The Japanese car industry is one of the greatest in the world, especially when measured by volume. Japanese manufacturers have established themselves as some of the industry’s largest, which is why you can get a Japanese automobile in almost any country.
There are two primary reasons why Japanese automobiles are so popular. To begin with, Japanese automobiles are often less expensive, especially when compared to comparable European vehicles. Another reason gearheads appreciate Japanese automobiles is that they are typically dependable. Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda are well-known for their exceptional workmanship, innovative engineering, and unwavering devotion to quality, which is why they consistently rank at the top of lists of the most dependable vehicle companies.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at ten dependable Japanese vehicles that are easy to maintain, including popular sedans, huge SUVs, and even sports cars. We discovered these wonderful rides using J.D. Power and RepairPal.
Toyota 4Runner 2023 – 87/100
Over the previous half-century, the SUV market has evolved dramatically. People used to buy SUVs for their off-road capabilities, which is why most utilized body-on-frame platforms, but that has changed as SUVs have progressed, with most current ones adopting unibody construction for better fuel economy and a sportier feel.
The Toyota 4Runner is one SUV that has stayed true to the original SUV concept. The 4Runner is one of the last SUVs with body-on-frame construction, which is why it’s considered one of the greatest off-road vehicles available today. Toyota expects 4Runner purchasers to abuse their vehicles, which is why it gets great dependability ratings from J.D. Power.
Mitsubishi Outlander 2023 – 82/100
Over the previous two decades or more, Mitsubishi has been gradually fading from the North American market. The Outlander, on the other hand, is one Mitsubishi vehicle that is helping to keep the Japanese brand relevant in the United States. The fourth generation of the Outlander has been in production since the early 2000s.
The newest Outlander is well-liked for its sleek look, spacious cabin, and dependable and fuel-efficient motor. There’s even a plug-in hybrid Outlander for gearheads looking to reduce their carbon impact.
Toyota Corolla 2023 – 85/100
The Toyota Corolla is one car you can dependably count on to provide years of service with minimum unscheduled maintenance. The Corolla has established itself as one of the top sedans in terms of dependability and affordability, which is why it is one of the most mass-produced vehicles, with over 50 million units sold.
According to J.D. Power, the 2023 Toyota Corolla is just as dependable as its predecessors. If you enjoy driving fast, the Corolla nameplate now offers something for you in the form of the new Toyota GR Corolla. The GR Corolla is a fantastic hot hatch developed in partnership with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team. It has a turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends 300 horsepower to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, making it one of the quickest hot hatches on the market today.
Toyota Prius 2023 – 75/100
The Prius had a rocky start in the 1990s. For one thing, it was the first hybrid production automobile, and because many were wary about hybrid technology, it was met with a lot of skepticism and scorn. The major thing that irritated gearheads about the Prius was its hideous look. The first-generation Prius is unquestionably one of the ugliest Japanese automobiles ever.
It didn’t take long, though, for gearheads to grasp how fantastic the Prius was. It got about 50 mpg, which was practically unheard of at the time, and it was a dependable automobile. The Prius has remained the same successful formula for years, and with a design refresh, the new 2023 Prius is one of the best-looking Japanese automobiles on the market today. According to RepairPal, the Prius’ yearly maintenance and repair expenditures are only $408, which is much less than the average for mid-size automobiles.
Honda Civic 2023 – 80/100
Prior to the 1960s, Honda was largely known for producing some of the greatest bikes. That all changed in 1963 when a Japanese business decided to start producing automobiles. Honda began by manufacturing Kei automobiles, and after huge success in the first decade, it released its first compact car, the Civic, in 1972.
The Civic was an instant success, allowing Honda to compete with major automakers such as Toyota and to expand into overseas markets. Since then, the Civic has been one of Honda’s most popular cars, giving the Toyota Corolla a fight for its money. The 2023 Honda Civic is all a family car might want, and for those who enjoy racing fellow parents after dropping off the kids, the new Honda Civic Type R is ideal.
Acura RDX 2023 – 81/100
Acura isn’t as successful as premium brands like Lexus and Genesis, but the Honda-owned business has produced a number of fantastic vehicles that keep gearheads interested in the brand. The RDX is one of them, a small premium crossover SUV that has been in production since 2006.
The first two RDX models were built on the Honda CR-V and Civic platforms, but Acura chose to start from scratch with the current iteration. The RDX may not be as flashy as rivals like the Genesis GV70, but its low starting price and fun-to-drive character compensate. The RDX is powered by a strong and dependable turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2023 Acura RDX is one of the most fuel-efficient premium SUVs, with a combined 24 mpg.
Honda Accord 2023 – 83/100
The Accord is the automobile that helped establish Honda as a major automotive manufacturer in the US market. Honda debuted the Accord in 1976 in response to increased demand for a bigger, quieter, and more powerful Civic. The Accord was such a success that it became the first foreign vehicle to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States.
The Accord’s dependability has contributed significantly to its success. The Accord has frequently gotten J.D. Power dependability ratings of 80 or above, which is why gearheads adore it.
Mazda MX-5 Miata 2023 – 79/100
The Miata is one automobile that gearheads will always remember Mazda for. The Miata changed the way the automotive industry saw sports cars by demonstrating that a sports vehicle didn’t have to be costly or powerful to be enjoyable to drive.
Mazda developed the Miata using a Japanese concept known as Jinba Ittai, which strives to make the driver feel one with their automobile. Mazda built the Miata one of the lightest sports cars on the market and gave it a near 50-50 weight distribution to achieve this, resulting in one of the greatest driver’s vehicles. The cherry on top is its dependability. According to RepairPal, the Mazda Miata has an annual repair and maintenance cost of $429, which is excellent for a sports car.
Toyota Camry 2023 – 84/100
Toyota realized it had to respond correctly when Honda launched the Accord and seized the US market by storm. So, around three years after the Accord, Toyota debuted the Camry.
Since then, the Camry has been an important element of Toyota’s lineups and remains one of the top mid-size cars. The Camry, like the Corolla, has contributed to Toyota’s image as a dependable brand.
Lexus RX 2023 – 85/100
Today’s premium crossover SUV category is crowded, but that wasn’t the case when the Lexus RX launched in 1998. The RX was the first luxury crossover SUV, and it has remained one of the greatest luxury crossover SUVs on the market since its introduction.
The fifth-generation RX was introduced a few months ago, and it demonstrates why the car is so popular. For starters, it’s one of the most visually appealing SUVs on the market, with a luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology. There are four distinct powertrains to select from, and all of them are quite reliable.
