The automotive industry is one of the biggest & strongest enterprises in the world, which is incomplete without the mention of Japanese car brands.
The Japanese automotive industry is one of the biggest and most prominent industries in the world. Most of the world-renowned car brands are from Japan which sometimes comes as a shock to people.
In 2021, Toyota Motor Corporation became the world’s largest car company which is a Japanese enterprise. Some of the famous Japanese car brands that you might be familiar with are Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, etc.
Japanese car brands are not only about reliability, but they also offer luxury and style. There are numerous luxury Japanese car brands that people might still not know that they are from Japan.
In the mass market, Driver’s love for Toyota can never be ignored. Honda is another Japanese car brand in the world that is the rider’s favorite.
Suggestion For Reading: Top 9 Best Japanese Sports Cars List in – Get Ready To Drive.
When it comes to innovation and technology, Japan is among the top names that pop into the mind. The country has been able to indulge its dedication and love for technology in this automobile industry well enough.
The famous Nissan GT-R is titled the best Japanese sports car of all time. The Mazda MX-5, another car of Japanese origin, is the world’s best-selling sports car.
A country that holds such a solid ground not only in the mass car market but also in the luxury & sports market is worth the mention.
Apart from producing affordable cars, Japanese car brands are well known for their most reliable luxury cars that run for a long time with low maintenance costs.
Today in this article, we will be talking about the best Japanese car brands popular among the globe along with some of the country’s luxurious car brands and more.
Best 10 Japanese Car Brands To Look For
Japan is a welcoming country well-known for its manners, punctuality, innovations, and styles. Motor vehicles are among the top things in which people all over the globe have learned to trust companies other than their native ones.
Japanese car brands are among the most trusted and loved automobile brands in the world. The name Japan holds so much power and trust in it that people don’t feel scared to put their faith in its advancement and work ethic.
This is the reason that Japanese automobile companies have made such a big market for themselves in big countries like the USA, Canada, etc.
Today in 2023, Japan is 2nd largest vehicle export country after Germany with strong performance and the full popularity of its vehicle around the world.
Here I have the top 10 Japanese car brands that are highly loved by car enthusiasts all over the world :
- Toyota
- Honda
- Subaru
- Nissan
- Lexus
- Acura
- Mazda
- Infiniti
- Mitsubishi
- Suzuki
Also Read: Most Expensive Cars in The World of all Time
10 Best Japanese Car Brands That Are Highly Popular Among The People
The automobile industry is the largest and most competitive industry. Companies constantly working with innovations and ideas make it hard for people to choose from the bunch. But over time, the product usage makes people understand the dynamic & they sure tend to form favorites.
Looks are not the only things that attract buyers anymore. Customers have become very sharp. They need a vehicle that is reliable, efficient, and can hold on to the claims made by the manufacturer.
This is why over the years, People have shifted their interest in automobiles from the top auto industries like German & American towards the Japanese auto industry. Take a look at the top 10 Japanese automakers leading the auto market in 2023 & beyond.
1. TOYOTA
- Founded: 1937
- Headquarters: Toyota City, Japan
- Parent organization: Toyota Group
- Official Site: www.toyota.com
- Popular cars: Tacoma, Camry, Corolla, Land Cruiser, Highlander, and RAV4
Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer. In 2023, Toyota became the largest car organization in the world, overtaking the famous Volkswagen in the race.
The company was established by Kichiro Toyoda in 1937. The company has its headquarter in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. Toyota is a global administrator in the selling of composite electronic carriers and is among the top companies that encouraged the mass-market appropriation of hybrid cars around the world.
Toyota Motor Corp. manufactures motor vehicles under five labels, namely Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, Ranz, and Hino. Toyota is the most loved Japanese car brand in countries like India, America, etc. The brand holds a lot of respect and love from the natives as they associate Toyota vehicles as the most reliable motors in the market.
2. HONDA
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Parent organization: Honda Motor Corporation
- Official Site: www.honda.com
- Popular cars: Civic, CR-V, Accord, Odyssey, Insight, and Passport
The next name on our list of best Japanese car brands is Honda. The Honda Motor Company is another Japanese multinational producer of motor vehicles, motorbikes, and related power equipment.
The company was founded in 1948, and it has its headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company has worked well for itself over the last two decades.
In 2001, Honda became the second-largest Japanese car manufacturer, and as of 2023, the company is the fifth-largest automobile producer in the world.
Apart from all this, Honda was the initial Japanese carmaker to issue a dedicated extravagant car label named Acura in 1986.
The Honda Civic, the most popular and demanded sedan of Honda is the top-selling car for the last 40 years and give fuel mileage to buyers. Thus, if you are someone who is in search of a good Japanese car brand, Honda can be where your search ends.
3. SUBARU
- Founded: 1953
- Headquarters: Ebisu, Tokyo, Japan
- Parent organization: Fuji Heavy Industries
- Official Site: www.subaru-global.com
- Popular cars: Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Ascent
Subaru is the next name on this list of the best Japanese car brands. Subaru is an automobile building group of the Japanese transportation group Fuji Heavy Industries. The company has its headquarters in Ebisu, Tokyo, Japan, and was founded in 1953.
Subaru is very popular, especially in America, and has a stronghold in the American auto market. The label is referred to as safe and reliable, especially for teenagers.
The company has earned dedicated core customers which have made it one of the most loved automobile brands in the United States. Subaru has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts, thanks in part to its rugged design and all-wheel drive capabilities.
Subaru cars are well built, have attractive style, and good interiors, and hold excellent safety ratings making them a complete package. It is also famous for its performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI models, which are popular among car enthusiasts.
4. NISSAN
- Founded: 1933
- Headquarters: Nishi-Ku, Yokohama, Japan
- Parent organization: Groupe Renault
- Official Site: www.nissan-global.com
- Popular cars: Kicks, Titan, Versa, Altima, and Maxima
Another Japanese car brand ruling the world automobile market is Nissan. Nissan or Nissan Motor Corporation is another Japanese multinational motor vehicle maker founded in 1933.
The company has its headquarters in Nishi-Ku, Yokohama, Japan. The corporation markets its product below various other names like Nissan, Datsun, and Infiniti.
So if you want the surety of Nissan in your purchase, you can go for its other labels to enjoy a variety but with the trust of Nissan.
Nissan is the first automaker to use continuously variable transmission in its first vehicles for a smooth drive on the road. Also, Nisan Patrol is the oldest SUV produced by any auto company. In 2020, the company changed its logo to give itself a new outlook and blend with the advancement of society.
Not only in America, but Nissan is a dominant motor label in countries like Russia, China, and Mexico.
5. LEXUS
- Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
- Parent Organization: Toyota
- Official Site: www.lexus.com
- Popular cars: RX, NX, LX, ES, and LS
The next name on the list of best Japanese car brands to consider in 2023 is Lexus. Lexus is the extravagant motor branch of the famous Japanese automotive tycoon Toyota.
The company was founded in 1983 and is now marketed across 70 countries across the globe. Lexus has become Japan’s most significant luxury car-selling brand. Lexus vehicles are known for their smooth, quiet rides and luxurious interiors, which often include high-quality materials like leather and wood.
Not only this, it has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in the market value. With its advancement & technology, Lexus has become a strong competitor to top car brands like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others.
Thus if you crave a luxury car but with the trust and quality of Japan’s technology, Lexus is the name for you. In addition to their luxury vehicles, Lexus also places a strong focus on performance and technology, with many of their cars featuring powerful engines and advanced safety features.
6. ACURA
- Founded: 1986
- Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Parent Organization: Honda Motor Company
- Official Site: www.acura.com
- Popular cars: MDX, Integra, RDX, TLX, and NSX
Another Japanese luxury car brand to brace your reading of the best Japanese car brands in the USA is Acura. Acura is the luxury automobile segment of business tycoon Honda. The label was launched in Canada and America in 1986 with a promise of providing luxurious high-end performing vehicles.
Acura created quite a stir in the market with the success of its first vehicle. This event caused other Japanese names Nissan and Toyota to launch their luxury labels.
Whether you go for a brand new or a used one, Acura will provide you best features and comfort in any condition. Acura’s TL and TSX are the most popular and successful vehicles of Acura’s car-brand history.
If you are looking for affordable luxury in your country, Acura is your new best friend. They provide you with full luxury features at the most affordable price which you seek in premium brands.
7. Mazda
- Founded: 1920
- Headquarters: Fuchū, Aki, Hiroshima, Japan
- Parent Organization: Japan Trustee Services Bank (6.3%), The Master Trust Bank of Japan (4.7%), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (2.2%), Toyota (5%)
- Official Site: www.mazda.com
- Popular cars: MX-5 Miata, CX-5, CX-30, CX-9 and Mazda3
Mazda Motor Corporation, prominently known as Mazda, is a Japanese carmaker founded in 1920. The company is based in Fuchū, Aki, Hiroshima, Japan.
Mazda is known for its mass-market cars and is among the top automobile makers in terms of production. Today, Mazda is a well-recognized name in the USA auto industry by producing a wide type of vehicles.
If you want a blend of quirky engineering and cue designs, Mazda is the company for you. Mazda is one of the most loved automakers not only in Japan but in the USA as well.
The people’s love for this Japanese car brand can be seen by how much they crave its new launches. The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is a best-selling two-seater car till now.
Whether you want a simple, elegant car or something full of style and luxury, Mazda is the name you can trust with your eyes closed.
8. Infiniti
- Founded: 1989
- Headquarters: Hopewell Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
- Parent Organization: Nissan
- Official Site: www.infiniti.com
- Popular cars: Skyline, Laurel, QX50, Q50, Q60, QX80 and I30
Another Japanese brand Americans love to consider for a reliable and solid vehicle is Infiniti. Infiniti is a child organization of Nissan Motor Company.
It was launched in 1989 and currently has its headquarter in Hopewell Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. The brand is known for making luxury vehicles.
Nissan launched Infiniti as a competition to other superior Japanese labels like Lexus and Acura. Infiniti uses the ‘Q’ prefix for its sedans and coupe and the ‘QX’ prefix for its crossover and SUVs.
If you or anyone you know is looking for performance-oriented extravagance wheels of Japanese origin, Infiniti will not disappoint them. You should definitely try Infiniti Skyline and Laurel models for a relabel and luxury drive
9. Mitsubishi
- Founded: 1970
- Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Parent Organization: Mitsubishi Group, Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance
- Official Site: www.mitsubishi-motors.com
- Popular cars: Outlander, Eclipse, Mirage, Pajero, Lancer, and Adventure
Another one of the most loved Japanese car brands in 2023 is Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a global automobile maker.
The company has its headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and was founded in 1970 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Some of the most popular models include the Lancer, Outlander, and Pajero.
At present, the company is owned by the Mitsubishi group, majorly by Nissan, and thus is a part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. In addition to its traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, Mitsubishi is also a leader in electric vehicle technology and produces the i-MiEV electric car.
However, in current scenarios, the company is seeing quite a downfall in its making. But despite all this, it is still a well-known brand in automobile society.
10. Suzuki
- Founded: 1909
- Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- Parent Organization: Mitsubishi Group, Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance
- Official Site: www.suzuki.co.jp
- Popular cars: Grand Vitara, Kizashi, Equator, And SX4
The last name on this list of best Japanese car brands is none other than Suzuki. Suzuki is well known for its economy cars and complete range of motorcycles.
Whether it is four-wheel vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, marine engines, and any other type of mechanical product, you name it, Suzuki might be making it. Suzuki has a global presence and sells its vehicles in many countries around the world.
If you are someone who is more into economy cars and prefers a robust engine to a flashy exterior, then Suzuki is the right brand for you. The company has also formed partnerships with Toyota, to collaborate on research and development. One can measure people’s keen interest in Suzuki by their love for Suzuki’s family car range.
Explore The Top 9 Best Japanese Cars For 2023
Now that you are familiar with the best Japanese car brands of 2023, we have another surprise for you. To help you understand the excellence of Japanese automobiles, we have a list stating the nine best Japanese cars for 2023.
These cars hold advanced technology, high-end luxury, attractive style, and the best prices you can go for.
- Nissan GT-R
- Mazda MX-5
- Suzuki Ignis
- Toyota Supra
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Honda Civic Type R
- Lexus LC500
- Isuzu D-Max
- Mitsuoka Roadster
If fun is your idea for a vehicle, then Japanese makers like Toyota, Mazda, Lexus, Subaru, etc., will not disappoint you.
Top FAQs About
What is the best Japanese car brand?
For any brand to be best or not depends on its consumer base. Every brand holds different selling points and is favoured by people for different reasons.
With a survey in 2023, Mazda topped as the most reliable car brand, followed by Toyota and Lexus.
Below I have a list of the top 10 best Japanese car brands you can check out:
Toyota
Honda
Subaru
Nissan
Lexus
Acura
Mazda
Infiniti
Mitsubishi
Suzuki
What cars do the Japanese make?
Japan makes economy cars, motorcycles, high-end luxury cars, mass-market cars, and electric vehicles as well. Some of the most popular Japanese car brands and their models include:
- Toyota: Corolla, Camry, Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra
- Honda: Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline
- Nissan: Altima, Maxima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder, Frontier, Titan
- Mazda: Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-9
- Subaru: Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Forester, Ascent
- Mitsubishi: Mirage, Lancer, Outlander, Pajero
What are the 5 largest companies in Japan?
In the general context, the five largest companies in Japan are:
- Toyota Motor Corporation
- SoftBank Group
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
- Nippon Telegraph and Telephone
- Japan Post Holding
These companies are all leaders in their respective industries and play a significant role in the Japanese economy.
What are the most popular car brands in Japan?
Explorer the most popular car brand in Japan. These brands are all well-established and well-respected in Japan, and their vehicles are popular for their reliability, efficiency, and high quality.
- Toyota
- Suzuki
- Honda
- Daihatsu
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Isuzu
Why do Japanese cars last longer?
The main reason for Japanese cars to last longer is that the Japanese car makes do everything in their right minds to deliver their value propositions.
The vehicles made by car brands like Toyota, Honda, etc., may not be the most stylish, but they are highly reliable, fuel-efficient.
These are the basic traits that a consumer looks for, and cars with such a strong base always withstand the situations.
Are Japanese car brands better quality?
Yes, top car manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, which are now impressing beyond their home market, are very high quality. Many have noted that Japanese automakers have historically been associated with producing long-lasting, durable vehicles.
When it comes to safety and reliability, no one stands near Japanese car brands. You will find full stability in Japanese cars. Often you can enjoy the car for ten years with minimal repairs.
Conclusion
Japan is one of the most innovative and advanced nations in the world. The country holds strong ground in the world’s automobile society.
This can be seen in how Japanese car brands are ruling the world’s automotive market. Toyota beating Volkswagen to become the number one automobile company is proof enough.
People are preferring Japanese labels over any other brand as they are seen as more reliable, affordable, and approachable.
Thus Locar Deals created this list of the best Japanese brands that every car lover must know about and can go for their next big purchase in 2023. If you have any suggestions for us on the topic, please let us know in the comments below.