Best Japanese Cars for 2024: How Japanese Cars Conquered the U.S. Market

Japanese automakers have successfully captured the diverse preferences of U.S. consumers, offering vehicles that range from compact, fuel-efficient hatchbacks to large, luxury SUVs and even high-performance supercars. This broad array of options has allowed Japanese brands to secure nearly half of the U.S. auto market, a significant rise from their limited presence prior to 1970.

Several factors in the 1970s fueled the surge in demand for Japanese cars, including rising fuel prices, stricter emissions regulations, and a growing desire among American buyers for higher-quality vehicles. Japanese brands gained traction during the fuel crisis of the 1970s with the introduction of highly efficient models like the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Toyota Corolla, which soon became top sellers.

Japanese car manufacturers have also led the way in developing key automotive technologies over the past five decades. They were pioneers in front-wheel drive and hatchback designs, maximizing interior space for compact cars. In addition, they played a pivotal role in the early development of turbocharging technology, which allowed performance models like the Toyota Supra and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo to offer an attractive mix of power and fuel efficiency.

High-performance models like the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo found success through all-wheel-drive technology and built a loyal fan base, particularly in the U.S. Other standout Japanese enthusiast vehicles include the Mazda RX-7, with its rotary engine, and the Acura Integra Type R, known for its high-revving engine and variable valve timing. The Nissan Skyline GT-R, once a Japan-exclusive, gained so much attention from U.S. buyers that a twin-turbo Nissan GT-R was eventually introduced to American showrooms.

Here are some of the best Japanese cars, ranked according to iSeeCars, which evaluates reliability, value retention, and safety based on data from both iSeeCars and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These rankings include new and used pricing, fuel efficiency, and cargo space details, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.

Best Japanese Small Cars

1. Honda Civic (coupe) – 9.4 / 10
2. Honda Fit – 9.2 / 10
3. Toyota Yaris – 9.2 / 10

Best Japanese Luxury Small Cars

1. Lexus IS 350 – 9.1 / 10
2. Lexus IS 300 – 8.9 / 10
3. Acura ILX – 8.6 / 10

Best Japanese Midsize Cars

1. Honda Accord – 9.3 / 10
2. Toyota Camry – 8.8 / 10
3. Mazda Mazda6 – 8.8 / 10

Best Japanese Luxury Midsize Cars

1. Lexus ES 250 – 9.0 / 10
2. Lexus ES 350 – 8.7 / 10
3. Lexus GS 300 – 8.4 / 10

Best Japanese Large Cars

1. Toyota Avalon – 9.2 / 10
2. Nissan Maxima – 8.6 / 10

Best Japanese Luxury Large Cars

1. Acura RLX – 8.3 / 10
2. Lexus LS 500 – 7.8 / 10

Best Japanese Sports Cars

1. Subaru BRZ – 8.4 / 10
2. Nissan 370Z (coupe) – 8.3 / 10
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata – 8.2 / 10

Best Japanese Luxury Sports Cars

1. Lexus RC F – 8.0 / 10
2. Nissan GT-R – 7.9 / 10
3. INFINITI Q60 – 7.0 / 10

Best Japanese Convertibles

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata – 8.2 / 10
2. Nissan 370Z (convertible) – 7.7 / 10
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF – 7.3 / 10

Best Japanese Coupes

1. Honda Civic (coupe) – 9.4 / 10
2. Subaru BRZ – 8.4 / 10
3. Nissan 370Z (coupe) – 8.3 / 10

Best Japanese Hatchbacks

1. Honda Fit – 9.2 / 10
2. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback – 8.8 / 10
3. Honda Civic (hatchback) – 8.8 / 10

Best Japanese Subcompact Cars

1. Honda Fit – 9.2 / 10
2. Toyota Yaris – 9.2 / 10
3. Nissan Versa – 8.6 / 10

Best Japanese Compact Cars

1. Honda Civic (coupe) – 9.4 / 10
2. Toyota Corolla – 9.1 / 10
3. Honda Civic – 9.0 / 10

Best Japanese Subcompact SUVs

1. Mazda CX-3 – 8.2 / 10
2. Honda HR-V – 8.1 / 10
3. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – 8.0 / 10

Best Japanese Small SUVs

1. Honda CR-V – 8.9 / 10
2. Toyota RAV4 – 8.8 / 10
3. Subaru Forester – 8.6 / 10

Best Japanese Luxury Small SUVs

1. Acura RDX – 8.4 / 10
2. INFINITI QX50 – 8.1 / 10
3. Lexus NX 300

Best Japanese Luxury Crossover SUVs

1. Acura MDX – 8.9 / 10
2. Lexus RX 350 – 8.4 / 10
3. Acura RDX – 8.4 / 10

Best Japanese Midsize SUVs

1. Honda Passport – 8.9 / 10
2. Mazda CX-9 – 8.7 / 10
3. Toyota 4Runner – 8.7 / 10

Best Japanese Large SUVs

1. Toyota Land Cruiser – 9.1 / 10
2. Toyota Sequoia – 8.9 / 10
3. Nissan Armada – 8.0 / 10

Best Japanese Hybrid Cars

1. Toyota Prius (hatchback) – 9.2 / 10
2. Toyota Camry Hybrid – 9.0 / 10
3. Honda Accord Hybrid – 8.5 / 10