The Suzuki Carry (Japanese: スズキ・キャリイ, Hepburn: Suzuki Kyarī) is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the passenger van versions were renamed as the Suzuki Every (Japanese: スズキ・エブリイ, Hepburn: Suzuki Eburī). In Japan, the Carry and Every are kei cars but the Suzuki Every Plus, the bigger version of Every, had a longer bonnet for safety purposes and a larger 1.3-liter 86-hp (63 kW) four-cylinder engine. They have been sold under myriad different names in several countries, including those with Chevrolet and Ford badges.
Introduction
In their home market, the Carry truck and van (and Every van) have traditionally competed with a number of similarly sized vehicles, such as the Kurogane Baby, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Minicab, and Daihatsu Hijet. Some of these are also competitors in export markets, mainly the Carry and the Hijet.
The first two generations of Carrys were sold with the Suzulight badge rather than the company name Suzuki, emphasizing the company's focus on "Light Cars" (also known as kei jidosha).
First generation (FB/FBD; 1961)
The Carry series was born in October 1961 with the FB Suzulight Carry, a pickup truck with the engine underneath the front seat, but with a short bonnet. The layout has been referred to as a "semicabover". The FB Carry underwent some light modifications in October 1963, for the 1964 model year. A glassed FBD Carry Van was added in September 1964. The engine was called the FB, a 359 cc (21.9 cu in) air-cooled, two-stroke two-cylinder with 21 hp (16 kW). This engine remained in use, in three-cylinder form, until late 1987 in the Suzuki Jimny (as the LJ50). Top speed was no more than 76 km/h (47 mph). FB suspension was rigid with leaf springs, front and rear. A panel van (FBC) was also available from July 1962.
Second generation (L20; 1965)
In June 1965, the rebodied L20 Suzulight Carry replaced the FB. The ladder-frame chassis was modified, now with independently sprung front wheels (by torsion bars). While output remained 21 hp, the engine benefitted from Suzuki's patented Cylinder Crank Injection lubrication system. The Carry Van was replaced by the new L20V in January 1966, and there was also a dropside pickup (L21). Finally, the L20H, a pickup with a canvas canopy and a rear-facing seat placed in the bed, providing seating for four, was offered. Top speed for the second generation was down to 75 km/h. The Carry Van had a horizontally divided, two-piece tailgate, and sliding rear windows.
Production of this more traditional version continued in parallel with the cabover L30 Carry, ending only with the 1969 introduction of the L40.
Third generation (L30/L31; 1966)
The new L30 Suzuki Carry (the "Suzulight" label was being retired) is a full cabover design, with the same FB engine mounted horizontally underneath the load area. The starter and generator were combined and mounted directly on the front of the crankshaft. Introduced in February 1966, the L30 was built alongside its more traditional predecessor until they were both replaced by the L40. A canopied L30H, similar to the L20H, but with the seats in the bed facing each other, was available from the start. Also, an L31, with a drop-side bed, was available. Performance and mechanics were very similar to its bonneted sister, but the load area was considerably larger. Maximum load capacity was still 350 kg (770 lb).
A short-lived Carry Van version of the L30 ("L30V") was not introduced until March 1968, but offered four doors and a two-piece tailgate (top and bottom). Bodywork was the same ahead of the B-pillar.
Fourth generation (L40/L41; 1969)
In July 1969, the Giugiaro-designed L40 Carry was introduced. In November of the same year, a van version with two opening side doors and a top-hinged rear gate was added. Giugiaro's design was more obvious in the Carry Van iteration, very symmetrical with similar looks to the front and rear. The L40's design was not overly utilitarian, limiting interior space and being a bit too modern for the usually very orthodox Japanese commercial customer base. The L40 did benefit, though, from an updated, 25 PS (18 kW) reed valve version of the now venerable FB engine. Dimensions, dictated by kei jidosha regulations, remained 2,990 mm × 1,295 mm (117.7 in × 51.0 in) and 359 cc (21.9 cu in). Maximum load was 350 kg (770 lb) for the truck and 300 kg (660 lb) for the van versions. Top speed increased considerably to 95 kilometres per hour (59 mph).
As part of a minor facelift in April 1971, the Carry received a 27 PS (still at 6,000 rpm) version of the well-known FB engine, featuring Suzuki's Cylinder Crank Injection and Selmix lubrication system. This engine also found its way into the recently introduced LJ10 Jimny. Torque was 3.7 kg⋅m (36 N⋅m; 27 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm. The Panel Van version has a boxy unit mounted on the rear of a Carry truck chassis. In 1971, a V40FC Camper version of the Van was also added.
While the truck versions were replaced in May 1972, the L40V continued for another three months before an L50 Van took its place.
Fifth generation (L50/L60; 1972)
The fifth-generation L50 Carry truck debuted in May 1972, followed by a new Carry van in August. The new model echoes Giugiaro's design, but without ventilation windows in the front doors and with a more traditional appearance. Headlights are now round, while the van version receives a more square rear body and with a sliding rear side door. The engine is a water-cooled design (L50), otherwise similar to the previous engine, but now with 28 hp (21 kW). Maximum load was back up to 350 kg (770 lb).
1972–1973 Suzuki Carry Super DeLuxe van (L50VF)
In December 1972, a five-door van (L50VF, with sliding side doors) was added. Three months later, the dropside L51 went on sale. In November 1973, the Carry underwent a minor facelift, receiving a new grille and modified front bumper. The interior was also updated, with a new dashboard and finally hanging gas and clutch pedals. The fifth-generation Carry led Suzuki to great market success, with Suzuki selling more kei trucks than all others during 1973 and 1974.
In September 1975, a special export version was introduced, aimed at customers who wanted more loading ability. The new L60 series received a larger, 446-cc (also L60) version of the L50 two-cylinder, 29 PS (as opposed to 26 for export market 360-cc models), a stronger differential "to transmit the generous torque" and sturdier springs meant load capacity increased to 550 kg (1,210 lb). For 1975, the Carry received minor changes allowing for the fitment of new larger license plates. In December 1975, the domestic market L50s' engine lost two horsepower (down to 26) in the effort of fulfilling new, stricter emissions standards.
Sixth generation (ST10/ST20/ST80; 1976)
In May 1976, responding to changed standards for the kei class, Suzuki released the Carry 55, chassis code ST10/ST10V. It had the larger, water-cooled but still two-stroke three-cylinder LJ50 engine of 539 cc but was otherwise hard to distinguish from the preceding L50 series. The only two differences in appearance were bigger (albeit slimmer) bumpers, which no longer enveloped the bottom of the front, as well as slightly altered doors with a slight bump in the swage line to accommodate the door handle. There was also an ST11 version with a drop-side bed. The ST10 (along with the LC20 Fronte) was the first Suzuki to enter CKD production in Indonesia, in 1976. In 1977 it was replaced by the larger ST20.
Suzuki Carry ST20 used as a songthaew, rear view
Soon thereafter, in September 1976, the interim ST10 (only built for four months) was gradually replaced by the widened and lengthened ST20 pickup version, which also has a longer wheelbase. Marketed as the Suzuki Carry Wide 550, it now reached the maximum dimensions set for the class. In November, the ST20 Van tcame in - this version was 4 cm (1.6 in) shorter than the truck as it reused the shorter rear side bodypanels of the L50 and ST10 versions. Some special variants of the ST10 (such as refrigerated versions, panel vans, etcetera) remained on sale alongside the ST20 for a little while longer until new versions could be developed and old stock be sold out. There was also an ST20K model available: the "K" refers to the "trucklike" nature of the vehicle in that it had three drop-sides as opposed to the utility version which had only a tailgate and formed sides. The ST20 range retained the three-cylinder 539-cc two-stroke engine of the ST10 and has a carrying capacity of 350 kg (772 lb). Maximum power remained 26 PS (19 kW) at 4500 rpm. In October 1977, after about 187,000 had been built, the ST20 underwent a light facelift, with increased equipment and all versions (excepting the base truck) now featuring a front grille.
Equipment levels were base, Standard, and Super Deluxe. The base version has no front grille, the Standard has a black grille, while the Super Deluxe features chrome trim on the grille and chromed hubcaps. By October 1977, the Custom Van was available in the Japanese market. Well equipped, with metallic paint, reclining fabric-covered seats, and chrome bumpers, this was aimed squarely at use as a private car. This heralded the development of the future "Every" range of passenger microvans.
By 1977, the export-only ST80 appeared - this version was the first Carry to be equipped with a four-stroke engine, the inline-four 797-cc F8A as recently introduced in the LJ80 Jimny. In the Carry, however, the engine only developed 37 hp (28 kW; 38 PS) at 5500 rpm. The ST20 Carry was also produced in Indonesia from 1978 until at least 1983, where it was nicknamed "Turungtung" (or Truntung). This is an onomatopoetic word for the sound made by the Carry's two-stroke engine. The ST20 Carry was the first Suzuki product to be built in Indonesia, where it saw extensive use as an Angkot. The ST20 was only offered as a truck in Indonesia, but local body builders such as Adi Putro and Liling Putra came up with multi-seat taxi bodies and other variations. The Indonesian ST20 has a claimed 33 PS (24 kW) at 4500 rpm and 52 N⋅m (38 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3000 rpm, being unaffected by emissions regulations.
Seventh generation (ST30/ST40/ST90/ST100; 1979)
In March 1979, the new ST30 series arrived. The dimensions remained the same as before, as did the two-stroke engine, although it was moved forward and now resided underneath the front seat. At the time of the ST30's introduction, the Carry had been the bestselling Kei truck in the Japanese domestic market for eight straight years. For export markets, the ST90 version was equipped with the larger four-stroke F8A engine of 797 cc, entering production in August 1979. In October 1980, the domestic market Carry became available with the new 543 cc four-stroke F5A engine (ST40), although the torquey two-stroke engine remained popular.Later, export models were also fitted with the 970 cc four-cylinder engine; they received the ST100 chassis codes.
In December 1982, the Van portion of the Carry range became separated in the Japanese domestic market and was now sold as the Suzuki Every. The Every was only available with the four-stroke engine, as the two-stroke could not pass the tighter emissions standards for passenger cars. New for May 1981 was a four-wheel drive version, originally only available as a pickup. This received the ST31/41 chassis code. A four-wheel drive van version was added in November 1982.
Eighth generation (DA71/DB71/DA81/DA41/DB41/DA51/DB51; 1985)
The eighth generation Carry (and second generation Every) appeared in March 1985. It was modernized and the range again expanded, with a more powerful fuel injected engine available on top. The chassis codes became quite confusing, with DA/DB71 used for the F5A engined model (DB signifying four-wheel drive) and DA81 for the two-stroke truck which remained available until the Carry underwent a facelift in July 1986. T, B, and V suffixes were used to denote trucks, trucks with tip decks, and vans. Beginning in late 1987, a 52 PS (38 kW) turbocharged engine was available in the Every, while the Carry truck received a three-valve, supercharged version of the F5A engine with 48 PS (35 kW). There was also a short-lived nine-valve version with 32 PS (24 kW) available for better equipped versions of the Every; the regular six-valve version had to make do with 30 PS (22 kW). In May 1989 the more modern multi-valve F5B engine entered the lineup; it received the DA/DB41 chassis code and replaced most of the F5A engines. This new engine also became available in the badge-engineered Autozam Scrum, sold by Mazda (DG/DH41).
ST/SL (Futura) models (ST130/SL413/ST150/SL415/ST160/SL416; 1991)
In Indonesia, the Carry received a redesign which made its debut in mid-February 1991. This was a response to the 1989 introduction of the 1.3-liter Daihatsu Zebra; somewhat larger it was now 3,700 mm (146 in) long and also ten centimeters wider than before. It has a wheelbase of 1,970 mm (78 in). Overall length then grew to 3,875 mm (153 in), the width to 1,570 mm (62 in). It has a 1,360 cc G13C engine, later enlarged to 1,493 cc (G15A, introduced around 2000) and then 1,590 cc. Internal codenames for these models are ST130, ST150, and ST160 respectively; the ST130 Suzuki Carry Futura was also referred to as the SL413, ST150 as the SL415 and ST160 as the SL416. Beginning in 1994, the rear doors received wind-down rather than sliding windows. In March 2005, the 1.5 engine was upgraded to fuel injection rather than the earlier carburettors. Unlike the Mitsubishi version, Suzuki also offers a factory-bodied minibus version. The bare chassis version is usually converted into a microbus by local bodybuilders, for use as an angkot, or share taxi.
For the Indonesian market, the Carry Futura is also offered as the Mitsubishi Colt T120SS. The name is a continuation of the first generation Mitsubishi Delica, which was marketed as the "Colt T120" in many countries including Indonesia. When production began in 1991, it replaced the Minicab-based "Jetstar". The T120SS is based on the locally developed Carry Futura, with which it shares everything aside from the engines. Overall length is 3,720 mm (3,940 mm for the "3-way wide deck" version).
The Colt T120SS is available as either a bare chassis, a fixed-side pickup truck, or one where all three sides fold down, called "3-way wide deck". The engine used is either Mitsubishi's 1.3 L (1,343 cc) carburetted 4G17 or the bigger 1.5 L (1,468 cc) fuel injected 4G15. The smaller engine puts out 78 PS (57 kW) at 6000 rpm. This engine had the same specs from its time of introduction in 1991 until it was replaced in 2005, except for one major difference: in 1996 it was redesigned and is no longer an interference engine. The larger unit, which meets Euro 2 emission standards, produces 86 PS (63 kW) at 5750 rpm. Both engines feature three valves per cylinder. The bigger engine arrived in March 2005 with 1.5-litre Multi Point Injection, when the T120SS was also lightly facelifted, with a new grille featuring a triangular central portion. From 1997 to 2019, Mitsubishi Motors built 324,960 units of the T120SS.
The Indonesian market Carry Futura was facelifted several times, in August 1997, March 2005 and April 2010, and again in January 2017, with a redesigned grille and bumper. The Colt T120SS only received a single facelift (in 2005).
The Carry Futura and Colt T120SS were discontinued in 2019, few months after Indonesia's enforcement of rules for Euro 4 emission standards as both manufacturers asked for an extension of the Euro 4 deadline that was set in October 2018. The last T120SS rolled off the production line at PT Krama Yudha Ratu Motor plant in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta on 22 January 2019, while the Carry Futura continues to be produced at Suzuki Indomobil Motor plant in Bekasi until February 2019.
Ninth generation (DC51T/DD51T/DE51V/DF51V; 1991)
The ninth generation Carry (and third generation Every) appeared in September 1991. The 657 cc F6A engine remained from the previous generation, but an all-new bodywork was much smoother, originally with slim, small rectangular headlights. The chassis was largely unchanged for the truck (albeit with a somewhat longer wheelbase), but the vans had a considerably longer wheelbase and an engine mounted midships, just ahead of the rear axle. Chassis codes changed accordingly, and were now different for the Carry and the Every. The trucks are DC/DD51T and the vans are DE/DF51V ("DD" and "DF" for four-wheel drive versions). Two different front treatments were available, one with small rectangular aerodynamic headlights and one with large, round units (used on lower-spec models).
The ninth-generation Carry received a very gentle facelift in September 1993, including a switch from front drum brakes to discs on all models. Two months later, the Carry Van line switched to the Every nameplate and the division between trucks and vans was made clearer. Another light change occurred in July 1995, when the front turn signals were changed from clear to amber and the wheel bolt pattern was changed from 4x114.3mm to 4x100mm. The ninth generation continued to be built until 1999. Most export markets continued to receive the previous generation Carry with bigger engines and most commonly with van bodywork. The older Super Carry is generally more rugged than the DE/DF51, which was fitted with a coil sprung De Dion rear axle not as suitable for carrying heavy loads. In those rather few foreign markets where the ninth generation Carry was available, it was sold as the SK306 and with a version of the 657 cc engine used in the Japanese domestic market. In late 1997, the retro-styled Suzuki Every C arrived.
Tenth generation (DA52/DB52/DA62/DA63/DA64/DA65; 1999)
The tenth generation Carry was introduced in January 1999. It retained the F6A engine (albeit modernized) and was sold as the DA/DB52 T and V (Carry truck or Every van, "DB" signifying four-wheel drive). This marked the end of using "Carry" badging on vans in the Japanese domestic market. In June 1999 the DA52W (Every Wagon, only with two-wheel drive) appeared, along with the bigger Every Plus. In 2001 a version with the more powerful timing chain equipped K6A (still of 660 cc displacement) appeared, as the DA62T/V/W. This model has also been built by Chang'an (Chana) in China, as the "Star" (Zhixing) bus and truck (originally SC6350, SC1015). in which they have gone through many revisions since 2009.
The Carry truck was completely rebodied in May 2002, but the existing Every Van and Wagon continued to be produced until replaced in August 2005, as the two lines continued a process of divergence begun with the introduction of the Every in 1982.
