Frequently Asked Questions ANSWERED: 

"Kei" automobiles (kei-jidōsh, meaning "light automobile") are a class of automobiles sold mostly in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). These vehicles are very small and light when compared with practically all US Domestic Market (USDM) vehicles. 

 

​Informally, JDM and USDM are terms used to distinguish between cars that have completed the certification process with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for sale in the United States. The process for these certifications is both lengthy and costly, so auto manufacturers must weigh carefully their expected sales volumes with the associated costs. Because each auto manufacturer must make this calculation and decision, there are many models of vehicles that were never made available in the US. ​

 

The laws governing importing and operating non-certified vehicles in the United States include exemptions which make importing, titling, registering, insuring and operating these highly fuel-efficient Kei cars lawful.​

 

Though some Kei cars look very sporty, they are NOT fast. Kei regulations in Japan limited the maximum horsepower to just 64. Some have even less horsepower. While some Kei cars are capable of operating at Interstate speeds for very brief periods of time, that is not what they were designed for. Interstate operation would quickly become tiresome for both the occupants and the Kei car itself. In some cases, a Kei may not be legal in the state of Alabama for Interstate Highway operation. Such vehicles can be identified by the "Non-Interstate Use" license plate. 

 

​Both the external and internal dimensions of these autos are small. Smaller than most Americans are accustomed to. The external size makes parking less difficult, but be aware that the interior room available may be less than expected. ​

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FLEET COMPARISON:  

• Are these cars actually street legal?

  • Yes.​

• Are all of your cars right hand drive?

  • Yes.​

• Are these cars fast and powerful?​

  • No. ​

• Least expensive to rent?

  • Daihatsu Midget II​

• Most expensive to rent?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​

• Easiest to drive?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​

• The most driver-engaging?​

  • Honda Beat​

• The 'roomiest'? ​

  • Subaru Sambar​

• The least roomy for driver?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​

• Quickest to accelerate?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​​

• Slowest to accelerate?​

  • Subaru Sambar​

• Most similar to US Domestic Market Autos?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​

• Least similar to US Domestic Market Autos?​

  • Daihatsu Midget II​

• Do these cars have air conditioning? ​

  • Yes.​

• Most quiet driving experience?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino​

• Most prominent engine sounds when driving? ​

  • Honda Beat​

• Are the cars easy to damage or break?​

  • Not really. As of August 2024, not a single car has been damaged or harmed during dozens of rentals. Standard caution while operating is all they need. Drive, park, then lock the doors like any other car.​

• Is it hard to drive a manual transmission (Beat and Sambar) with the left hand?​

  • It takes some getting used to, and don't worry if you aren't perfect right at the start. If you are proficient driving with a 5 or 6 speed manual in a left-hand drive car, you will be able to adapt to these right-hand drive cars. ​

• Smoothest shifting manual transmission car?​

  • The Honda Beat. It'​s actually fantastic!

• Interstate legal?​

  • Suzuki Cappuccino and Honda Beat​