The Subaru Sambar truck is a small, Japanese-made pickup truck. Dominating the Kei truck market for several decades, the affordable vehicle has been praised for its outstanding performance and reliability. It has seen several design and feature updates over the years, each adding to its appeal and performance.
This truck is well-suited for various tasks and activities. Its lightweight body and spacious interior are good for hauling cargo for small businesses and carrying equipment and sports gear during family camping trips.
Looking for a Subaru Sambar for sale in USA or other countries? Read our review first to decide whether it will meet your requirements and expectations.
Subaru Sambar Truck: An Overview
Sambar has been in production since 1961 and is available in both microvan and pickup truck variations. It was the first Kei truck to launch a cabover design.
The first-generation models were based on a rear-wheel drive layout, a rear engine, and body-on-frame construction. The Kei-compliant vehicles were moving away from this drivetrain and Sambar was the last model to use the rear-wheel layout.
The 2nd generation Sambar came with an elevated roof and a fully padded dash. Later in 1976, the 3rd generation was introduced with an EK21 four-stroke engine. The most notable additions to the 4th and 5th generations of Subaru Sambar classic were a 660-cc engine and a three-speed transmission.
The latest version of Sambar is the 8th generation, running from 2014 the present time. The current model is still rear-wheel drive but the engine is installed on the front side. There is also an on-demand 4-wheel drive version. So, if you want to buy it, you can easily get a Subaru Sambar 4x4 for sale from second hand car dealers.
Manufaturer | Subaru / Daihatsu |
Model | Sambar Truck |
Body | Kei truck |
Production | 1961–present |
Number of seats | 2 |
Number of doors | 2 |
Engine capacity | 658cc |
Maximum power | 46 - 53ps |
Transmission | 5MT / 3AT |
Drivetrain | AWD / FF |
Fuel consumption | 15 - 19km/L |
Subaru Sambar Truck Review of Features
The Sambar car has plenty of features and capabilities, all while running on low fuel cost. We'll take a deep dive into it, so that you can make an informed decision.
Engine Performance
The backbone of the truck is its 658 cc DOHC engine, which delivers an impressive 46–53 psi of power and 54–64 nm of torque.
The engine provides sufficient power for city driving and light hauling, but may struggle on the highway or with heavy loads. However, you can still carry loads up to 850 kg.
The truck is available with either a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Also, you can choose between a rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.
Design and Styling
Like other pickup trucks, Suzuki Sambar has a highly durable steel frame. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. You can load or unload quickly because of the low profile makes.
Since it's a load-hauling vehicle, it's not designed for comfort. However, the comfortable seating with leather upholstery is a nice touch.
Other features include a multi-functional display and navigation system. You can see information like ajar warning, temperature, cruising distance, and fuel consumption rate on the navigation screen.
Security and Safety
The Subaru Sambar has multi-sensing vehicle stability control and ABS. It also has an airbag system with dual-stage deployment. And the advanced security system, including cruise control and lane-keep assist, is truly impressive.
For further driving and parking assistance, there is a rear-view mirror with a rear parking sensor. Other safety features include a high beam assist and sign recognition.
There are 25 abundant hooks to secure the cargo and equipment.
Fuel Efficiency
The truck is not a gas guzzler, so you can expect it to produce good mileage. Thanks to the CVT technology, you will get 14.9 km/liter (in the city) and 16.4 km/liter (on the highway).
Subaru Sambar Truck Price
Looking for a Subaru K truck for sale? It's possible to get a used model at a dirt-cheap price. Many car dealers sell second hand older models at between $1,500 and $5,000. However, if you want a newer one with good mileage, be ready to shell out around $15,000.
It's kind of challenging to find a trusted dealer for used vehicles. Your local car dealer shops could be a good starting point. If you still can't find a dealer shop, check here for a wide collection of Subaru Sambar truck for sale.
The Subaru Sambar truck is an ideal choice for those looking for a combination of reliable performance and superior durability. It's well-suited for city driving and light hauling, so it may not be the best option for long-distance transportation and carrying heavy cargo.
So, purchase the truck if you have a small business that requires regular cargo hauling in different parts of the city. You can buy a new unit but a used model will also provide reliable service.