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Daihatsu Rocky – Classy Sports Utility Vehicle

Daihatsu Rocky – Classy Sports Utility Vehicle

ROCKY 2021
Price: USD 17,440
ROCKY 2019
Price: USD 16,230
ROCKY 2020
Price: USD 15,990
ROCKY 2020
Price: USD 16,980
ROCKY 2022
Price: USD 14,120
ROCKY 2020
Price: USD 13,620
ROCKY 2021
Price: USD 15,300
ROCKY 2021
Price: USD 13,550
ROCKY 2021
Price: USD 19,740
ROCKY 2021
Price: USD 20,200

Daihatsu; the King of Superminis:

Daihatsu has been around for well over 60 years now, in fact, it has the distinction of being the oldest car manufacturer in Japan, eventually merging with Toyota in the DAIHATSU ROCKY late 60s. Daihatsu has been well known over the years for creating an overwhelming majority of “small” cars in its product lineup, cars that did not however lack anything in terms of equipment levels or luxuries in their respective eras. The first Daihatsu ever to be marketed in Europe was the Campagno, a very reliable car that offered such luxuries as an AM/FM radio as standard in the early 60s, even Jaguars of that time put the radio in as a pricey optional extra.

The last great car that Daihatsu produced was the infamous Charade; often dubbed the “pocket rocket” in western cultures. The Charade signified that Daihatsu’s title as the “king of Super-minis” was well deserved. The Charade brought such things as power steering, factory fitted turbo-chargers, power windows, sun-roofs, excellent build quality and unparalleled levels of reliability to the lower middle classes. All these things were literally unheard of in affordable small cars of the early 80s. Consecutive wins in professional rally championships also gave the Charade a racer’s pedigree in the late 80s and early 90s.

A Rugged 4x4, Mini SUV:

Daihatsu had already established itself as a manufacturer of small cars by the time the first generation Rocky was released. The Rocky had been designed keeping in mind the appeal of the Suzuki Vitara in the affordable SUV market segment, Daihatsu hoped to cash in on its image as a maker of reliable cars and in doing so grab a market share.

The first Rocky hit showrooms in 1984, and at first glance it did appear to be a mere rip off of the Suzuki Vitara, but underneath, the Rocky was actually a brand new car. Daihatsu had opted to include (rare at the time) an electronic suspension management system that guaranteed excellent traction off-road, while at the same time minimizing comfort on the tarmac.

There was also the usual 4x4 equipment including a low ratio gearbox, and front-back torque distribution. The engines on offer were either 2.0 liter petrol or a 2.8 liter turbo diesel. The diesel version was quite popular because it provided insane torque figures for such a compact vehicle, providing good towing capabilities. A low sprung weight also meant the Rocky could accelerate quickly too, 0-60 times were usually around 10 seconds, which is respectable even today, 30 years after its release.

Buying Used Daihatsu Rocky:

Daihatsu Rockys can today only be purchased as a second-hand vehicle, you can opt to browse the classifieds and find one locally, and alternately you could also commission auto dealers in Japan to ship one over for you. We’d recommend you get one shipped from Japan, since these dealers can also have it repaired at manufacturer certified service shops. Daihatsu still keeps an inventory of spare parts in Japan too, so you can essentially have an old beat up Rocky built up to an almost factory specification, as good as brand new, for literally nothing. You can rest assured that a properly done up Rocky will likely last another 30 years.

Daihatsu Rocky – Classy Sports Utility Vehicle

Daihatsu; the King of Superminis:

A Rugged 4x4, Mini SUV:

Buying Used Daihatsu Rocky:

Customer Reviews