Japanese cars are brilliant. For several decades, they have been vital to the automotive world. Some of them have even been great drivers' cars. Japan has created a car culture that is globally respected and known. In fact, Japan has really advanced the motoring world with the introduction of hybrid technology mainstream, driving technologies, interior technologies, etc.
Japan has always made some brilliant drivers' cars that every gearhead should drive. Owning a Japanese car is special, as most of them are much more interesting than people give them credit for.
10 Unique Technology
Japanese cars feature some of the craziest technology the world has ever seen. Take the Lexus LS which was the first car ever to have a touchscreen sat-nav. Japan has always been massive on technology, you only need to take a look at their capital, Tokyo, to see what Japan is about. Their cars have ground-breaking features some of which have been absolute game-changers.
A lot of Japanese cars have pioneered the industry. Even the way Japan makes cars is on a whole other level, considering how precise yet efficient they are at doing it. They really do put a lot of countries to shame in the technology department.
9 Amazing Designs
For years Japan has made some of the most beautiful cars ever made. Granted, they have also made some of the dullest, ugliest, and weirdest cars, however, we should not hide the fact that actually there are some cars from Japan that look like works of art. One example would be the Toyota 2000GT, a car now worth $1 million.
The most stunning Japanese cars ever made should be reason enough to convince most gearheads they need a Japanese car in their life. What makes things even better is that a lot of these beautiful Japanese cars are also extremely practical.
8 A Brilliant Community
The Japanese car community is huge. There are thousands of clubs all across the world dedicated to Japanese cars and the culture behind them. There are countless car shows dedicated to Japanese cars, even movies have been dedicated to showcasing Japanese cars, such as The Fast and the Furious; Tokyo Drift.
The Japanese car seems to appreciate all the different cars and styles. From classics to the latest cars. Even the obscure Japanese cars are loved throughout the world. The Japanese car community is one of the best there is.
7 The Modifications
One of the best things about owning a Japanese car is that you really can express your personality via modifications. There are tons of awesome and downright weird Japanese car modifying trends, and with the number of aftermarket parts and tuners, there really are no limits to what can be done.
With a Japanese car, modifying turns into a lifestyle and new trends are constantly emerging.
6 The Engines
There have been some absolutely legendary engines that have come from Japan. Japanese engines have always been well-built, and in some cases, bulletproof. Japan knows how to build an engine and they know how to squeeze high power figures out of a small engine. They can make an efficient engine fun.
Some of the best engines ever to come from Japan are the Toyota 2JZ, the Nissan RB26, the Honda K20, The Mitsubishi 4G63, Mazda's Rotary engines, and all the Boxer engines from Subaru.
5 The Reliability
Japan has always been number one when it comes to reliability. Its always been said that if you want a reliable car, buy Japanese. Hence why the Toyota Corolla is the world's best selling car right now, the second is the Toyota RAV4 and the third the Honda CR-V. Three Japanese cars at the top spots.
The reason why is because they're reliable. They start every morning, they last hundreds of thousands of miles, and their engines are easy to maintain and serve. Japan has made so many reliable cars that some are even easily forgotten.
4 The Legendary Cars
The Honda NSX, the Nissan GT-R, the Toyota Supra, and the Subaru Impreza, these are just some of the Japanese cars that are loved and respected worldwide. Japan has made countless legendary cars, and they continue to amaze the car world every year.
Those who check out some of the fastest Japanese cars ever made will be amazed by how many big names there are.
3 The Simplicity
Japanese cars have always been very simple. In most cases, there's minimal excess and fluff, buyers get what's needed, and that's it.
Take the legendary MX-5 for example, a car that is brilliant thanks to its simplicity. Simplicity is key with this car and what to make things even better, a simpler car means better reliability and cheaper maintenance.
2 Value For Money
Japan has always made cars that are brilliant value for money. They're cheaper than the competition, yet in some cases, they are faster, more luxurious, bigger, and better-built. When Japan set out to make cars to rival the likes of the Europeans and Americans, they always look for ways to get ahead of the competition whilst still selling the cheaper car.
Take the R35 GTR for example, an incredible car that starts at $113,000. It hits 60 faster than most supercars, and it can go over 200 mph. It seats four and it's very comfortable. To reach similar levels of performance and practicality buyers will need to spend a lot more if going with a European brand.
1 They Are Fun
Japanese cars are fun. They are quirky machines for all their own reasons. There's the tiny Kei cars that everyone loves due to their weirdness, the Japanese sports cars that'll embarrass supercars, big luxurious sedans that are highly respected, and off-road-capable trucks that are some of the most reliable vehicles ever.
Most of these cars are fun. Japan knows how to make a fun car, even if they're not fast. Sometimes it's just simplicity and weirdness.