Japanese car makers have built some magnificent cars for automotive enthusiasts around the globe this last decade. Here are some of the greatest Japanese cars of the last decade…
Contents
Overview
Japan comes under the top car making nations in the world. Car making companies like Toyota and Nissan have been on the top of the list for a long period of time. These companies produce some the best-selling cars in the whole world. Despite being extremely well-liked everywhere in the world, JDM cars are frequently thought of as being inferior to European vehicles. Japanese automakers have been working to change this over the past ten years by creating incredible vehicles that can compete favourably with European counterparts. Let’s dig into some of the Best Japanese cars from the last decade.
10. Nissan GT-R Nismo
The Nissan GT-R Nismo is undoubtedly the best Japanese car built in the 21st Century. It’s marvelous design, nerve-wracking power, AWD system and affordability makes it unmatched with the rest of the cars. However, Nissan’s tuning arm Nismo still believed that it lacked something, so in 2013, they created the GT-R Nismo. This car has one of the most powerful engines in its segment that is a 3.8L V6 producing mind-boggling 591hp and 481lb-ft of torque. With these engine specs, this car never fails to put a big smile on the driver’s face. The GT-R Nismo actually broke the volume production car lap record at the Nürburgring.
9. Lexus LFA
To the top European brands, Lexus sees itself as a Japanese rival. After years of competing with brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the luxury vehicle market, Lexus made the brilliant LFA to challenge brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari in the supercar market. The Lexus LFA left everyone dumbstruck when it made its debut in 2011. It had a very eye-catching design and a monstrous V10 under the hood. It puts out 561hp, making it one of the most powerful V10 car ever.
8. Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S
Two of the largest Japanese automakers are Toyota and Subaru. So everyone was thrilled when they collaborated to create a new sports car in 2013. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86, two identical sports cars produced as a result of this collaboration. Keep in mind that the Toyota GT86 was first marketed in the US as the Scion FR-S and then changed to the Toyota 86 when Scion went out of business. Both sports cars have many appealing qualities, beginning with the appearance. Although they might not be as powerful as many gearheads would have preferred, they are still reasonably priced to allow for plenty of performance upgrades.
7. Lexus LC500
Lexus has been producing the LC grand tourer since 2017. The LC was the first Lexus to use the cutting-edge GA-L platform, and it replaced the SC. The Lexus LC500 comes with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 471hp and 398lb-ft of torque and with a ten-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the LC500h comes as a hybrid vehicle which puts out respectful 354hp and 369lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 155 mph, the LC500h is one of the fastest hybrids.
6. Nissan Z
The Nissan Z-car line is as recognisable as they come.. The 240Z, the first Z-car, made its debut in 1970 and quickly became a huge hit, inspiring Nissan to create a series. The fact that the series is still being produced to this day is a testament to how popular it is. Nissan unveiled the Z-car, or simply the Z, in 2021, the most recent model. The new Z, which makes its debut in 2023, has a sharp design and a 400hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes it incredibly quick.
5. Honda Civic Type-R
Since its debut in 1973, the Civic has been a huge success for Honda. It has sold millions of units and is still among the top selling cars in the US. Although the Civic’s performance isn’t well known generally because of this, the Type-R version will astound you. In 2017, the final Civic Type-R was released. Based on the tenth-generation Civic hatchback, it had a new body kit, a massive rear wing, carbon fibre side skirts, and unique badges that made it look much cooler. It was powered by a turbocharged inline-4 engine with 306hp on tap, making it a joy to drive.
4. 2016 Acura NSX
Honda shocked the world when it unveiled the iconic NSX in the early 1990s. Honda all of a sudden had a supercar that rivalled Ferraris and Lamborghinis in performance. When Honda unveiled the second-generation NSX in 2016, the automaker dispelled the widespread belief among enthusiasts that it would be impossible to create a worthy replacement. It is propelled by a sophisticated AWD system that uses two electric motors on the front wheels in addition to a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 to power the rear wheels.
3. Subaru WRX STI
Since the 1990s, Subaru Imprezas have been marked with the letters WRX and STI. But in 2014, Subaru made the decision to separate the WRX and WRX STI models from the Impreza lineup. The 305hp 2.5L EJ257 four-cylinder engine that powered the 2014 WRX STI gave it excellent performance. Additionally, it has a lower ride height, bigger brakes, bigger air intakes, and a firmer suspension.
2. Toyota GR Supra
There’s no need to introduce the one and only Toyota Supra. The fourth-generation Supra has developed a cult following that is constantly expanding ever since it appeared in the Fast and Furious movie series. Since the early 2000s, enthusiasts have pleaded with Toyota to produce a new Supra. The fifth-generation supra made its debut in 2019 as the GR Supra and many motorheads praised it. For Supra enthusiasts, things recently got better with Toyota releasing a model with the coveted manual transmission.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
In 1990, Mazda unveiled a brand-new sports car for customers who wanted to have fun behind the wheel but couldn’t afford the most potent sports cars of the time. This tiny roadster, known as the MX-5 Miata, won over many admirers with its thrilling driving experience and affordable price compared to most European sports cars. The Miata has kept the same formula that made it the most successful two-seater sports car ever for more than three decades and is still among Mazda’s most popular models.