Reliable and high-quality models: which Japanese cars will be a good buy in 2024

Japanese cars have become synonymous with quality and reliability. Practical Mazdas, comfortable Nissans, and somewhat stylish Lexuses have long won the trust of drivers and are consistently among the most popular brands.

Experts have published a list of the best Japanese cars that offer the perfect value for money. The rating includes Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition and Honda Civic Type R.

Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R consistently tops the ratings of the highest quality and most popular cars. The new model, codenamed FL5, is supposed to deliver a "knockout blow" to competitors, but it seeks to do so in the only way it knows how - using front-wheel drive, a manual transmission and VTEC power. The new car is an evolution of the former favorite FK8 model. The updated look is combined with a 329 hp engine, suspension and chassis changes designed to provide better grip, and a stylish interior.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota has added a stylish retro look to its famously rugged SUV to compete with the trendy Land Rover Defender. The boxy shape and round headlights of the Cruiser pay tribute to its heritage dating back to the 50s. Built on a reputation for bulletproof reliability, the new Land Cruiser updates the automotive brand with large infotainment screens and hybrid engines. Its sophisticated all-wheel drive guarantees off-road performance. It has a high ground clearance, a low-range gearbox, differential locks and removable stabilizers for incredible wheel articulation.

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 generation has consistently held the top spot in the list of popular cars. The current version is a car that is faithful to its original characteristics, keeping the area and weight in strict accordance with the 1989 original. The small, high-revving entry-level 1.5-liter engine is contrasted with the thrill of a more powerful engine.

Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

The Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition provides the perfect balance of price, quality and comfort, making it one of the best sports cars on the market. The Trueno Edition resembles the equally agile AE86. Best of all, buyers can add the Performance Package, which includes Sach shock absorbers and Brembo brakes.

Nissan Coupe Nismo

The Nissan Coupe Nismo has more power and a stiffer chassis, making it a much more serious competitor. The Nismo's 3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces an additional 20 hp (15 kW) and 46 Nm for a total output of 420 hp. The Nismo has new shock absorbers with increased springs and 19-inch Rays alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx rubber.

Lexus LC

The LC is a high-quality example of true Japanese design. In the premium sector, where European ideas of luxury still dominate, the LC stands as an individual and discerning choice, with the hybrid version in line with the parent brand Toyota's associations with quality technology.

Prodrive P25

The Prodrive P25 is recognized as the best rally car in its class. It has a carbon fiber body and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 446 hp. The biggest praise for the P25 is that it is 100 kg lighter and 100 hp (75 kW) more powerful than the 22B.

Toyota GR Yaris

This is an interesting car, as it was originally developed to create a new WRC car for the Toyota work team. Unique engineering solutions were required to equip the permanent all-wheel drive system powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine developing up to 272 hp. The Toyota GR Yaris finally made its debut in the 2022 World Rally Championship season as the basis for the GR Yaris Rally1 presented by Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Mitsuoka Buddy

There's something uniquely Japanese about the quirkiness of its miniature Mitsuoka Buddies, which are somewhat reminiscent of classic British cars. The MX-5-based Rock Star is reminiscent of the Corvette Stingray, but its newest creation is its first SUV called the Buddy. The car uses the technical base of the latest Toyota RAV4, equipped with all-terrain tires BF Goodrich and steel wheels of the 80s.

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