Top 10: All-Time Japanese Cars

Japan’s designers and engineers didn’t invent cars, they redefined them time and time again. A look at the 10 most important cars they’ve produced is long overdue, but is by no means easy to compile. With dozens of deserving vehicles, some great cars and sentimental favorites have to be excluded.

As for the survivors, they’re milestones from their manufacturers. These all-time Japanese cars were (and may still be) influential in and beyond their segment. It’s this impact (not performance, price or total sale) that determined their rank. Each car’s initial model year is listed (whether or not it was imported to the U.S. right away), and you’ll also see which years are standouts.

Without further hesitation, we'd like to present the top 10 all-time Japanese cars.

Number 10

Toyota Corolla

1966

For over 40 years, the Toyota Corolla has been a reliable, if unsexy, way to get around. As one of the first cars to justify the need for a sixth number on its odometer, buyers didn’t hesitate when Toyota brought the car to the U.S. in 1968. They made it the No. 2-selling import just two years later -- and it didn’t stop there. Corolla was the world’s best-selling car from 1974 to 1977. With tens of millions of Corollas on the world’s roads, early impressions of the new 2009 model suggest it could be the best yet, making it one of the all-time Japanese cars around.

Number 9

Honda Civic

1973  

The Accord may be Honda’s breadwinner today, but the Civic’s success enabled the company to introduce the bigger model in 1976. What began as not much more than a reinterpreted Austin Mini soon became a legend. All along this all-time Japanese car has stood for comfort, value, refinement, and reliability. Body styles from wagons to two-seat targas have been made, but the most desirable unmodified car for enthusiasts could well be the fiery 2008 Type R sedan -- which has actually been withheld from the U.S. market, sadly.

Number 8

Toyota 2000GT

1967

If you love Supras and MR2s, thank Toyota for first producing the 2000GT, their first real sports car, from 1967 to 1970. It set over a dozen endurance and speed records, and this was reflected in the sizable sticker price of over $7,000. It also happened to be a Bond car, appearing in You Only Live Twice, almost in its natural form. The two convertibles made for the film allegedly came to be since Sean Connery was too tall for the coupe (likely the inspiration for other owners to follow suit). Despite the low total production run of 337 cars, the 2000GT’s impact still resonates today, with decent examples commanding quarter-million dollar prices.

Number 7

Subaru Impreza WRX

1992

We’ll give the Subaru stereotypes a respite from mention, but except for the rare SVX and to a lesser extent the XT, even remotely sporty cars are not what Subaru used to produce. That changed with the WRX. Inspired by rally-winning Imprezas, the successful and potent WRX was kept from our shores for a decade, finally arriving here for 2002 -- though its influence was apparent much sooner. The Subaru Impreza WRX sent a clear message that a sports car wasn’t necessarily defined by two doors and a big engine. Each model has its fans, but many regard the 2004-2005 STi models as the best-looking and most fun to drive.

Number 6

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

1992

It’s no breakthrough to see the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution ranked side-by-side due to their highly competent and competitive nature. Like the Subie, we also had a long wait until 2003 to legally get our hands on an Evo. Through it all, the street-legal rally car delivers a bit more of a raw experience -- which is a good thing in its class. Loyalists have no problem making a good thing better, tuning their cars to run with or even outrun exotics. Based on out-of-the-box prowess and style, the 2008 Evolution X seems to be the greatest to date, helping it rank as one of our top 10 all-time Japanese cars.

Number 5

Acura NSX

1991

Despite how often the term is used, there aren’t many cars you can truly call “everyday exotics,” and even fewer come from Japan. The Acura NSX was both, prompting one car magazine at the time to gush that it was the “best sports car ever built.” That’s debatable, but few will argue it deserves high praise. With a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated V6, the NSX achieved performance that other cars needed twice the cylinders to match. Yet for all its ability, it was still a Honda at heart, demanding far less care and feeding than its rivals, even beyond 100,000 miles. Not a lot changed between the 1991 model and the final 2005 vehicle, but some are partial to the 1997, and newer cars with more power and a six-speed manual transmission. The 2002-2005 cars also benefited from fixed HID headlights instead of the old flip-ups.

Number 4

Mazda Miata

1990

Some drivers will never buy in to the appeal of the Miata, dismissing them as “She-atas,” or worse. Too bad, because in the summer of 1989, Mazda awakened drivers’ dormant sentiments for small, two-seat convertibles with their Miata. Like British roadsters of decades earlier, the compact Miata was moderately powered, but overachieved in the handling department. Wisely, Mazda chose not to emulate the sketchy electrical systems or inability to retain oil. For autocross and Spec Miata racing, first-generation cars (1990-1997) tend to be more popular. If you want a daily driver, look into the second-gen editions (1999-2005), especially the rare and snarly MazdaSpeed cars of '04-'05. Some have said the latest (2006-present) style lacks the character of earlier cars, but any Miata is going to be a fun drive.

Number 3

Nissan Skyline GT-R

1969, 2008

It goes contrary to typical performance-car philosophy, but some of the most formidable Japanese road cars don’t look that way at first glance. Evidently, they let their performance make their statements. This was how Nissan went about their business with the Skyline and the Skyline GT-R for many years. Enthusiasts lucky enough to have them in their markets quickly tweaked them for otherworldly capability, while the rest of us in non-import countries dreamed from afar. After such an unfathomable drought, the 2009 GT-R is officially in the States and is the choice model of the breed. If you’re a fan of the old-school cars and can finagle them through your friendly local DMV, go for the last GT-R (1999-2002) before the hiatus.

Number 2

Lexus LS400

1990

European automakers had it too easy for too long, the way Toyota reckoned, so they took the luxury car market by complete surprise when Lexus was formed and the LS was launched for the 1990 model year. Despite Acura’s initial plunge into the market a few years prior, the Lexus LS was a car of substance in size, refinement and technology. Frustrated with their cars’ unreliability and indifferent dealers, more than a few premium brand owners defected to Lexus showrooms -- and more than a few haven’t strayed.  While they won’t admit it outright, the European brands quickly engaged in a frantic catch-up mode thanks to the gazillion award-winning LS, including the 2007 to present LS 460 L, with and optional reclining and massaging rear seat available.   

Number 1

Datsun 240Z

1970

As the 1960s gave way to the 1970s, plenty of folks wanted sports cars, but muscle cars weren’t the answer for them. The aforementioned Toyota 2000GT was indeed potent, but it was rare and expensive. Jaguars and Porsches were out of the question too. Salvation came from Datsun and the new 240Z. For thousands less than the European cars, buyers were treated to impressive performance and reliability from the 2.4-liter inline-six, not to mention the great design, plus the standard and optional features that made it an even better value. No other car offered so much bang for the buck at the time, and it set the stage for affordable Japanese performance. Changes in emissions and safety regulations meant the best Zs are the original 240s from 1970-1972, but the spirit is stronger than ever in a number of Japanese performance cars.

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Ryu
ryu@mercy.co.jp
+815055328180
www.prosperjp.com