Model Guide
Mitsubishi Minicab Buyer's Guide
Minicab Truck, produced 1966–present (later OEM eras). A verified, generation-by-generation guide to the Mitsubishi Minicab — engines, drivetrains, U.S. import eligibility, and what to check before you buy.
The Mitsubishi Minicab (Minicab Truck) is a kei truck / van family produced 1966–present (later OEM eras). Mitsubishi Motors corporate history verifies 1991 and 1999 full model changes and major engineering changes.
What sets it apart: Purpose-built commercial lineage; 1991/1999 redesigns well documented.
Documented engine history: 660cc kei-class engines; 1999 6th gen used new 3-cylinder MVV lean-burn engine in representative history. Representative chassis and generations include 5th gen from Jan 1991; 6th gen from Jan 1999. Because Mitsubishi Minicab spanned multiple generations and trims, KeiScout verifies the exact chassis, engine, and transmission on each specific vehicle rather than assuming one spec applies across the whole line.
Why U.S. buyers consider it: commonly a fit for b2b utility, value-focused buyers.
Quick facts
Last verified: August 15, 2026- Manufacturer
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Minicab Truck
- Production
- 1966–present (later OEM eras)
- Vehicle type
- Kei truck / van family
- Engine notes
- 660cc kei-class engines; 1999 6th gen used new 3-cylinder MVV lean-burn engine in representative history
- Drivetrain
- 2WD and 4WD variants existed across generations
- Transmission
- Manual/automatic availability varies by generation/trim
- Key chassis / generations
- 5th gen from Jan 1991; 6th gen from Jan 1999
- U.S. import eligibility
- Use manufacture date, not model year, for U.S. 25-year eligibility
Confidence: HIGH. Specifications are intentionally qualified where trims and chassis differ.
What is the Mitsubishi Minicab?
Mitsubishi Minicab is a kei truck / van family in the Kei class — Japan's smallest highway-legal vehicle category, capped by law on length, width, and engine displacement (660cc in the modern era). Within those limits, Mitsubishi built Mitsubishi Minicab for practical hauling and work use. Mitsubishi Motors corporate history verifies 1991 and 1999 full model changes and major engineering changes.
Mitsubishi Minicab generations
| Generation / era | Years | Representative chassis | Engine | Drive | Transmission | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th generation | 1991–1998 | U4x family; verify chassis | 660cc class | 2WD / 4WD variants | Varies | High |
| 6th generation | 1999 onward initial era | U6x family; verify chassis | 3-cyl MVV lean-burn representative | 2WD / 4WD variants | Varies | High |
5th generation
1991–1998- Chassis
- U4x family; verify chassis
- Engine
- 660cc class
- Drive
- 2WD / 4WD variants
- Transmission
- Varies
Mitsubishi confirms Jan 1991 full model change and larger cab/body under new standards
Confidence: High
6th generation
1999 onward initial era- Chassis
- U6x family; verify chassis
- Engine
- 3-cyl MVV lean-burn representative
- Drive
- 2WD / 4WD variants
- Transmission
- Varies
Mitsubishi confirms Jan 1999 redesign; truck wheelbase 2,200 mm
Confidence: High
- 5th generation: Mitsubishi confirms Jan 1991 full model change and larger cab/body under new standards. Source
- 6th generation: Mitsubishi confirms Jan 1999 redesign; truck wheelbase 2,200 mm. Source
Representative specification — actual specifications vary by chassis and trim. Where a row reads "verify chassis," treat the figures as generation-level context, not a universal trim-level claim.
Engine & transmission
Engines and transmissions changed across Mitsubishi Minicab generations, so there is no single universal spec. Verified history: 660cc kei-class engines; 1999 6th gen used new 3-cylinder MVV lean-burn engine in representative history.
- 5th generation
- 660cc class · Varies
- 6th generation
- 3-cyl MVV lean-burn representative · Varies
Mitsubishi Minicab 4WD
Documented drivetrain availability: 2WD and 4WD variants existed across generations. 4WD variants.
- 5th generation (1991–1998) — 2WD / 4WD variants. 660cc class.
- 6th generation (1999 onward initial era) — 2WD / 4WD variants. 3-cyl MVV lean-burn representative.
4WD hardware and low-range availability differ by generation, chassis code, and trim. Confirm the specific vehicle's drivetrain before purchase — we verify this on every candidate.
Common Mitsubishi Minicab configurations
Kei trucks were offered in several body configurations, but not every configuration existed for every model, generation, or market. Treat the list below as the range to look for — we confirm what was actually available for a given Mitsubishi Minicab chassis during your search.
Standard flatbed
The most common layout — an open cargo bed for general hauling.
Dump / tipper
A hydraulically tilting bed for loose material; availability varies by generation and trim.
Van / panel
Enclosed variants exist within several Kei families for covered cargo and equipment.
Specialty / work
Refrigerated, lift, and agricultural bodies were built for specific markets and eras.
Which Mitsubishi Minicab years can be imported?
Federal import eligibility is based on a vehicle's manufacture date, not simply its model year. Under the NHTSA 25-year rule, a vehicle is generally exempt from FMVSS import requirements once it is at least 25 years old — so as of this year, Mitsubishi Minicab examples manufactured in 2001 or earlier may qualify, subject to EPA/DOT and other requirements. A truck built late in a model year can cross the threshold months after an otherwise-identical early example.
Use manufacture date, not model year, for U.S. 25-year eligibility.
Can I register a Mitsubishi Minicab in my state?
Federal import eligibility does not guarantee you can title, register, or drive a Mitsubishi Minicab on public roads. That decision is made state by state, and the rules vary widely — from full road use to case-by-case titling to outright restrictions.
What to look for when buying a Mitsubishi Minicab
Chassis identity
Confirm the chassis code matches the generation and drivetrain you expect.
Manufacture date
Check the build plate — it drives federal import eligibility, not the model year.
Corrosion
Inspect the frame, bed floor, cab corners, and rockers for rust and past repairs.
Maintenance history
Look for service records, timing-belt history, and fluid condition.
Drivetrain & 4WD
Test drive; on 4WD trucks, engage and disengage the system and any low range.
Transmission
Check clutch feel on manuals and shift quality on automatics.
Electrical & equipment
Verify lights, gauges, HVAC, and any lift/dump or specialty equipment operate.
Tires & brakes
Kei-size tires and brake parts vary — check wear and availability.
Body & bed
Assess the bed, tailgate, and any specialty body for damage and function.
Leaks
Look for oil, coolant, and hydraulic leaks, especially on dump/lift configurations.
Documentation
Ensure export paperwork and import documents are complete and consistent.
Mitsubishi Minicab for sale
Looking for a Mitsubishi Minicab for sale?
KeiScout doesn't run a listings marketplace — so you won't find inflated inventory here. Instead, we search appropriate U.S. and Japanese sources for a Mitsubishi Minicab matching your year range, drivetrain, configuration, budget, and intended use, and we verify import and title eligibility before you commit.
Looking for a Mitsubishi Minicab?
Tell KeiScout the year range, drivetrain, configuration, budget, and intended use you're after. We'll search appropriate U.S. and Japanese sources for matching vehicles.
Need multiple Mitsubishi Minicab trucks?
We source Kei trucks at fleet scale with matched, standardized configurations and one coordinated import process.
Sources
Manufacturer sources
- Mitsubishi Motors — 5th generation history.
- Mitsubishi Motors — 6th generation history.
Government source
- NHTSA — 25-year exemption runs from vehicle manufacture date.
KeiScout is a sourcing and research service. Vehicle availability, condition, pricing, import eligibility, title eligibility, and registration requirements vary by vehicle and jurisdiction. Verify vehicle-specific information before purchase. Last verified: August 15, 2026.
Last verified: August 15, 2026. Specifications reflect the verified dataset and are qualified where trims and chassis differ.