These Are the Best Japanese Any Driver Could Buy This Year
Everybody knows that Japanese cars are some of the most reliable and efficient on the market. In fact, many older Japanese cars still hold up well today. Flick through the slides below for 35 suggestions of the best Japanese cars to buy this year.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 may be from the ‘90s, but it's by no means dated. This sophisticated SUV is perfect for families, with excellent fuel economy for long journeys. You can enjoy driving it both on and off the road on various adventures.
Honda Civic Type R
If you're looking for something flashy, why not give the Honda Civic Type R a chance? It's exhilarating to drive, with a responsive, rev-happy engine and firm handling that makes taking corners a piece of cake. The Type R is also surprisingly practical for everyday use.
Mazda CX-60
Sporty cars don’t always need to be sports cars, so if you want something speedy but also spacious, the Mazda CX-60 is perfect. It’s far more agile than it looks, and can roar past 60mph in under 6 seconds. But you can also rely on it for general commuting.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Speaking of large Japanese cars that run like a dream, consider putting the Toyota Yaris Cross on your list. It’s a young vehicle that has proven its worth, with a sophisticated design and durable build. The hybrid engine is also very economical to run.
Nissan Qashqai
After almost two decades on the roads, the Nissan Qashqai remains a firm favorite of drivers who need something practical. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a new family car, with a comfortable interior and plenty of space.
Suzuki Jimny
Listen up, off-road adventurers! The Suzuki Jimny is still going strong in 2025, sporting its iconic retro boxy build and rugged all-terrain tires. Its well-built chassis and short wheelbase, which easily clear rough terrain, are examples of the finest Japanese automotive craftsmanship.
Lexus LC500
Sometimes, you should judge a book by its cover. Or, in this case, a car by its stunning, polished exterior and luxurious build. The Lexus LC500 also houses a powerful V8 engine, so it’s the perfect car for those who want to ride in style.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
We’re sure that you already know this high-performance icon well, but we had to mention the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. It’s aggressive, nimble, and very fast, with a top speed of 155mph. If you want to splash out on a speedster this year, make it this one.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Though other Miatas have mixed reputations, the Mazda MX-5 is pretty widely loved. It’s a fun convertible that tours like a dream, while also providing a classic roadster driving experience. It’s actually at its best on twisty roads, with top-notch handling and revs.
Honda Odyssey
We want to take things down a notch for those who want to buy a new practical vehicle in 2025. It’s very spacious inside, with a reliable V6 engine and a large trunk for cargo stowage. But the exterior is also stylish, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Toyota MR2
Most drivers prefer the old Toyota MR2 design, so it’s lucky that there are still plenty around! You’ll be sacrificing practicality, but that’s absolutely worth it for this gorgeous, sporty car, which has iconic pop-up headlights and a rear racing bar.
Daihatsu Mira
You may not have heard of the Daihatsu Mira, but it should be top of your list if you want a new commuter car. It’s compact and nimble, so city driving is a breeze, and it’s also very cheap to run and maintain.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
It may have left the production platform in 2016, but the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution remains a top car in 2025. This Japanese beauty is a beast in any generation, with a turbocharged engine that performs just as well on roads as it does on tracks.
Subaru Legacy
As its name suggests, the Subaru Legacy has a very long legacy that has persevered into 2025. That’s because it’s known for being one of the most reliable Subarus on the market, with a capable all-wheel drive system and every comfort you could want.
Isuzu D-Max
The Japanese don’t just make incredible cars; they also produce some of the best-quality trucks. We highly recommend the Isuzu D-Max because, despite its shiny exterior, it’s a classic workhorse vehicle, with large hauling capacities, a spacious pickup bed, and a comfortable cab.
Lexus IS-F
If you want a multi-purpose car that can handle both long journeys and short-term, high-speed driving, the Lexus IS-F should be your next car. Like other high-performance Japanese vehicles, it has a sporty design and a V8 engine chock full of revs and torque.
Mazda Cosmo
The Mazda Cosmo has had a few facelifts, but even the old ‘90s design still looks good in 2025. If you’re really into cars, you’ll love the Cosmo’s unique rotary engine, which was groundbreaking back in the ‘60s, and its enduring futuristic build.
Acura MDX
Acura is a luxury division of Honda, so we’d expect nothing less than opulence from them. Luckily, the MDX delivered back in 1986 and still does today, with a large, solid build, three rows of seats for comfortable journeys, and updated tech to keep things interesting.
Subaru Impreza
You probably see multiple Subaru Imprezas every day, and that’s because they’re such great cars! They may look like typical luxury sedans, but they’re actually highly dependable, comfortable vehicles with top-tier safety features, which makes them perfect for driving around your family or commuting to work.
Nissan Titan
Even the most utilitarian types of vehicles look good if they’re built by Nissan! The Titan has ample space for both passengers and cargo, as well as a hauling capacity of over 9,200lbs! You can thank its powerful V8 engine for that.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross hasn’t even been around 10 years yet, but it’s already making an impact. We highly recommend it to anybody looking for a new SUV in 2025. It doesn’t have endless interior space, but it’s comfortable, safe, and drives very well.
Toyota Camry
If a car has been religiously manufactured since the ‘80s, then it’s safe to say that it’s still a great car to buy in 2025. The Toyota Camry suits any driver’s needs, with a comfortable interior, easy handling on any road surface, and excellent longevity.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is another old Japanese faithful that is still at the top of its game in 2025. It has a sophisticated sedan build and a turbocharged engine that can take it to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds! This car will become your pride and joy.
Nissan Ariya
If you want something that’s practically brand new, we recommend the Nissan Ariya. Unlike the wishy-washy Nissan Leaf, the Ariya is a highly competent EV, with smooth handling and an almost-silent driving experience. It also has a premium SUV build and a sumptuous interior.
Mitsuoka Buddy
You probably haven’t heard of the Mitsuoka Buddy, but if you can find one for sale in 2025, it’s a great option to consider. Its funky design alone is enough to pique interest, but it’s also comfortable, easy to handle, and seamlessly blends modern tech with retro styling.
Acura Integra
Whether you prefer the classic ‘80s look or the more modern design from 2022, you’ll love driving the Acura Integra. It’s yet another sporty, nimble Japanese vehicle that people enjoy riding in. For work or play, it’s a top contender on the current car market.
Daihatsu Terios
You may laugh at the Daihatsu Terios’ chunky, box-shaped build, but it’s still one of the best commuter cars available today. Most of its appeal comes from its fuel-efficient engine, practical design, and surprisingly good off-road capabilities. Don’t rule it out.
Suzuki Swift
How could we not mention this Japanese classic? People of all ages love the Suzuki Swift because it’s so dependable and versatile. Though many older Swifts are quite simple to look at, they perform well and are very economical to run and repair.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota enthusiasts still go wild over the Highlander in 2025, so that’s a good sign! There are a variety of versions available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, but they’re all capable of doing over 200,000 miles if you maintain them.
Mazda CX-90
Mazda doesn’t just do small and agile; it also excels at SUVs! The CX-90 is a great choice if you want something spacious to transport your family in, or a car that can handle adventures on any terrain. The responsive handling and powerful engine can meet any requirement.
Mitsuoka Rock Star
If ever there was a car worthy of its name, it’s the Mitsuoka Rock Star. This fabulous sports car is perfect for anybody who loves retro styling and a fun, lightweight driving experience. The Rock Star is not a roaring powerhouse, but it drives well and looks phenomenal.
Nissan Juke
We don’t see the Nissan Juke ever going out of style, so it’s another fantastic choice for 2025. If you don’t mind being one of the crowd, you’ll love how well the Juke drives, with perfect balance and a smooth engine. It also has a simple yet stylish design.
Isuzu VehiCROSS
Despite its tank-like looks, we promise that the Isuzu VehiCROSS is a car! It’s one of the most capable off-road Japanese vehicles ever produced, with a high-slung chassis and massive all-terrain wheels. It’s a fairly rare car, but absolutely worth it if you love driving off-road.
Suzuki Cappuccino
Suzuki isn’t necessarily known for sports cars, but the Cappuccino is a really great vehicle. If you want something agile and sporty that doesn’t cost a ridiculous amount of money, choose this car. It looks just as good in 2025 as it did in 1991.
Toyota Corolla
Finally, we had to mention the Toyota Corolla. This car has evolved a ton since the original model came out in 1966, allowing it to compete with some of the best modern cars. The current Corolla is as reliable, smooth, and comfortable as ever, so don’t miss out on it.
