The Japanese automotive industry started way back in 1902. Though the engine used in the very first Japan-born vehicle was entirely from the US, pioneer Komanosuke Uchiyama still managed to make a working automobile. After a century and a few automotive companies here and there, the country is now the third-largest mass producer of vehicles in the world.

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Most of the vehicles offered by these Japanese manufacturers are often perceived as less capable compared to other companies. However, they do win in a lot of categories including affordability, reliability, cheap maintenance, and long service life. Plus, they also have a lot of quick cars that people can get for under $15,000. Check them out right here.

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10 2017 Subaru BRZ: 0-60 MPH In 6.3 Seconds

via Car and Driver

Subaru first launched the BRZ in the US market in 2012 and has been getting the right kind of attention ever since. The dynamic design of the cars fits most buyer's tastes while the versatile performance-inspired setup makes this track toy a great daily driver. If you're looking for one of these bad boys in its quickest form for right around $15,000, the 2017 Subaru BRZ is a great choice.

via Motor1.com

A 2.0 L 4-cylinder rides under the hood, powering the 2017 Subaru BRZ with up to 200 hp and over 150 ft-lb of torque. As for top speed, automatic models are expected to have a 143 mph top speed.

9 2004 Mazda RX-8: 0-60 MPH In 5.9 Seconds

via Wikimedia Commons

Though the RX-8 isn't the best car from Mazda, it still offers good value for money and includes a little heritage as well. Eight years after being discontinued, the RX-8 styling still fancies most car buyers' tastes. But if you're looking for a model that's both fast and affordable, the 2004 Mazda RX-8 is a neat choice.

via Pinterest

It's got a 1.3 L R2 engine under the hood that powers the RX8 with 197 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. Users on CarGurus.com observe that its top speed is around 145 to 148 mph.

8 Nissan 350Z: 0-60 MPH In 5.2-5.9 Seconds

via Maxton Design

The Nissan 350Z is one of the most interesting cars from Japan. The nameplate has been around for a really long time and the crazy facts around it spark interest in car enthusiasts everywhere. Though it's technically a good car, the price for a new model can reach over $30,000.

via Maxton Design

Thanks to its good reliability record, buying a used model might just be a dream come true for some buyers. The 2003 Nissan 350Z can go for $15,000 depending on the condition of the car or whether you're talking to a private seller or a dealership.

7 2016 Honda Civic Type R: 0-60 MPH In 5.7 Seconds

via Top Gear

Although hard to believe, the Honda Civic lineup comes from a three-door sedan and hatchback body styles. These days, the Civic looks far from its ancestors while it still comes in all shapes and sizes. But if you want a fast one with less than 20k to spend, be on the lookout for the 2016 Honda Civic Type R model.

via Swindon 24

The looks of this mid-size car may not suit everyone's taste but it does have a clean performance that impresses most buyers. It comes with a 306 hp inline-four engine that delivers 295 lb-ft of torque.

6 2013 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 Coupe: 0-60 MPH In 5.5 Seconds

via Autoblog

The Honda Accord is one of not only one of the best Honda models of the decade. It was also one of the very first Honda vehicles that landed on American soil. The Accord Coupe EX-L on the other hand is a sportier version of this classic that used to have a $30,000 price tag.

via Youtube

The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L is built with a 3.5-liter V6 power source that generates up to 278 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. It's also responsible for the Accord's 125 mph top speed.

5 2010 Infiniti G37: 0-60 MPH In 5.30 Seconds

Black 2010 Infiniti G37 on the road
via Car and Driver

A quick Japanese car may be what some buyers are after, but the 2010 Infiniti G37 is one of the coolest grand tourers out there that people can actually afford. Originally priced over $30,000, the 2010 Infiniti G37 has earned pretty high rankings from automotive sites like Cars.com and Edmunds. If buyers can find one in good condition, expect to pay a little over $10,000.

Black 2010 Infiniti G37 parked.
via Wheelwell

This four-door luxury vehicle achieves a clean acceleration from 0 to 60 in only 5.30 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph thanks to the 3.7-liter V6 engine. Also, this cheap car is a great choice to modify into a monster if those digits don't work for buyers.

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4 Nissan 370Z: 0-60 MPH In 4.8 Seconds

via Wikiwand

The Nissan 370Z comes from the popular Z cars from Nissan and is the 6th successor to the nameplate. The 2011 Nissan 370Z came with a $31,000 price tag when it was first introduced but that was for the base model alone. Used models today can go for over $14,000 to $18,000 depending on the condition.

Nissan 370Z
via The Truth About Cars

The 2011 Nissan 350Z delivers great braking power combined with smooth handling. It also received a 5 out of 5-star rating from Edmunds because of the 350Z's high-quality interior, powerful V6 engine, and affordable pricing.

3 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds

Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Via WSupercars

If you've always been skeptical about buying a Japanese-brand car, maybe the Subaru Impreza WRX STI will straighten your judgment. Though it's not exactly the most reliable model from the brand, you do get lucky if you buy a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

via Pinterest

Unlike its previous year models, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI received a more powerful 2.5 L four-cylinder. This gives the 2004 Impreza a whopping 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI used to cost over $31,000 but you can find used ones online whose prices revolve right around the $15,000 mark.

2 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII: 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds

via Car and Driver

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo nameplate is made up of ten generations of reliable, good-looking cars that hold their value well. But while everybody is fattening their pockets getting ready for the rumored addition to the series, you can still own an Evo without spending more than $15,000.

via Autogespot

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII is a super fast and cheap Mitsubishi model we all forgot. It comes with over 270 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque under the hood. Edmunds users also love that the car has responsive handling and is fun to drive.

RELATED: Here's Why Acura Discontinued The RSX Type S

1 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4: 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds

via The Truth About Cars

Mitsubishi cars aren't as popular as Toyota and Honda in the US. But that doesn't mean they're any less reliable. As a matter of fact, Mitsubishi actually has some models that are both fast and cheap that we totally forgot.

Yellow Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 parked
via Bring a Trailer

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 isn't recognized as one of the fastest Japanese cars of the 1990s for no reason. It comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that can put out up to 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque - enabling it to reach a top speed of 160 mph. With an original MSRP of $40,000, fans can get one of these for less than $15,000 today.

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