this refresh. The truck bed was extended to 2,030mm (6’8”), which was the longest bed available on a kei truck at the time. In 2005 a short-wheelbase version was also introduced under the chassis code DA65T. The short wheelbase model was available in the special agriculture spec, featuring 4WD and locking differentials for better off-road performance.

Interior upgrades were largely utilitarian on the Carry Truck, focusing on the various commercial applications that the trucks were used for. The glove box was made larger, a pen holder was fixed on the interior A-pillar, and door pockets were added for more storage. Cup holders were also available for what may have been a first on kei trucks. 2005 Upgrades also added a pocket on the back of the driver’s seat, and an optional battery cover for the exterior.

The Every Van and Wagon was refreshed in 2005 to match the boxy styling of the Carry Truck. Improvements were greatly focused on interior comfort and safety, making the Every Wagon more of a standard passenger vehicle than a barebones kei van as previously perceived.

The eleventh generation Suzuki Carry Truck and Every Van is still currently being sold as the most recent version of each model. This upgrade was largely evolutionary from the 10th generation, building on the platform and continuing on with popular features and enhancements.

All Carry Truck models now run the short wheelbase spec, for improved off road ability and lower turning radius. With this change, Suzuki has further optimized cabin space, allowing for both increased headroom and leg space compared to the previous generation. Suzuki maintains a class leading fuel economy figure of 18.6km/l (~43.8 MPG) with engine improvements and a 50kg weight reduction. Material upgrades to improve this have also included measures to prevent aggressive rust buildup. Navy blue and silver were also new color options for this generation of Suzuki carry truck.

Suzuki also offered four business-equipment variants of the Carry Truck directly from the factory, this included the following variations:

Kintaro Dump
Gate Lifter
Food Carrier
Bike Carrier

The dump featured a 1.9m (6ft 2.8in) long bed with five different configurations of dump truck, such as high-walled beds, shallow beds, and heavy duty beds. The Gate lifter can lift up to 350kg (770lbs) from a power lifting tailgate to load heavy objects more easily. Food carriers feature a refrigerated box for delivering fresh goods. Bike carriers have beds configured specifically for carrying motorcycles and two-wheeled vehicles.

The Every Van and Wagon models were updated two years after the Carry Truck in 2015, and further varied from the truck in this latest generation. Vans still maintained the longer wheelbase of the previous generation, which allowed for more internal space for passengers and cargo. Improved fuel economy of 20.2km/l (~47.5 MPG) was achieved by engine upgrades and a 40kg (88lbs) weight reduction from the previous generation. Additional improvements included smart storage solutions, with more cup holders and cargo trays throughout the interior. Folding rear seats allowed for better use of cargo without compromising passenger space if desired. The cargo area also had mounting points for modular storage solutions sold by Suzuki and other aftermarket producers. In continuation with the previous generation, a wheelchair accessible version was also offered. This version featured a winch that could be used to automatically pull the wheelchair into the back hatch of the van.

Since the 11th generation of the Carry and Every were released, there has been more consolidation in the kei truck market. Now the Carry and Every are resold among three other manufacturers: Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi. With this, there are essentially only three distinct kei truck models available on the domestic market in Japan.

In 2018 the Super Carry was introduced as an extended cab version of the standard Carry Truck. The Super Carry featured additional space above and behind the occupants, for more cargo and seating space. There is a cargo shelf located behind the seats that can be used for indoor storage. Additionally the passenger seat can be folded flat to serve as a work tray for writing or eating from the driver’s seat. Super Carry trucks can be equipped with both 2WD and 4WD, as well as manual and automatic transmissions.

Class leading truck bed floor length
(2.030m)
Short wheelbase for all models
Increased cabin space
Class leading turning radius (3.6m)
50kg weight reduction
Improved fuel economy 18.6km / L
Improved undercoating for rust prevention
Business equipment vehicles:
Dump truck (1.9m long bed, 5 options including shallow, deep, HD)
Gate lifter (Power lifting tailgate, can lift up to 350kg)
Food Carrier (Refrigerated cargo box)
Bike Carrier (For carrying motorcycles/scooters)
Additional color options: Silver, Navy Blue
Super Carry - Extended cab model

Improved fuel economy 20.2km / L

Increased interior and cargo space (Wheels moved forward, longer wheelbase than the truck)

40kg weight reduction

Smart storage solutions (More cup holders, center cargo tray, overhead shelf)

Folding rear seats

Modular interior with aftermarket cargo modifications in mind

Wheelchair version, with electric winch to pull the chair into the car

Keyless entry

Parking sensors (First time for a kei truck) 

Automated Manual Transmission (Similar to Tiptronic)

Engine: 658cc 3-Cylinder, 12 Valve, EFI
Power: 37kW / 50PS / 49.3hp
Torque: 6.4kg-m / 46.3lb-ft
Load Capacity: 350kg (772 lbs)

Engine:658cc 3-Cylinder, 12 Valve, Turbo
Power: 47kW / 64PS / 63.1hp
Torque: 9.7kg-m / 70.2lb-ft
Load Capacity: 350kg (772 lbs)