Hino Motors, Ltd., or commonly referred to as Hino, is a Toyota Group company based in Japan that manufactures commercial vehicles (trucks and buses) and diesel engines (for trucks, buses, and other vehicles) with its headquarter in Hino, Tokyo. Hino was established in 1942.
Hino Dutro (Truck)
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Hino Dutro (300 series) is a light commercial truck manufactured by Hino Motors in Japan.
The Dutro is a cabover truck that can accommodate 3 people in the cabin. The Dutro’s flexibility allows it to be configured in a wide range of bodies.
The Dutro is curvy, it’s fitted with a nice and neat plastic grille flanked by horizontal headlights that improve the cabin’s width at the front.
BROWSE LOW COST HINO DUTRO MODELS
The Dutro’s body panels are pretty solid and the well-made exterior fittings improve its robustness, as well. Its strong U-shaped frame treated with superior anti-rust treatment chassis is ready for all sorts of abuse that come from heavy loads and weathering.
The Dutro is powered by a 4.0-liter (N04C) diesel engine that produces 147 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine transfer power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Hino Ranger (Truck)
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The Hino Ranger is a medium-duty truck manufactured by Hino Motors Japan from 1964.
The facial looks of the Ranger feature a grille with the Hino logo in its center. The grille is flanked by two triangular turn signals on either side.
Below the grille, the Ranger is fitted with a rudimentary bumper with two elongated headlights on its sides.
The interior of the Ranger is typical of Hino trucks built with durable and well-fitted hard plastics. The Ranger has an is easy to read instrument cluster composed of big and clear gauges. The Ranger comes with a bunch of useful features including easy start, air conditioning, cruise control, and electric windows.
The seats are flat and basic with basic comfort. The driver has a commanding view and great all-round visibility which is made possible by the generous door windows and large windscreen.
BROWSE LOW COST HINO RANGER MODELS
The Ranger is powered by a wide range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines from the J-Series and A09C-Series families. The J-Series has a power range of 175 hp and 369 lb-ft, 205 hp and 448 lb-ft, 225 hp and 506 lb-ft, and 255 hp and 585 lb-ft while the A09C Series has 300 hp and 795 lb-ft and 315 hp and 795 lb-ft power ratings. These engines are mated to a wide range of transmission boxes from the five-speed manual, to the six-speed direct and overdrive boxes.
Hino Liesse II (Bus)
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Hino Liesse II is a rebadged Toyota Coaster that has been sold by Hino Motors. The latest generation Liesse II was first released in 2016.
The exterior of the Liesse II is a modern, tough, and attractive minibus. The Liesses’roof features chamfers that make it attractive and give it a modern look, while the square body gives rise to a spacious cabin.
On the sides, the Liesse II has character lines that divide the vehicle into upper and lower sections, and its underbody underlines the area around the wheels, revealing the well-built body that provides powerful support for the cabin.
The interior of the Liesse II is spacious, quiet, stable, and comfortable. Its ringed body frame is rigid, improved engine cover structures, optimal distribution of soundproofing materials, and enhanced body-seal structures have all contributed to the improved cabin quietness.
The Liesse II is available as a standard body or long body with a capacity to carry between 24 and 30 passengers, while school bus models can carry between 39 and 49 kids and 3 adults.
BROWSE LOW COST HINO LIESSE II MODELS
The Liesse is powered by a 4.0-liter (N04C) diesel engine that produces 147 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Power to the wheels is transferred via a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Hino Rainbow (Bus)
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Hino Rainbow is a medium-duty bus produced by Hino Motors Japan from 1980. The Rainbow was available either as a complete bus or a bus chassis. Other options were the tourist coach for the minibus and the city bus for the midibus.
The exterior of the Rainbow is characterized by a boxy body that allows for maximum utilization of the interior space. The passenger door of the rainbow is placed in the middle or at the front depending on the model. These doors have a low step that makes getting in and out of the bus easy.
The interior of the Rainbow is very well designed. The seats are very comfortable offering enough leg-, foot-, and shoulder room for medium-built adults, but tall passengers may struggle for knee room.
BROWSE LOW COST HINO RAINBOW MODELS
The Rainbow design makes it suitable as a city bus, a tourist coach, a staff bus, and a public bus for short routes. The Rainbo has a seating capacity of about 29 to 57 passengers.
The Rainbow is commonly powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter (W04C) diesel engine that produces 150 hp and the turbocharged 7.4-liter (H07D) inline-6 diesel engine that produces 286 hp. These engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission
Hino Ranger 2 (Truck)
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The Hino Ranger 2 is a light commercial truck sold by Hino Motors Japan. The Ranger 2 is a rebadged Daihatsu Delta.
The Ranger 2 is offered in several different chassis types suitable for different purposes
The Ranger 2 is built to be strong, straightforward, and dependable. The well-designed cab offers the driver and passengers great visibility, great comfort, and a quiet environment.
The simply designed and Toyota-inspired interior design is built with most of the necessary features.
When it comes to light hauling jobs, the Ranger 2 is a great choice. The Ranger 2 comes fitted with a diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which delivers enhanced fuel economy and lower noise.
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The common Ranger 2 trucks are the tipper truck and the flat cargo bed truck.
- The tipper embodies an extra-strong standard cab chassis, with a tough-built box frame welded on it. This helps to prevent twisting during stops and quick turns.
- The flatbed has a sturdy and strong cargo bed that has enough room to carry light construction materials such as steel, wood, pipes, or sand. Its swing tailgates are rugged and can open from the back or from the sides.
Hino Liesse (Bus)
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The Hino Liesse is a high-floor minibus built by Hino Motors Japan. The Liesse was produced from 1995 to 2011.
The interior of the Liesse is fitted with paired seats, with foldable seats in one pair that create a passage to access other seats. These seats are covered with vinyl upholstery as standard. At the back of each seat, there is a net pocket that facilitates storage, with each capable of holding items such as small books, magazines, bottles, or other small items. Some models come with a foldable metal bottle holder at the back of each passenger seat.
Most Liesse’s come in a high-floor step-entrance configuration, with few models having a low floor, low entry configuration. The entryway has an option for an outward swinging door or two foldable doors. In the high-floor configuration, the entrance has three stairs with a low step-up height.
BROWSE LOW COST HINO LIESSE MODELS
The Liesse is powered by a 170 HP 5.0-liter (J05D) inline 4-cylinder diesel engine and the turbocharged 185 HP 4.0-liter (W04C) inline 4-cylinder diesel engine. These powertrains are mated to a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The Liesse is primarily used as a city bus or a tourist bus, but can also be used as a school bus, a town to town commercial bus, and more.
Hino Profia (Truck)
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The Hino Profia (700 Series) is a heavy-duty commercial truck manufactured by Hino Motors Japan from 1981. The Profia is offered as a tipper, a mixer, a freight carrier, and a truck tractor in a 4×2 or 6×4 configuration.
The exterior of the Profia does not have that eye-catching magical spark, but it’s worth your attention. The fascia features an extensive grille with three horizontal stripes with some chrome treatment for the high-end models. The huge grille is so useful as it helps to keep the engine cooled, and gives the truck a striking look, but also underlines the truck’s heavy-duty character. The Profia also comes fitted with a solid bumper fitted with two big headlights.
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The Profia’s overall interior design is modern, ergonomic, and looks upscale. The steering wheel is reach and rake adjustable which allows the driver to find a good driving position.
The Profia is powered by a turbocharged 13-liter intercooled (E13C) V6 common rail engine that produces 444 hp and 1591 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 16-speed ZF ASTRONIC Ecosplit automated manual transmission.
Hino Super Dolphin Profia (Truck)
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The Hino Super Dolphin Profia is a heavy-duty truck manufactured by Hino Motors Japan from 1992 to 2003. The Super Dolphin Profia was preceded (1981-1992) by the Super Dolphin and succeeded by Profia in 2003.
The fascia of the Super Dolphin Profia features a large grille with three horizontal stripes. Just above the bumper on each end of the lower sides of the grille you find two big headlights with sidelights and turn signal lights attached to them. On the lower side of the fascia, there is big a solid bumper fitted with two pairs of driving and turn signal lights on either side.
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The cabin is spacious, the driver gets a fully adjustable seat, and a manually adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats are comfortable and supportive even for longer trips.
The instrument panel is quite modern and very clear. It’s nice and very easy to read with all the controls are within the driver’s reach. Storage-wise, you get two cupholders next to the driver’s seat, door pockets that can store paperwork, a storage console in the center of the cabin, and other storage areas above the windscreen.
The Super Dolphin Profia is powered by a turbocharged 10.5-liter intercooled (P11C) V6 diesel engine that produces 386 hp and 1077 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 9-speed manual transmission.
Hino 700 Series (Truck)
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Hino 700 Series is a commercial heavy-duty truck manufactured by Hino Motors Japan. The 700 Series is sold as a tipper, truck tractor, concrete mixer, flatbed, and container truck.
The exterior of the 700 series does not have that wow factor, but it’s worth looking at. The fascia is occupied with an extensive grille that features three horizontal stripes. The 700 Series has a solid bumper fitted with two big headlights and triangular turn light signals just above it on either corner of the fascia.
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Climb the three easy steps and you are inside the cab. Inside the cab, you will be welcomed by the fully adjustable captain seat, and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats are supportive and comfortable for short or long trips.
The instrument panel is nice and clear. It’s easy to read, with all the controls within reach. There are plenty of storage areas.
The 700 Series comes fitted with a turbocharged 13-liter intercooled (E13C) inline-6 diesel engine that produces 444 hp and 1591 lb-ft of torque. The engine transfers power to the wheels via 16-speed ZF ASTRONIC automated manual transmission.
Hino Blue Ribbon (Bus)
The Hino Blue Ribbon is a commercial heavy-duty bus manufactured by Hino motors from 1982. The primary use of the Blue Ribbon is as a tourist coach or city bus, but it’s also suitable for commercial city-to-city shuttle or as a staff/school bus.
The fascia of the Blue Ribbon is kept simple with two large headlights and turn signal lights on the corners. The presence of a big windscreen can’t go unnoticed, while on the sides you find large windows that allow enough natural light in the bus, but also an airy feel.
The interior of the Blue Ribbon can be arranged in many configurations depending on use. The standard arrangement has a set of seats that range between 45 and 65 seats. These seats are large, supportive, and comfortable. The driver has a high seating position that allows for maximum visibility, the driver seat can be adjusted back and forth, and the steering wheel can be raised or lowered.
The Blue Ribbon has been fitted with several engines over the years, with these engines mounted at the front or rear of the bus.
One of these engines is the 17-liter (EF750) V8 diesel engine that produces 330 hp. This engine is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Conclusion
We have taken a look at various Hino trucks and buses, and from our review, we conclude that Hino is very good at producing trucks and buses, with a reputation for producing tough, reliable, lasting, and enduring vehicles.
Please visit BE FORWARD and peruse our extensive list of Hino trucks and buses.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
