15 Japanese Car Brands [Luxury & Base Models]
With so many different automakers worldwide, it’s hard to pick what one’s best. Sometimes a car is a status symbol, and sometimes it’s just used as a means of transportation. However, there are certain car brands that people have grown an affinity towards.
It doesn’t matter if you live in Japan or another country; chances are there’s a Japanese car brand you’re fond of. For some people, there is one specific Japanese automobile company they love to drive or own for their versatility and style.
To help with your decisions on what type of car you might want in the future, here is a list of the top ten best Japanese car brands.
Top Japanese Car Brands
1. Toyota
Toyota has always had a reputation for making reliable and versatile vehicles. Toyota takes safety very seriously, building safe cars to protect drivers and passengers. In addition, they are one of the most successful car brands around the world.
Getting a Toyota will cost on the low end $19,000 but can quickly jump up to over $90,000 if looking at a Toyota Land Cruiser. Don’t get too concerned with the top-of-the-line price tag, as most Toyota models will cost $27,000 to $36,000.
This car brand is known for its reliability and comes with an average yearly maintenance cost of just under $200 per year.
One specific vehicle that seems to sell well every year is the Toyota 4Runner. This car has gained popularity because it is known as being very versatile. No matter what you are doing, the 4Runner can handle anything thrown at it.
Toyota offers entry-level cars for those on a budget and luxury cars for those looking for all the extras. Either way, customers are sure to find the perfect car with Toyota.
Their most popular vehicles in the United States include the Camry, Avalon, Corolla, and the Prius.
Toyota Camry – starting at $25,395 going up to $36,750
The Camry is one of Toyota’s most popular vehicles. This 4-door sedan has a sleek exterior and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo space in the trunk.
It also gets great gas mileage and is considered one of the best cars for teen drivers.
Toyota Avalon – starting at $36,375 going up to $44,000
Another great option from Toyota comes in the form of the Avalon. This larger sedan has a sportier look with an aggressive exterior, and the interior is comfortable with enough room for everyone you take on road trips with you.
Toyota Corolla – starting at $20,00 going up to $32,500
The Toyota Corolla is a reliable, compact car with outstanding gas mileage and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. If you’re looking for a solid and dependable vehicle, the Corolla might be a good option for you.
Toyota Prius – starting at $24,500 going up to $33,000
The Toyota Prius is known as one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient cars on the market. This vehicle has gotten the highest gas mileage of any car in its class, making it an obvious choice if you’re looking to save money on gas.
Toyota 4Runner – starting at $37,600 going up to $54,000
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can take you places other cars can’t, the 4Runner is the one for you. This SUV has a beautiful exterior that’s great for off-roading and plenty of space in both the interior and trunk area.
Toyota Tundra – starting at $36,000 going up to $71,000
If you’re looking for a truck that’s not just a work truck, the Tundra is a great option. This ride has been designed with comfort and safety in mind–making it perfect for long trips across town or the country.
2. Honda
Honda has always been known for designing cars with excellent fuel economy and affordable prices. In addition, it is no secret that they make some of the most reliable vehicles on the market. Nearly all of their cars can go for many years without significant mechanical problems.
Honda offers many affordable models, with most coming in at just shy of $30,000. The range for a new Honda starts at $20,000 and tops off at around $60,000.
Honda is another very reliable car brand but has seen an increase in yearly maintenance costs over the last ten years. Expect to budget around $300 a year for maintenance on your new Honda.
Some of the best-selling cars from Honda include the Accord and Civic. These vehicles have a large amount of space while also offering many luxury comforts.
Honda is another favored Japanese car brand in the United States. They are known for making high-quality, dependable, and long-lasting vehicles that can get you where you need to go while keeping you safe along the way.
Their most popular models include the Accord, Civic, CRV, Odyssey, and Pilot.
Honda Accord – starting at $26,000 going up to $38,000
The Honda Accord is by far one of the most popular cars in the United States. It comes with an elegant exterior and has plenty of technological options to make your ride comfortable and enjoyable. This car has fantastic gas mileage and is exceptionally safe for driving on any road.
Honda Civic – starting at $22,300 going up to $34,000
The Honda Civic is another popular choice amongst Americans. This vehicle comes with a sporty exterior and comfortable interior with enough room for passengers and plenty of storage space in the trunk area.
Honda CRV – starting at $26,400 going up to $43,000
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle any terrain while still getting great gas mileage, the Honda CRV might be the option for you. This crossover has an aggressive exterior and plenty of storage space in the interior and the trunk.
Honda Odyssey – starting at $33,000 going up to $56,000
The Honda Odyssey is another vehicle designed for comfort. This minivan comes with a beautiful exterior with plenty of room for passengers and ample space for all your and your family’s necessities.
Honda Pilot – starting at $37,500 going up to $50,000
If you’re looking for a vehicle with plenty of space inside and out, the Honda Pilot is for you. This SUV has an aggressive exterior that will turn heads wherever you go and enough room in the interior and trunk area to drive around your family or friends comfortably.
3. Nissan
Nissan offers a wide range of vehicles to fulfill almost any automotive enthusiast’s driving needs, including economical choices, hybrids, offroad, hauling, and even those who crave speed. In addition to being known for its high-quality cars, Nissan is also one of the top automakers of motorsports racing worldwide.
With such a wide variety of cars, it is no surprise that the average price for a Nissan comes in a little higher than some other brands. The average cost to get into a Nissan is around $35,000. Their vehicles can range from $19,000 to over $200,000. Expect to pay about $310 a year for maintenance costs on your Nissan.
One of the most unique vehicles from Nissan is the GT-R sports car. This vehicle turns heads wherever it goes as people are fascinated by its loud engine and sleek design style. In addition to being a trendy luxury sports car, there have been rumors about Nissan planning to release a new version soon.
The Leaf is another unique vehicle produced by Nissan that people can’t stop talking about. This electric car takes the idea of high-quality, environmentally-friendly vehicles to the next level. Not only does it help keep our environment clean, but it also conserves gas since this car runs 100% on electricity and not gasoline.
In addition to creating some of the best sports cars, Nissan also produces outstanding family vehicles. One example is its NV cargo van that can fit up to eight people. This car allows families to save money since it saves on gas and keeps the environment clean.
The Nissan brand has become increasingly popular in the United States with its cars known for beautifully designed exteriors and spacious interiors. If you’re looking to purchase any of these Japanese car brands, there are plenty of dealerships that you can go through to find your perfect ride!
Their most popular models include the Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Rogue.
Nissan Altima – starting at $24,500 going up to $37,000
The Nissan Altima is another popular car amongst Americans. This sedan has a sporty exterior with LED lights making it great for driving in low-light conditions. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of trunk space for storage and a smooth ride for comfort.
Nissan Maxima – starting at $37,200 going up to $43,000
The larger Nissan Maxima comes with an elegant exterior that will turn heads wherever you go. With a spacious interior, it has plenty of room for passengers. It also gets decent gas mileage, making it an affordable ride yet dependable on longer trips.
Nissan Murano – starting at $32,900 going up to $45,500
The Nissan Murano is another popular choice if you’re looking for a vehicle that will keep you safe as well as stylish. This compact SUV has a sporty exterior with safety features such as the Around Vision and Blind Spot Warning to help you drive safely on any road.
The interior of this vehicle is also roomy enough to comfortably fit passengers without sacrificing storage space in the trunk area for your luggage or other belongings.
Nissan Rogue – starting at $26,000 going up to $37,500
The Nissan Rogue is another popular choice for those looking for a crossover. This ride has a sporty exterior complete with LED lights and an elegant interior with plenty of room in the trunk and interior areas. It also has excellent gas mileage making it affordable and dependable on long trips.
4. Subaru
This car brand is known for being one of the safest brands in Japan. One famous vehicle from Subaru is the Impreza which claims to have no blind spots, making it feel like the safest car on the road.
They can range from $20,000 to $60,000 for the top-of-the-line WRX. The average Subaru will cost $29,500, which is a little less than what most other brands ask for. You can expect to pay $390 a year on average for maintenance costs.
This car is also known for being one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. This is because Subaru makes sure to put all drivers’ safety first before its own, creating durable cars that can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
One common vehicle found in many people’s households is the Forester SUV. This car is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. In addition, it gets decent gas mileage and has a very spacious interior for taking long road trips.
5. Mazda
Mazda is known for making high-quality sports cars that nearly everyone falls in love with once they test drive them. One of their most popular cars is the RX-7 which has a unique style that you can’t find in any other car brand.
Mazdas start in at $20,000 and can go up to $50,000. Their average cost is around $27,000. This company requires a lot less maintenance than most other car brands. You can expect to pay an average of $210 a year for maintenance costs.
One of their more popular family cars would be the Mazda 3, which is regarded as one of the best compact vehicles on the market. Many people say it feels like you’re driving a sports car because of its lightweight compared to other compact vehicles.
6. Lexus
Lexus is known for being one of the top luxury brands worldwide. Many people love this brand because every car they produce looks like it belongs to royalty.
With Lexus being a luxury brand, you can expect to have a higher price tag. The lowest-priced Lexus comes in at $32,000, and the highest comes in at $105,000. On average, a Lexus will cost around $49,000.
Besides being a luxury brand, this company also makes some of the most reliable cars on the market. They rarely ever experience many mechanical failures and will cost an average of $310 a year for maintenance and repairs.
The ES, GS, and RX models are some of their most common vehicles. All of them offer a luxurious experience while also giving high-tech features such as Bluetooth, navigation systems, and plenty of storage space.
7. Acura
Acura is a high-end brand with some of the most well-known vehicles on the market. It’s known for being one of the top 10 Japanese car brands because they have made cars as reliable as an Accord but as luxurious as a BMW.
Acura is the luxury brother of Honda, and their vehicles are priced accordingly. You can get into an Acura for as low as $27,000, but prices can go up to $160,000 for an NSX. The average cost for an Acura is $41,000.
They are known for being one of the most reliable luxury brands on the market. You can expect to have an average yearly maintenance cost of around $380.
This company creates stylish family sedans such as the ILX, TL, and RLX. These cars have a simple yet elegant design that any driver would fall in love with once they see it up close.
One popular car they have brought back in recent years is the Acura NSX which brings nostalgia to those who grew up in the 90s. This NSX model is known for being one of the most popular mid-engine sports cars on the road.
8. Suzuki
Suzuki is one of the most competitive brands in Japan because they have affordable prices with high-quality vehicles made with solid materials.
Suzuki no longer sells cars in the USA, but they still offer them in certain countries. Suzuki’s are relatively affordable, with models starting at $17,000 and going up to $41,000. The average Suzuki will cost $26,500, which is low for our list. Suzuki has relatively low maintenance costs and only costs around $260 a year on repairs and general upkeep.
This brand has become so popular in Japan in recent years due to how many new models they’re releasing every year, making them a top choice for car consumers.
9. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is one of the top 10 best Japanese car brands because they make stylish and sleek cars while also giving them high-tech features like navigation systems and Bluetooth.
Although they have gotten rid of many of their most popular models in the US, they still carry many models that consumers enjoy. You can get into a Mitsubishi for as low as $14,000 and a high-end cost of $44,000. A new Mitsubishi will cost an average of $25,750.
Maintenance costs for a Mitsubishi are a bit on the expensive end. You can expect to pay around $280 a year, which is average for our list.
One of the most popular sedans that the company made is the Lancer. Many people love this model because it looks like a sports car but gives people the low price of an economy sedan. It also came in a more sporty trim with a more powerful engine to compete with the Subaru WRX.
Today, the top-selling Mitsubishi models include the Outlander and the Eclipse Cross, which are excellent choices for families.
10. Daihatsu
Daihatsu is known as one of the best Japanese car brands for many different reasons. They have a wide range of vehicles, making them a top choice among families.
These compact cars are not currently offered in the US but are relatively affordable. They have an average cost of $16,500–with an entry-level price point of $11,300 and can go up to $23,000.
Reliability is where Daihatsu shines. They’re known for being one of the most reliable vehicles out there, which attracts many customers. Maintenance costs are cheaper but expect to pay around $130 a year. They are known for dominating the Japanese mini-car market, making it one of the best choices for a compact vehicle.
Luxury Japanese Car Brands
Japanese luxury cars range from $25,000 to over $100,000, depending on each car’s make, model, and options. These vehicles offer some of the best technology and safety features on the market.
Lexus
Lexus is the top-selling luxury car brand from Japan. These cars are known for their reliability, low maintenance costs, and sleek design with all the new technology features that luxury buyers want.
Lexus primarily designs sedans, SUVs, and hybrids. Their most luxurious model is the lx600 with an MSRP starting at $90,000. This SUV offers a seven-passenger seating capacity.
Lexus offers simple luxury with all the technological features and comfort that luxury car buyers expect. They have plenty of popular models with various price ranges depending on the model and features.
Lexus IS – starting at $38,700 and going up to $98,000
This line has a lot of different models that include sedans, hybrids, and coupes. The IS series is known for its sporty design with outstanding features that make it popular among the younger crowd.
Lexus RX – starting at $45,500 and going up to $70,000
The RX is one of the most popular models from Lexus. This SUV comes with all-wheel drive and plenty of safety features that make it an excellent choice for families.
Lexus ES – starting at $40,800 for and going up to $60,000
The ES line is another popular model from Lexus. This car comes in a coupe or sedan design with a five-passenger seating capacity.
Lexus LS – starting at $76,000 and going up to $80,000
This popular model comes in a coupe or sedan design with a five-passenger seating capacity. The LS Hybrid can be priced over $80,000, depending on selected options.
Lexus GX – starting at $55,600 and going up to $73,000
The GX is a luxury SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This model is perfect for large families with its luxurious features and multiple seating options.
Infiniti
Infiniti is another well-known luxury car brand from Japan. This brand primarily makes sedans and SUVs. These cars are known for their unique design and luxurious interior features that set them apart from the competition.
The most popular model from this line is the Q50 with an MSRP starting at $42,100. Infiniti Q Series – starting at $41,700 and going up to $62,000
The Q series is a favored luxury sedan from this brand. It comes in two different models, each offering unique features and benefits for luxury car buyers. The Q50 has an MSRP starting at $42,100.
Infiniti QX Series – starting at $39,000 and going up to $90,000
This line offers an SUV model with all-wheel drive. The QX series has a stylish design that perfectly complements its luxury interior components. These cars are perfect for families looking for sporty with plenty of room to seat passengers or cargo.
Many Infiniti models start higher than their counterparts but don’t go as high as some Lexus models. This brand has some great designs that are more modern and sleek.
Acura
Acura is another popular luxury car brand from Japan. This line is known for its affordability and stylish interior design. This brand is Honda’s big brother, and they both work together to create cars that suit the needs of luxury car buyers.
The Acura RDX offers an MSRP starting at $40,100. This SUV has all-wheel drive and a comfortable seating capacity, perfect for large families or small groups of friends.
The Acura ILX is another popular model with an MSRP starting at $27,300. This luxury sedan comes with plenty of features that make it perfect for the on-the-go luxury buyer.
This line offers many different, less expensive models than other brands but still offers outstanding style and reliability. There are plenty of models to choose from, depending on your personal preference.
Some of the more expensive models from this brand include the TLX and MDX.
The TLX starts at $33,000 and goes up to $55,000 for the fully loaded model. The TLX line is sporty and luxurious and is perfect for drivers looking to upgrade from the ILX.
The MDX is Acura’s most popular model, with an MSRP starting at $48,000. The top of the line model will cost you $73,000. This SUV comes in many different levels that all offer unique features.
This line doesn’t stop with just these popular models. Acura has the NSX model for you if you’re into luxury and speed. With an MSRP starting at $169,500, this car is considered one of the best luxury sports cars out there.
Acura offers affordable luxury with unbeaten reliability. These cars are perfect for families looking for some style and the perks that come with luxury car ownership.
The Land Cruiser
Toyota is similar to Nissan and is the little brother to Lexus. They offer luxury, reliability, and affordability together with an array of features that will make you feel like the star of the road.
Although most of their models don’t fall under the luxury category, they do have a model that would be considered a luxury that comes with an extra price tag. If you guessed the Toyota Land Cruiser, you are correct.
This car is perfect for anyone who wants to travel in luxury without sacrificing the amenities that come with it. The Land Cruiser has an MSRP of $85,600 and comes with some great features for off-road or long-distance traveling. For the top of the line Land Cruiser, you can expect to pay over $90,000.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the only luxury model that this brand offers, but they offer some of the most popular affordable cars on the market. Most of their models are new or redesigned to fit the modern-day needs of families and individuals who want luxury without sacrificing style or price.
Toyota Century
If you’re looking for a Japanese luxury car that has a classic and traditional style, then the Century is perfect for you. The Toyota Century is known as the official car of the Japanese emperor. This luxury vehicle dates back to 1967, when Toyota designed it.
Featuring seating that can comfortably fit up to five people, this car offers an array of amenities such as a four-zone automatic air conditioning system, DVD entertainment system, and two rear-seat television monitors. This Japanese luxury car rivals many top luxury brands like Bentley, Mercedes Benz, and Rolls-Royce.
These Japanese luxury car brands offer consumers the chance to purchase a reliable and luxurious car all in one package. Know what you’re looking for before you choose which of these best suits your needs, and make sure to keep future maintenance, modifications, and upkeep in mind when considering buying a Japanese luxury car.
Japanese luxury car brands have a leg up on most of their competition because they offer high quality at a lower cost than many other companies. Their cars may not be as fast or luxurious as their competitors, but they manage to keep up with them in terms of quality and reliability.
Japanese Car Brands In US
All of the above brands are available for purchase in the United States. The most popular Japanese car brand in the US is Toyota. And for good reason – they are one of the world’s largest automakers. But there are plenty of other Japanese brands out there, and they’re gaining a foothold in the United States market.
These Japanese automakers have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a luxurious ride or just something to get you from point A to point B. No matter where you are in the United States, you’ll encounter many of these Japanese car brands daily.
The price of Japanese cars in the U.S. starts as low as $18,000 and can quickly climb up to $210,000. With models designed for off-road, luxury, sport, or family use – you can find a Japanese car to match your needs regardless of what they are.
We will walk through some of the top-selling Japanese brands in the United States, what models you can get from each, and how much they cost. This way, if you have been considering getting a new car or even just looking to upgrade, you will have more information on some of your options.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 best Japanese car brands! There are other Japanese car brands like Infiniti, Izusu, Mitsuoka, and Aspark that you should also get familiar with because they are all popular or growing brands with their own unique place in the market.
Many of these Japanese car brands give people the best value and long-lasting quality. Remember that these rankings are constantly changing because many other companies are catching up with the quality of cars they produce. But for now, these ten should be your go-to brands if you’re looking at getting a Japanese car.
