Founded in 1907, Daihatsu is one of Japan’s oldest car manufacturers, originally producing steam and gas-powered engines. Specializing in compact and kei cars, it became known for fuel efficiency and urban practicality. Now a subsidiary of Toyota, Daihatsu continues to focus on small, affordable vehicles for global and domestic markets.
Browse the model landing pages below (linked where available), each page features the original brochure photos, specs and detailed information for that year.
The Daihatsu Applause is a compact car produced from 1989 to 2000, known for its unique body style—it looks like a sedan but features a highly practical, full-size liftback tailgate.
First Generation (A101/A111S): 1989–1997. Initial Launch: 1989. Facelift 1: 1992–1997 (Dropped carburetor engine; AWD canceled 1994). Second Generation (A101/A111S Facelift): 1997–2000. Extensive Facelift: 1997–2000 (Major exterior changes; final production run).
The Daihatsu Charade is a popular and economical supermini car, known for its small stature and excellent fuel efficiency, produced across four core generations from 1977 to 2000.
First Generation (G10): 1977–1983. Second Generation (G11): 1983–1987 (Continued in China as Tianjin Xiali/others until 2012). Third Generation (G100): 1987–1993. Fourth Generation (G200/G203): 1993–2000. Nameplate Re-use (Rebadged Toyota Models): Mira-based: 2003–2007 (Australia/Europe/South Africa). Toyota Yaris/Vitz-based: 2011–2013 (Europe).
The Daihatsu Cuore, Italian for "heart," is a long-running series of compact city cars and Kei cars, celebrated for their exceptional fuel efficiency and tiny, practical dimensions since 1980.
First Generation (L55/L60): 1980–1985 (Replaced the Max Cuore; known as the Mira in Japan). Second Generation (L70/L80): 1985–1990. Third Generation (L200/L201): 1990–1994. Fourth Generation (L500/L501): 1994–1998 (Known as the Domino in some markets). Fifth Generation (L700/L701): 1998–2002 (Sold as the Cuore, Mira, and in some markets, the Daihatsu Charade). Sixth Generation (L250/L251): 2002–2008. Seventh Generation (L275/L285): 2007–2011 (Final model series sold in Europe as the Cuore).
The Daihatsu Feroza, produced from 1989-1998, was a compact off-road vehicle. Known for its durable ladder-frame chassis and optional 4x4, it was a rugged and capable choice for light-duty off-roading.
The Daihatsu Feroza is a single generation that was sold under various names and with minor updates throughout its production run: Feroza/Rocky/Sportrak: 1989-1998. This model was known as the Feroza in Australia, Europe, and Asia. It was called the Rocky in Japan, North America, and some other markets. The car received a minor facelift in 1992-1993 with new engines and some cosmetic changes.
The Daihatsu Hijet, launched in 1960, is an enduring series of versatile Kei trucks and microvans, celebrated globally for its compact size, durability, and practical cab-over design.
First Generation (L35/L36): 1960–1964 (Conventional-cab design). Second Generation (S35/S36): 1964–1968 (Switched to Cab-Over design). Third Generation (S37): 1968–1972. Fourth Generation (S38/S40): 1971–1977 (Introduced sliding doors on van). Fifth Generation (S60): 1977–1981 (Wider body and 550cc engine). Sixth Generation (S65/S66/S70): 1981–1986. Seventh Generation (S80/S82): 1986–1994 (Known in Australia/Europe as Hijet 1000). Eighth Generation (S100/S110): 1994–1999. Ninth Generation (S200/S210): 1999–2014 (Van model replaced in 2004). Tenth Generation (Truck S500/Van S320): 2004–2021 (Truck continued until 2021). Eleventh Generation (S700/S710): 2021–Present (Adoption of DNGA platform).
The Daihatsu Rocky is a nameplate used since 1984 for three distinct models, known globally as a compact and rugged SUV with strong off-road capability and fuel efficiency.
The Rocky name has been applied to three different models across different eras: F70 Series (Rugger/Fourtrak Export): 1984–2002. This was the larger, heavy-duty off-roader (known as the Rugger or Fourtrak in most markets) but sold as the Rocky in some key export regions. F300/F310 Series (Mini SUV): 1989–2002. This smaller, body-on-frame mini SUV was sold in Japan as the Rocky (Lovibond Rocky), and internationally as the Feroza or Sportrak. A200 Series (Subcompact Crossover): 2019–Present. The current model is a subcompact crossover SUV built on the DNGA platform, sold as the Rocky in Japan and Indonesia (and Toyota Raize/Perodua Ativa elsewhere).
