Japanese Cars Are Typically Great, but These Are the Best Ever Made
Over the years, Japan has become renowned for its extensive range of high-quality vehicles. In fact, if you consider some of the most reliable cars out there, chances are they were probably designed and built in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at 22 of the best Japanese cars ever made.
Subaru Impreza 22B STi
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is well and truly a legend on the rally scene. Only 400 models were ever produced, which is why it is now such a highly sought-after collector’s item. With top-quality performance and plenty of advanced features for its time, this car will go down in Japanese automotive history.
Honda NSX-R
The Honda NSX-R is one of the most beloved Japanese cars of all time, and for good reason. Launched in 1992, this groundbreaking vehicle offered an unmatched driving experience for the time. To this day, very few cars can compete with its smooth ride.
Mazda RX-7 FD
The Mazda RX-7 FD is the third generation of its type and widely considered to be one of the best sports cars of all time. In fact, after its release, critics rated that it as offering the ‘most exhilarating ride’ of the era.
Nissan GT-R R34 Z-Tune
The Nissan GT-R R34 Z-Tune is a customer favorite across the globe. In fact, the GT-R range is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time and for good reason. This car, in particular, offers top-quality performance while simultaneously prioritizing reliability and comfort, like most Japanese models.
Mitsubishi Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
The Mitsubishi Evolution VI TME was released in 1999 to pay homage to Makinen’s 4th consecutive WRC drivers’ championship win. The car was essentially the same design as the previous model, but it came with a number of updates, making it a customer favorite.
Toyota Supra Mk4
The Toyota Supra Mk4 is yet another legendary sports car that many people would consider one of the best of all time. Praised for its reliability and attention to detail, it even outperformed some of the sports car giants.
Toyota 2000GT
The Toyota 2000GT is widely considered to be Japan’s first-ever supercar. With that being said, it is also one of the coolest cars to ever come out of the country. It resembles many of its luxury rivals, while still offering practicality and comfort.
Mazda MX-5 (NA)
Even though the Mazda MX-5 NA may not be the fastest in its range, it holds a very special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. It was an instant hit after its release in 1989, popular for its smooth ride and luxurious feel.
Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA is widely considered to be one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time - if not, a close second behind the Toyota 2000GT. Even some of the best-known car critics, such as Jeremy Clarkson, have stated that it is their favorite vehicle.
Nissan GT-R R32
The Nissan GT-R R32, often referred to as ‘Godzilla’, is another immensely successful Japanese sports car. During its peak, it dominated the Group A racing series.
Honda Integra Type R DC2
First introduced in 1995, the Honda Integra Type R DC2 was lighter, stiffer, and more powerful than any of its predecessors. At the time, it also set a record for the most power produced per liter of fuel.
Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT (Twin Turbo)
The Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT is often referred to as a technological masterpiece. In fact, at the time of its release, it was by far one of the most advanced cars in the world. With a powerful engine that produced around 300 horsepower, it’s no surprise that the car was such a resounding success.
Nissan 300ZX Z32 Twin-Turbo
The Nissan 300ZX Z32 Twin-Turbo is one of the most beloved Japanese cars of all time. It featured a sleek exterior, with a luxurious interior and plenty of power to back it up.
Toyota MR2 Mk2 (Turbocharged)
The entire Toyota MR2 range is fantastic, but there is just something special about the Mk2. It was praised for its style and power, while simultaneously offering a sense of luxury. With its refined features, it was truly the ultimate care of its time.
Honda Civic Type R FK8
It’s safe to say that all Type Rs from Honda are special. However, there is just something different about the R FK8.
Nissan Nismo R35 GT-R
When released in 2007, the Nissan Nismo R35 GT-R was the fastest car in the world. Overall, it set the bar high for future vehicles. With a maximum horsepower of 600, it truly was a marvel of a car.
Honda S2000
Like many of the cars on our list, the Honda S2000 is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports cars of all time. Launched in 1999, it offered rear-wheel drive and a stunning 247 horsepower.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has to be one of the most iconic cars ever made - simply for its reliability, affordability, and great value for money. Overall, the Corolla is a great car. It offers a comfortable ride, longevity, and includes a number of advanced safety features, making it the ultimate family vehicle.
Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
While the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 may not be remembered for its performance, it definitely should be. It was an absolute beast of a car on the rally scene, producing around 252 horsepower.
Nissan Fairlady Z (Datsun 240Z)
The Nissan Fairlady Z was released around the same time as the Toyota 2000GT and stood as its biggest competitor. While it may not have been as luxurious as the 2000GT, it did offer a slightly better performance.
Toyota Century (First Generation)
The Toyota Century range is undoubtedly loved amongst automotive enthusiasts. However, even though numerous models have been developed over the years, the first remains arguably the best. It was about as luxurious as a car could possibly be, making it a resounding success.
Nissan Nismo 400R R33 GT-R
The Nissan Nismo 400R R33 GT-R was first released in 1997. It included a number of advanced features that had not been seen at the time. With a whopping 400 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, it was undoubtedly a standout vehicle. To this day, there are very few cars that can compete with its performance.
