Japan’s industrial might helped raised the world’s consciousness of the possibilities of mass producing high quality products for relatively low prices. The automotive industry was particularly affected. The best Japanese car brands are still raising standards while building amazing cars.
The best Japanese car brands make economy sedans, luxury coupes, light and heavy duty trucks, minivans and SUVs, and sports cars. In addition, they make specialty vehicles, motorcycles, and construction equipment.
In recent years, many models of Japanese cars have been made in other countries, including the USA. Several non Japanese brands are also very popular in Japan.
Top 19 Best Japanese Car Brands
1. Honda
If it is a vehicle with an engine, chances are Honda makes one. Motorcycles and cars, obviously, but also lawnmowers and jet aircraft. The four door mid size sedan Accord LX is one of the most popular cars on the road.
Incorporated in 1948, Honda began by making motorcycles and motorcycle engines. Their first four wheel vehicles were the T360 mini truck and the S500 convertible sportscar of 1963. Honda automobiles are sold through dealerships all over North America and most of the world. Many Honda dealers are able to offer Honda financing.
Honda cars and SUVs have maintained a great reputation for reliability and efficiency while also looking very stylish. Hondas are enjoyed by all sorts of drivers, from families to professional drivers, who desire reliable, good looking cars.
2. Toyota
Toyota cars and trucks have taken a large share of the new vehicle with forward thinking designs like the all wheel drive Prius XLE gas/electric hybrid.
Currently the largest automotive manufacturer, Toyota started making cars in 1937 with the Standard Sedan AA. Using the principle of jidoka, or automation with a human touch, Toyota developed a very efficient and reliable system for mass production. Their vehicles are primarily sold through dealers with many offering Toyota financing.
With models from basic small cars to trucks and sedans with a luxury feel, Toyota has a vehicle for almost anyone. They are all reliable and dependable.
3. Nissan
With global manufacturing plants, Nissan is one of the largest car makers in the world. Nissan Sentra is a high mileage compact car that can be found in numerous body styles.
Founded as Nissan in 1933, the Datsun brand name actually predates the current company, first being used for a car in 1914. Sold in may countries as Datsun, Nissan rebranded their cars for most markets in 1984. Nissan cars are sold in dealerships.
Long admired by sports car fans, Nissan (Datsun) has proven long term reliability. Their cars range from entry level budget models to sporty and more luxurious cars and SUVs. Appealing to a large segment of the car buying public, Nissan cars are very popular.
4. Suzuki
Suzuki makes marine vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles, as cars and trucks. Their Jimny 4WD off road capable mini SUV is a fun and capable vehicle.
The company was founded in 1909 and originally began making cars in 1937. Motorcycles and high mileage compact cars make up most of their production, but the also make trucks, vans, SUVs, and sporty cars. Sold to the public through dealers worldwide.
Fuel efficient cars propelled Suzuki into the upper end of sales in several countries. Their reliability is good as are their comfort levels for small cars. Most of their coupes and sedans are favored by people wanting efficiency without losing fun, safety, or reliability.
5. Diahatsu
One of the most sold car brands worldwide, Daihatsu makes a huge variety of vehicles including commercial trucks and 3 wheeled vehicles. The sporty Daihatsu Copen is a two seater roadster with a lot of personalization options.
Originally founded in 1907, it was renamed Daihatsu in 1951 and is now part of the Toyota family of companies. They also make electric vehicles. Most of Daihatsu’s cars are purchased through dealers.
The company has a lot of engineering and manufacturing might behind all its products, making for good quality, reliable vehicles. Daihatsu has a vehicle for just about any need.
6. Lexus
“Lexus, where lifestyle and luxury meet.” Lexus is a premier luxury brand from Toyota. The Lexus LS 500 full size luxury sedan is one of the nicest rides available.
Spun off from Toyota in 1989, Lexus quickly rose to the top tier of luxury performance sedans and coupes. With full size SUVs, smaller crossovers, and specialty sports cars available, Lexus is a premium brand. Sold through dealerships worldwide.
Very high quality and great reliability add to the appeal of Lexus cars. Designed for anyone wanting great performance while being very comfortable.
7. Mazda
The CX-30 compact crossover SUV is one of the latest of fine cars to come from Mazda. It’s one of the few car brands named after a deity.
Founded in 1920, Mazda has been making a huge number of different types of vehicles. Their rotary engine RX-7 turned heads and passed up gas pumps as it allowed for a sporty car to be very fuel efficient. They continue to innovate with new designs for cars and engines.
Mazda is well liked and has a good reputation for making quality cars. Ford rebranded certain Mazdas for their own brand. If you’re looking for something new or a more classic design, Mazda has a car for you. Easily one of the standout Japanese car brands.
8. Subaru
Subaru is the Japanese language name for the star group otherwise known as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. The logo on the cars is a representation of that star cluster. Well known for making 4WD and AWD vehicles, their Outback and Forrester SUV/Wagons are very popular.
Part of the giant family of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru was founded in 1953. The “Boxer” engine design used in many of their cars is reminiscent of their aircraft engine designs. Subaru cars are sold everywhere 4WD cars are popular, primarily through dealerships.
Subaru vehicles are well liked because they go places other cars can’t go. And they last forever. Not quite forever, but they are very durable mechanically. Enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
9. Mitsubishi
With a brand name that evokes images of glorious flying machines of a bygone era, Mitsubishi makes fun cars. The Triton L200 is a full size pickup truck with impressive hauling capability.
With a legacy dating back to 1917, Mitsubishi Motor Cars was officially founded in 1970. Making subcompact cars through to large trucks, they have a lot of options for people to choose from.
Three diamonds in their brand stand for reliability, integrity, and success. The brand lives up to that name rather well. Mitsubishi makes cars for all sorts of various needs.
10. Izusu
Izusu is another giant industrial company that makes everything from semi trucks to power plant machinery including cars and light trucks. A medium duty pickup truck, the D-Max is sold under the Izusu brand and as rebadged brands such as the Chevy Colorado.
Originally founded in 1878 as a petroleum company, their motors division came into existence in 1934. As previously mentioned, a lot of Izusu cars and trucks were sold under other brand names. Sold through dealerships under the rebadged brands usually.
Izusu may not be a household name in some markets, but their vehicles are seen under several brands. Also, their commercial vehicles are robust and dependable.
11. Acura
Honda’s luxury brand, Acura makes high end cars and SUVs. Acura TLX is a compact executive entry level sedan that blends performance and luxury with reasonable affordability for a higher class vehicle.
Founded in 1986, Acura made a huge splash in the sports car market with the amazing NSX supercar, billed as the first Japanese car that was real competition on the level of Ferrari and Porsche. Acura is sold primarily through Honda and Acura dealerships.
As part of the Honda family of cars, Acura is known for reliability and smooth performance driving. Enjoyed by discriminating performance enthusiasts who also demand luxury. For those inclined for some luxury, this is easily one of the top Japanese car brands!
12. Infiniti
Partnering with Mercedes, Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand. Their compact executive hatchback QX30 is a premium crossover that combines high performance with comfort.
Begun in 1989, Infiniti was spun off from Nissan as its premium luxury car brand. Several of the vehicles are built on Mercedes chassis platforms in a partnership arrangement. Besides the compact cars, Infiniti makes mid size and full size sedans, sport coupes, and SUVs. All electric vehicles are rumored to be in the future plans for new cars.
Well respected by the automotive community as fine vehicles with excellent mechanical quality, high performance, and a smooth ride.
13. Mitsuoka
A smaller car company, but very interesting, Mitsuoka primarily makes specialty cars with a retro look and feel like the Viewt that looks similar to the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2 sedan.
In business since 1968, Mitsuoka is available through specialty dealers only. The company is basically remanufacturing other brands of Japanese cars, such as Nissan, into their luxury unique vehicles.
Their quality is very high, giving consumers an alternative to current offerings from the major manufacturers. They are also the maker of the TD2000 retro roadster based on the classic MG TD.
14. Yamaha
While you can’t buy a Yamaha car to drive on the highway, you can get the amazingly versatile utility vehicle UMX. You may have also ridden in a 6 passenger transport vehicle of theirs called the Cruise at an airport, a golf course, or amusement park.
The biggest thing Yamaha does for automobiles is building engines. Since about 1967, Yamaha has supplied engines for certain models from Ford, Toyota, and Volvo. Of course, you can buy a very nice motorcycle from them.
Yamaha is a respected company in the industry, being used by other major manufacturers to make engines for some of their sportier cars.
15. Kawasaki
Much like Yamaha, Kawasaki’s contribution to the automotive industry is utility vehicles, awesome motor bikes, and making engines for other car makers.
Kawasaki is a large company making aircraft, marine vehicles, and infrastructure machines. Their performance engines are tested and refined by their championship racing division.
Besides racing, motorcycles, and heavy industry, Kawasaki makes a lot of the stuff that goes into the things we use. You may not see a car branded Kawasaki, but you are probably using something made by them.
16. Hino Heavy Industry
If you ride a bus or got a delivery from a shipping company, you may have benefitted from Hino vehicles. They also make diesel engines for various car makers.
In business from 1942, Hino is now part of the giant Toyota company. They made some cars for Renault over the years. Trucks and buses are their most obvious current contribution to transportation. Their diesel engines can also be found anywhere from light duty trucks to major marine vehicles.
Hino engines are heavy duty and dependable, being relied on for major industry.
17. Ford Motor Company
Ford is an American company with a presence in may other countries including Japan. The Ford Kuga is a compact SUV based on the Fusion carriage and sold in overseas markets.
Except for the active WWII years, Ford has been in Japan since 1925. A partnership with Mazda has existed for years, with vehicles like the Probe and Fiesta being made jointly. Ford also sells their luxury Lincoln brand in Japan.
Ford and Mazda vehicles are both very high quality, so cars coming from their cooperation are very well made. Whether wanting sportiness, economy, or luxury in a vehicle, Ford has the vehicle for that desire.
18. Chrysler
One of the Big Three American car companies, Chrysler has cooperations with both German and Japanese automotive manufacturers. Daimler/Chrysler has interest in the Mitsubishi Motors company, resulting in several vehicles being made such as the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus.
The Mitsubishi partnership has existed since 1970 and has produced vehicles ranging from sports cars to light trucks. Available thorough dealerships worldwide.
The quality of cars coming out this multinational automotive industry is very high, as would be expected from their names. The cars made from relationship appeal to people wanting luxury, sportiness, or economy.
19. General Motors
The other of the Big Three American car companies, GM has a large presence in Japan, both for sales and manufacturing. The Chevy Bolt EV all electric vehicle is one of the most intriguing new cars to have come out in recent years.
Starting in 1927 with a manufacturing plant in Osaka, GM has had a continuous stake in the Japanese automotive industry. Partnerships with Suzuki resulted in very fuel efficient economy cars like the Chevy Sprint.
Some of the most exciting cars and some of the most affordable cars have come from GM being in Japan. If you want high mileage cars or heavy duty trucks, GM is a good brand to go with. For more details, you can also see my post on the best Jet Ski brands with some Japanese brands included!
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