Japanese cars have long been a firm favourite with UK drivers. Some love them because of their renowned reliability and immense value, with models like the Nissan Cube and Toyota Yaris, while others are drawn to high-performance icons such as the Toyota Supra and Nissan 370Z. Whichever Japanese car you prefer, there is a model for everyone.
With such a large number of Japanese manufacturers making a range of cars that fill just about every market, you'll find yourself massively spoiled for choice when browsing the car market. To help you with your journey, we've rounded up a core selection of the best Japanese cars available today.
- Mazda MX-5
- Honda e
- Nissan LEAF
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Qashqai
- Honda Civic
- Suzuki Jimny
- Subaru WRX STI
- Lexus RX
- Nissan GT-R
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mazda MX-5
If you’re after a car to transport your family or a practical SUV, look away now. However, if you're after a lively and agile sports car that'll give you years of joy, then the Mazda MX-5 Roadster is definitely not one to miss. It’s a much-loved two-seater that’s been around since 1989 and doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.
The recipe in the MX-5 has always been refreshingly simple: low-slung, rear-wheel drive, get the roof down. As a result, Mazda have sold millions of them worldwide. What's more, they're a pleasure to drive thanks to the balanced chassis and low kerb weight. Driving with the roof down is always good for the soul; however, if you want to use your MX-5 year-round, Mazda now offers the MX-5 with an electric folding hardtop.
With the latest MX-5, you have the choice between a 1.5-litre or a 2.0-litre petrol, producing 130 and 182bhp respectively. Not supercar levels of power, but both engines will reward keen drivers with their rev-happy nature and nimble road manners that come alive on a twisty road.
Not every Japanese car on this list is family-oriented or a fully practical one, but if you're after a two-seater sports staple that delivers driving fun and frolics at an affordable price, then a Mazda MX-5 is tough to ignore.
Search Used Mazda MX-5Honda e
In the early 70s, we got the first-generation Honda Civic, a car created when smaller, affordable cars with better fuel economy were in demand. Why does that matter? Fast forward to now, and the Honda e acts as the spiritual successor, taking clear design inspiration from that original Civic.
The Honda e has been praised lavishly as a smart, tech-laden city runner, ideal for those who love creature comforts and lots of decent standard equipment squashed into a compact, comfortable electric car. It features a couple of powertrains delivering 134 and 152bhp, and although it won't break any speed records, its 0 to 30mph is where it really comes into its own in urban driving.
Agile handling and a smooth ride, thanks to independent suspension, make it an upmarket compact for city driving, and the 137-mile range is enough for regular commutes and even days out. It'll also charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at a rapid public station, or in 5.5 hours using a standard home wallbox.
Step inside, and you'll be presented with an array of screens and a lounge-style interior, featuring very nice faux-wood trim and plush fabric seats. Honda hasn't spared any expense, making it a comfortable place to be when traversing the city roads. Although discontinued in 2024, there are lots of fantastic used Honda e models available, and if you want a premium all-electric city car, the Honda e remains an excellent choice.
Search Used Honda eNissan LEAF
Nissan helped set the trend in the late 2000s when it introduced the LEAF, an affordable, all-electric hatchback that was a genuine alternative to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car, paving the way for the advancement of electric cars in the UK.
The LEAF is available with a range of battery options including: a 52kWh battery for 270 miles and a 75kWh battery for up to 375 miles WLTP, making the Nissan LEAF a genuinely practical all-electric car with excellent range options. Plus, you can go from 20 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes at 150kW, allowing you to stop off and get back on the road in the time it takes to have a coffee.
Inside is comfortable and functional, not super plush, but it makes it ideal for transporting the family around, whether on a long-haul holiday or as a school drop-off. It also comes jam-packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including ProPilot Assist with Navi Link (Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Assist, Distance Control), Line Departure Warning & Prevention, and much more.
There are lots of first-generation Nissan LEAF models available, allowing you to switch to all-electric at a more affordable price point. If you'd prefer the latest technology and greater range, newer models are also widely available, giving buyers a wide choice of a great all-electric car, suited to different budgets.
Search Used Nissan LEAFToyota RAV4
Toyota were really on to something when, in 1994, they unveiled a car-derived, high-riding mid-size SUV that we now call the 'Crossover'. The later versions of the RAV4 come with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, balancing power with lower emissions and excellent fuel economy.
The hybrid versions deliver 215bhp, or 219bhp for the AWD, while the PHEV leaps to 302bhp, offering a 0 to 62mph sprint in six seconds flat, outpacing many smaller hot hatches. You also get 46 miles of electric-only range, making the RAV4 good for short commutes such as school runs, trips to work, and city driving, without even turning the engine on.
If towing is high on your priority list, the RAV4 won't disappoint. The AWD hybrid can tow up to 1,650kg, while the plug-in hybrid can tow up to 1,500kg. Pair that with a generous 586-litre boot, and you've got a capable long-distance tourer that's just as happy pulling a caravan or trailer as it is carrying the family and all their luggage.
The RAV4 proves that you can have an efficient large SUV that balances everyday functionality with Golf GTI performance. With added interior space, ride comfort, and that Toyota reliability, it's one of the most complete family SUVs on the market.
Search Used Toyota RAV4Nissan Qashqai
Nissan has garnered huge success with the Qashqai, often seen as a safe, no-nonsense choice; it doesn't try to shout the loudest, which is exactly its strength. Not everyone needs or wants a flashy SUV, and that's where the Qashqai comes in: a simple, affordable family SUV that's easy to live with.
That being said, the Qashqai isn't boring; it's just dependable. It gives you powertrain options, from a couple of mild hybrids to a unique 1.5-litre full hybrid known as the e-POWER, which drives like an electric vehicle. The petrol engine doesn't drive the wheels; it either powers the EV motor or charges a compact 1.8kWh battery. Like a reverse hybrid. It also delivers 187bhp, making it the quicker of the two versions.
Despite being an affordable car, the Qashqai's interior is a nice place to spend time, with quality materials complementing the spacious cabin layout. Earlier Qashqai models, got air-conditioning and a smart infotainment system as standard, while the later models feature a 360-degree camera for kerb-free parking, LED headlights and the Nissan Connected system as standard.
The 479-litre boot and spacious rear seats make the Qashqai the perfect car for young and established families, while the hybrid powertrains deliver great fuel economy. It's not about chasing excitement or standing tall in a crowd; it's about making everyday driving stress-free and reliable, which for many families is key when looking for their next car.
Search Used Nissan QashqaiHonda Civic
As mentioned above, the Honda Civic has been around since 1972, and now, in its eleventh generation, it's still as popular as ever. Reliable, dependable and practical, the Civic is punchy and economical, too.
Earlier generations come with efficient petrol engines, while the latest generation offers a single unique hybrid engine known as an eHEV. The latter uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. However, the engine primarily acts as a generator, and the electric motors drive the wheels until it hits motorway speeds, when the engine takes over. This blended power delivers a smooth, all-electric feel and 181bhp on tap, and gives excellent fuel economy of 50.9 to 56mpg.
Inside, it's smart, with high-quality materials throughout the cabin, designed with comfort in mind. It's also got design touches that make the Civic stand out, such as Body Stabilising Seats that support your lower back and vents that distribute air without having to adjust them. It's these small details that make the Honda Civic a truly masterful piece of engineering.
And for those after performance and handling prowess, of course, there is the infamous Civic Type-R. With its 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged petrol engine, it offers 324bhp, a 0 to 62mph dash of 5.4 seconds, and exceptional handling. The Civic Type-R reminds you why Honda's performance pedigree is so highly regarded among enthusiasts, rewarding every driver with precision and balance on twisty roads.
Search Used Honda CivicSuzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny has become a cult favourite among off-road enthusiasts. With its 4x4 capability, boxy profile and high-riding ability, it's the type of car (now classified as a van) that people who love adventuring will buy, especially if they're not a fan of the Jeep or an older Land Rover Defender.
Its small, rugged profile delivers on off-road ability, and while it's not the most comfortable of cars, it'll go places most cars simply can’t reach. Inside, it is all covered in hard plastic, which in any other car might be off-putting; however, on a Jimny, it's easy to wipe clean after a day on muddy trails.
Landing with a perky little 100bhp 1.5-litre engine, it'll attack hills and off-beaten tracks, and comes with touches such as hill-descent control and utilitarian steel wheels. You can either fit four adults in or two adults and 830 litres of luggage space. But not both at the same time. However, because it's now classed as an LCV, later models are only available with two seats up front, with 863 litres of boot space due to its flat floor.
The Jimny has always attracted plenty of affection, and it remains as popular as ever. If you're after an authentic off-roader with four-wheel drive capabilities and you don't care about plush comfort or one of those infotainment thingies, then you'll love the Suzuki Jimny.
Search Used Suzuki JimnySubaru WRX STi
Discontinued in 2021, the Subaru WRX STi (also known as the Subaru Impreza WRX STi) is now becoming a future classic. Unless you lived under a rock for the last 30 years, the Subaru WRX STI (Subaru Tecnica International) was the track-focused version of the standard Subaru WRX with added rally heritage.
Over the years, there have been different variants of the WRX STI, and the latest (or last version) features a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine giving a 5.2-second sprint thanks to 296bhp pumped into all four wheels, giving you a rocket that sticks to the roads, whether it be twisting or turning.
Inside, don't expect a plush ride and a foot massage. The WRX STi is a performance car, and the interior reflects this. The sports seats will hold you in comfort, while the stiffer body delivers a firmer ride and the steering responds to whatever you want it to.
The Subaru WRX STi isn't for the light-hearted or for those who want good fuel economy and a smooth ride. It’s a raw, rally-infused performance car that rewards drivers with explosive acceleration, grip and an unforgettable driving experience.
Search Used SubaruLexus RX
Big, bold, and beautiful. The Lexus RX is a luxury family SUV with an interior that makes occupants feel cared for, featuring upmarket leather, acoustic insulation, and futuristic tech. It glides along the road with ease, keeping everyone inside safe.
The latest version of the RX is a five-seater; however, if you're after something bigger with seven seats, go for the previous generation of RX, known as the RX L, which offers a seven-seat version, allowing you to take family and friends wherever the road leads, wrapped in the comfort and refinement only a Lexus seems to deliver.
As a luxury offspring of Toyota, it brings the brand's reliability to Lexus, and the fourth-generation RX pairs that dependability with a 3.5-litre V6 self-charging hybrid, producing 308bhp and sprinting from 0 to 62mph in just 7.7 seconds.
The latest generation offers more powertrain options: a 247bhp self-charging hybrid, a 302bhp plug-in hybrid with 42 miles of electric range, and a quicker 366bhp plug-in hybrid with Lexus's DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system. They all deliver decent fuel economy for a large SUV, and thanks to their efficent hybrid powertrains, the RX makes every journey feel refined and effortless from motorway to city streets.
Overall, the Lexus RX is a high-spec SUV focusing on comfort and refinement, with no surprises. It's engineered for those who want an A-to-B ride drama-free, delivering sofa-like comfort and a reassuring experience every time you get behind the wheel.
Search Used Lexus RXNissan GT-R
There are lots of performance Nissan models, such as the popular Skyline and 370Z, but the one dubbed 'Godzilla' is the Nissan GT-R, a 562bhp rocket that goes from 0 to 62mph in 2.7 seconds. It's different to the usual approach that supercars of this calibre utilise too, with a more muscular approach as opposed to a sleek, low-profile one.
That power comes from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, which is combined with all-wheel drive (AWD), which helps keep it glued to the tarmac. And if it isn't fast enough for you, there is also a GT-R Nismo, which shaves off 0.2 seconds off its 0 to 62 mph time, just in case you pull up to the lights side-by-side with a standard GT-R.
It really is the definition of a 'driving experience' and although its raw on power-delivery is exhilarating Nissan haven't spared ride quality for the driver and passenger, with plenty of performance enhances to help keep you in control such as the ATTESA ET-S (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-terrain with Electronic Torque Split) which in a nutshell decides which of 562bhp is distributed to which corner of the car.
It's not sparse on the inside either; it comes with super-comfortable seats, a multimedia system, and other touches like an analogue rev-counter. For those who want brutal performance without a supercar badge, the Nissan GT-R remains one of the most legendary performance cars ever built and can serve as an everyday motor.
Search Used NissanFrequently asked questions
Although all Japanese cars have a solid level of reliability, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus are regarded as the leaders in the reliability race. This is due to their conservative approach to engine technology and hybrid systems, which can see their cars easily surpass 200,000 miles with regular servicing.
The Honda N-Box is widely regarded as Japan's best-selling car due to its affordability, safety, and compact size. Although not currently available in the UK, it can be imported, and many people do.
Go Japanese with Evans Halshaw
As the list above shows, there are plenty of great used Japanese cars on the market. With so many different manufacturers to choose from, all offering something different from one another, there should be no problem finding a car that suits your lifestyle, whether that’s a compact city car like the Honda e or a performance legend like the Nissan GT-R.
If you're interested in a Japanese car but unsure which way to go, drop into your local Evans Halshaw retailer and speak to one of our team, who will easily guide you through your options.
