To many people, driving a car means getting from one point to another. But to car people, the gearheads of the world, driving is a dream that brings feelings of happiness, accomplishment, and freedom. Now, if you are a car person, you know that Japanese cars are highly revered in the car scene. Their fame is elevated by shinning in pop culture, from Paul Walker’s Mitsubishi Eclipse to the many JDM cars available in the Need For Speed Games.
So why do car people love Japanese cars so much? The Japanese market has something for everyone. Since the early 90s, they have been producing cheerful, cleverly designed cars with highly reliable engines that can withstand anything you throw at them. All of that while getting lots of bang for your buck. Here is our list of cheap and cheerful Japanese cars we love.
9 MK3 Toyota Supra
Recently, Toyota rebooted the Supra with two BMW-sourced powerplant options. You will love its styling and the blend of classic coupe proportions and Zagato style double-bubble roof. The steep price tag will surely keep many from getting the new Supra. However, the third-generation Supra MK3, a true Japanese muscle car and one of the best 80s cars you can buy, is attainable with as little as $10k.
It is cheap and underrated compared to the MK4, which currently fetches a fortune. Also, the MK3 comes with pop-up headlights and is pretty handsome from every angle.
8 Subaru Forester SF And SG
Subaru ran a banter-ish advert for the Forester SG9, where they claimed the mighty 350Z had gotten smoked by a family of five and a dog. This wagon from the mid-2000s is a true sleeper and one of the best small SUVs from that decade. It comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it a capable little beast off the pavement. And it can launch to 60mph in 5.3 seconds.
Used first- and second-generation Subaru Forester cars cost as little as $4,000, and you are guaranteed a practical, reliable, fun, and enjoyable ride.
7 Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z offers excellent value for money in the used sports car market. It is a stylish, affordable, and reliable car produced for six years before Nissan replaced it with the 370Z. The vehicle offers a good buy option as it edges closer to classic status.
Like all the Z cars that came before it, like the legendary 240Z, the 350Z is a true driver’s car and is quite popular in the world of tuning. Also, it starred in Tokyo Drift and is a common feature in car meets.
6 Subaru BRZ
With the BRZ, Subaru conceived a light, agile, and responsive sports car that places the driver at the center of the driving experience with lower grip levels. The car’s 2-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four engine is mounted very low on the chassis for a low center of gravity, resulting in confident handling. Although 195hp might not sound much, the car still manages to exude loads of fun.
All power is sent to the rear via a quick six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Add the low-weight interior material and the Subaru BRZ makes for an exciting, affordable sports car for enthusiasts.
5 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Lancer Evolution may be gone, but its fans will not forget it anytime soon. The car that enjoyed a twenty-four-year-long successful run was aimed squarely at enthusiast drivers who value speed and handling above everything else. The famous rally racer helped bring performance to the economy car class.
With an excess of 300hp from a 2-liter motor, the Evo displayed Japanese engineering excellence. The performance sports sedan holds its value very well and is a reliable, fun car if looked after well. It was a direct competitor to the Subaru WRX STI and is one of the cars we wish could make a comeback.
4 Subaru Impreza WRX
At one point, the Subaru Impreza used to be everywhere before they were left behind by the competition who refined their interiors, improved fuel economy, and slapped advanced technology into their cars. But the Impreza WRX still offers an excellent option if you want an enjoyable, cheerful, and affordable car.
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All versions of the older WRX STI, in sedan and hatchback version, came with turbocharged boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel-drive. With as little as $15k, you can buy this car that will shame supercars on twisty roads and give you an adrenaline rush when the weather gets wet.
3 Mazda 3
The Mazda3 is a remarkable car that anyone will enjoy driving, regardless of their driving priorities. It is nimble, planted, and fun to drive with confidence-inspiring steering, and it will gladly push the rear wheels out if you ask of it. Also, it comes with plenty of engine options that are quite reliable and powerful on the top trims. The most recent Mazda3 hatchback offers a more premium feel among affordable hot hatchbacks.
Older used Mazda Mazda3 cars can be bought for a song, and they will still provide plenty of thrill of a stylish and fun compact car.
2 Suzuki Swift Sport
On paper, you might write off the Suzuki Swift Sport, but it delivers a true hot hatch sensation in real life. It is tiny, light, and provides an enjoyable sport hatch ride in the city and on twisty roads. While it is also easy on the eye, the 17-inch wheels, twin-chromed exhausts pipes, mock carbon-fiber side skirts, and lower bumper trims let you know the Swift Sport means business.
Another plus with the Swift Sport is its fuel economy, making it a great choice for thrill-seekers with low running budgets.
1 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Besides the long heritage, the Miata offers affordable open-top freedom with joyful handling characteristics. Used MX-5 Miata cars are cheap to buy, and the most desirable is the second generation which came off the factory with great upgrades like a more powerful engine, better suspension, and sportier tires.
The Miata is also popular with car enthusiasts due to easy maintenance and infinite tuneability thanks to strong aftermarket support. They are excellent buys that are dependable, reliable, and loads of fun to drive.