When choosing a Japanese car brands for 2024, you should focus not only on owner reviews, recommendations from friends and advice from experienced drivers.
To buy a truly reliable car, you also need to be guided by the data of specialized technical supervisory authorities and insurance companies.
Numerous world studies have shown that “Japan” confidently wins all rankings of most reliable cars.
So why are Japanese cars the most reliable? The answer to this question is simple: the manufacturer takes a responsible approach to assembling every part that comes off the assembly line, thanks to which these cars work as long as possible without serious damage, depending on timely maintenance.
The reliability of a Japanese car is usually formed from several indicators: the safety level of all road users provided by the car, the absence of frequent breakdowns due to poor building quality and the design features of the car.
A car that is no more than 5 years old is practically not at all inferior in reliability to a new car, and you can find out about the disadvantages of the previous owner.
Best Japanese Car Brands Rating for Reliability
Today, more than a dozen well-known companies operate in the Japanese automotive market, which have proven themselves to be the most reliable, experienced and meticulous car manufacturers. Below are descriptions of the most popular Japanese cars brands.
- Toyota
- Mazda
- Nissan
- Honda
- Mazda 3 Sedan & Hatchback
- Toyota Prius Liftback
- Honda CR-V Crossover
- Mazda 2 Hatchback
- Toyota Corolla Sedan
- Mitsubishi ASX Crossover
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan
- Subaru Forester Crossover
- Honda Accord Sedan
- Lexus CT200h Hatchback
1. Toyota
This company has been manufacturing cars for more than 80 years. Currently, Toyota cars are considered the best-selling cars in the world. One of the most popular cars produced by the company – the Toyota RAV4 – deserves to be considered the most reliable Japanese cars in the world.
Toyota has a separate trademark – Lexus. Only luxury cars produced under this brand, are also considered to be very reliable and safe. Not long ago, the well-known company Subaru was included in the number of companies owned by Toyota.
Toyota Advantages:
- High level of reliability
- Unsurpassed quality, stylish appearance
- A special approach to ensure the safety of all road users
- The price is completely in line with the quality
Toyota Disavantages:
In order for a car to function for a long time without a major overhaul of its main components, it is necessary to carry out maintenance in a timely manner. Unfortunately, car owners often forget this, as a result car repairs are not cheap.
2. Mazda
The company has been manufacturing cars since 1960. The cars of this brand regularly occupy the top lines of the ranking of the most reliable Japanese cars. Apart from reliability, Mazda cars are characterized by other positive features:
- Stylish design and great build quality
- Use of modern car security systems
- High performance and excellent dynamics
- Wide model range
Along with its undeniable advantages, Mazda also has disadvantages- many car owners complain about bad sound, stiff suspension, and low ground clearance.
3. Nissan
Automobile concern Nissan has been producing cars since 1933. Most of the cars produced by the company are sent to the Chinese markets. Due to the optimal ratio of price and quality, these machines are in great demand among our compatriots.
In 1989, Nissan opens a subsidiary dedicated exclusively to the production of luxury cars – Infiniti. In 2016 Nissan became the owner of Mitsubishi, which is not the last in the Japanese automotive market.
Nissan Advantages:
- Reliability – manufacturers try to keep this indicator at the highest possible level
- Stylish design
- Optimal price
- The introduction of innovative technologies in the process of creating new and improving old models.
Nissan Disadvantages:
Some car owners complain about poor noise insulation, soft metal of the body, the presence of a large number of electronics, which makes car repair and maintenance far from cheap.
4. Honda
Honda is one of the few auto manufacturers engaged in the production of motorbikes and airplanes, boats, snowmobiles, etc.
Honda Advantages:
- As in all Japanese cars – a high level of reliability
- Good dynamics and controllability
- Profitability
- Optimal price
Honda Disadvantages:
- Weak body, poor isolation
- The need for regular maintenance.
Most Reliability Japanese Car brands For 2023
Our ranking of the best and most reliable Japanese cars is based on data from the Association for Technical Inspection and the Association of Automobile Inspection, which are engaged in technical inspection of cars in Germany, as well as on information collected by the General German Automobile Club, the largest public organization of motorists in Europe.
We also used information published by UK companies Warranty Direct and Drive Power. Consumer Reports and JD Power collect vehicle reliability data in the United States.
Hopefully, the information provided by all of the aforementioned organizations will help car owners figure out which Japanese cars are the most reliable.
- Mazda 3 Sedan & Hatchback
- Toyota Prius Liftback
- Honda CR-V Crossover
- Mazda 2 Hatchback
- Toyota Corolla Sedan
- Mitsubishi ASX Crossover
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan
- Subaru Forester Crossover
- Honda Accord Sedan
- Lexus CT200h Hatchback
5. Mazda 3 Sedan & Hatchback
The new Mazda 3-4 generation appeared on the market in 2018. Compared to previous models, the appearance of the car, as well as the equipment, has undergone some changes: the design has become more “impressive” and catchy, the hatchback vaguely resembles a modern sports car. The volume of the gasoline engine is 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 liters.
Mazda 3 Advantages:
- Economical fuel consumption – from 4 to 12 liters per 100 km
- Good visibility from the driver’s seat
- Spacious interior, good sound insulation
- Advanced dashboard tools (especially 8.8 inch display and projection screen)
- Advanced safety systems (traffic jam assistance technology, blind spot monitoring system, driver attention monitoring system, airbags, etc.)
Mazda 3 Disadvantages:
- High price (on the secondary market, prices start at $ 25,000)
- Maintenance complexity (the presence of high-tech equipment makes maintenance and repair of the Mazda 3 a very expensive event, moreover not all service centers can provide the right level of maintenance)
- Spare parts on request
- Weak body, poor isolation
6. Toyota Prius Liftback
The 4th generation model differs from its predecessor mainly by changes in the external design and interior equipment of the cabin. In addition, the vehicle’s security system has been improved. The new cars are equipped with front-wheel drive, a hybrid system with a 1.8-liter gasoline internal combustion engine. Fuel consumption – 3-5 liters per 100 km (it is important that a car can “consume” AI-92 gasoline).
Toyota Prius Advantages:
- Profitability
- The build quality is excellent. This applies to the body and chassis.
High performance - Even in the basic configuration, the car is equipped with all the necessary equipment for a comfortable ride (temperature control, multi-wheel, etc.)
- The interior and trunk are very spacious
- High safety performance (in particular, thanks to the reinforcement of the car body with high strength steel elements)
Toyota Prius Disadvantages:
- Not the highest quality material used for interior trim
- Expensive repairs
- Lack of ability to carry out repair and maintenance yourself – it is very important to contact a specialized service that has modern diagnostic equipment and experienced staff in the state.
7. Honda CR-V Crossover
The 5th generation crossover from Honda is a stylish and powerful unit, perfect for US roads. Engine capacity – 2.4 liters, gasoline. In the basic configuration, the crossover is equipped with front-wheel drive, although full (available as an option) makes the car as stable as possible on the road.
Fuel consumption – from 8 to 12 liters per 100 km of track (you can refuel AI-92). A spacious trunk with a volume of 522 liters or more can easily accommodate all the necessary things for a family trip, and a spacious and comfortable interior will provide comfort while traveling.
Honda CR-V Advantages:
- In addition to the basic, the manufacturer offers 4 configurations to choose from – Elegance, Lifestyle, Executive and Prestige
- Spacious interior and roomy trunk
- Excellent handling and road stability
Honda CR-V Disadvantages:
- High cost of a car even in the basic configuration
- Expensive maintenance (at the same time, it must be performed regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations – at least once a year) and repairs (in this case, it is likely that you will have to look for an experienced craftsman and a well- equipped service center for a long time).
8. Mazda 2 Hatchback
Stylish design and amazing aerodynamics (achieved due to the smooth streamlined body shapes) made the Mazda 2 one of the most popular cars in US.
The manufacturer will provide car owners with a choice of several configurations, while even the simplest of them invariably pleases with the presence of a large number of devices that ensure a safe and comfortable ride (electro-power steering wheel, excellently equipped dashboard, climate control, heated seats, electric window lifter).
A choice of cars with front or all wheel drive. Engine capacity – 1.3 / 1.5 l – gasoline, 1.4 / 1.6 l – diesel engine. Fuel consumption – 5-8 l / 100 km. The luggage volume is 250 liters, which is quite optimal for a hatchback.
Mazda 2 Advantages:
- Profitability
- Stability on the road, agility
- High reliability indicator (in particular, due to the extended safety system)
- Ease of maintenance and repair (relevant for cars through 2010 and beyond)
Mazda 2 Disadvantages:
- The need for regular maintenance
- Not very good sound insulation
- Rigid suspension
9. Toyota Corolla Sedan
The 12th generation car was first seen in 2018. Transmission – variator or 6-speed manual transmission. Stylish exterior design of the car will not leave indifferent all lovers of representative sedans. Engine capacity – 1.6 liters, power – 122 hp.
Fuel consumption per 100 km is 5-9 liters. The maximum speed of the car is 195 km / h, while good dynamics are observed – up to 100 km / h in 10 seconds. The equipment of the interior is also up to the mark – the seats are upholstered in leather and fabric, there are heated seats, climate control, electric windows, etc.
Toyota Corolla Advantages:
- Economical fuel consumption
- High reliability indicators (the most modern safety systems along with increased body rigidity)
- Heated windshield
- Electric power steering
- Multi-link suspension
Toyota Corolla Disadvantages:
- High price
- The need for regular maintenance
- In the basic configuration, the equipment of the car is rather meager
10. Mitsubishi ASX Crossover
The updated 2018 model amazes the driver with a completely new exterior design and outstanding equipment. There are 2 engine options to choose from – 1.6 / 2.0 petrol (AI-92 permitted). Transmission – variator or mechanic.
Drive type – front or full. This car is equipped with independent spring suspension, while the rear is multi-link. The size of the trunk volume measures 440 liters in the standard position and 1200 with folded rear seats. The cabin is spacious and comfortable – this is what it takes for a fun family trip!
Mitsubishi ASX Advantages:
- Stylish exterior design
- Good interior equipment
- Good noise isolation
- Climate control
- Heated seats
- Excellent dynamics
- Electric power steering
Mitsubishi ASX Disadvantages:
- High price
- High car price
- The need for regular maintenance
- Spare parts on order
11. Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan
Manufacturers are positioning the car as a sports sedan. Transmission – variator, robot, manual transmission and automatic transmission. Engine displacement – 1.5 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 liters – gasoline. Fuel consumption – 7-11 l / 100 km.
Mitsubishi Lancer Advantages:
- High indicators of reliability and safety
- Good suspension resulting in a high level of ride comfort
- Excellent interior equipment, including the most affordable configuration
Mitsubishi Lancer Disadvantages:
- Expensive repairs and maintenance
12. Subaru Forester Crossover
The crossover entered the market in 2018. Compared to the previous 4th generation, the outer design has changed significantly and the technical characteristics of the car have been improved.
The car is equipped with four-wheel drive, which allows it to provide a fairly high level of handling and stability on the road. The gearbox is a variator. Engine displacement – 2.0 and 2.5 liters, gasoline. Fuel consumption – 8-11 l / 100 km.
Subaru Forester Advantages:
- Excellent visibility thanks to the large glass area
- The presence of a huge number of additional options (cruise control, climate control, heated seats, rear view camera, etc.)
- Modern security system
Subaru Forester Disadvantages:
- High price
- Expensive maintenance and repair
- High cost of spare parts and components
13. Honda Accord D-class Sedan
The cars are equipped with 2.4 / 3.5 liter petrol engines. For buyers from US, 2 transmission options are available – manual transmission and automatic transmission. Fuel consumption – 8-11 l / 100 km. Front-wheel drive.
Honda Accord Advantages:
- Profitability
- Representative appearance
- Excellent interior furnishings
- High performance of vehicle safety and reliability
- Availability of several configuration options
- The car suspension is ideal for US roads.
Honda Accord Disadvantages:
- High car cost
- Expensive repairs
14. Lexus CT200h Hatchback
The world’s first premium hybrid hatchback. The engine capacity of this front-wheel drive car is 1.8 liters, gasoline, the gearbox is a variator. In addition, the Lexus CT200h has a very modest fuel consumption – 4-6 l / 100 km.
Lexus Advantages:
- Profitability
- Good suspension (independent front, rear – double wishbone)
- Stylish appearance and excellent interior equipment
- Electric power steering
- High safety and reliability indicators
Lexus Disadvantages:
- High price
- Expensive spare parts
- Expensive repair
Conclusion
In the presented rating, we described only Japanese cars, although according to European and American organizations, other brands are also characterized by high reliability rates – Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Opel, Kia, etc. At the same time, it is cars from Japan that top the ratings of the most reliable cars from year to year.
It is important to understand that the reliability of a car largely depends on the quality of service – if you do not contact specialists in a timely manner, even the most reliable car will give up its position after a year or two of active use.
At the same time, the more reliable and expensive the car is, the more expensive it will be to repair it.
I really enjoyed this article. Keep update.
Hi ben, Thanks, i hope you enjoy it.