Japanese cars have built a strong reputation for being reliable and affordable. The 2023 Toyota RAV4, for example, ranks as the fourth bestselling car this year, trailing behind popular American pickups like the Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram.
In the sedan category, the Toyota Camry stands second to the Tesla Model Y in sales. Other Japanese models, including the Toyota Tacoma and Corolla, as well as various Nissan and Honda cars, also made the bestselling list.
However, it’s essential to note that not every Japanese car has been a success. Manufacturers like Honda and Toyota have produced some models over the years that may not be the best choice if you’re seeking a classic Japanese car known for holding its value, providing performance, comfort, and style.
Mazda RX-8
The first-generation Mazda RX-8 was sold from 2004 to 2008. It had a 4-cylinder engine that wasn’t winning any races with 212 HP. But worse than that, it ranks just 11th in reliability out of 19 Mazda models evaluated by MadzaProblems.com. The site reveals complaints about engineer failure, power steering jerks, excessive oil consumption, and numerous recalls over the years.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
According to MitsubishiEclipseMA.com. ‘’The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty little car with great gas mileage and decent handling. If you’re buying one of the older models today, you can snag it for just around $3,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. But models made between 1999 and 2003, and again in 2007, seem to be plagued with problems.’’
The wheels and rims of this car are prone to easy damage and wear over time, giving it a worn-out appearance prematurely. The tires also wear out faster compared to certain vehicle models. The interior is made with inexpensive materials, leading to the possibility of parts breaking. Specifically, drivers have experienced issues with the automatic transmission, powertrain, and steering, especially in the 1999 model.
Honda CRX Del Sol
According to HotCars.com. Honda remains a trusted Japanese brand today, with the Honda Civic and Honda Accord sedans making Car & Driver’s list of bestselling cars for 2023. However, the Honda CRX Del Sol, designed to replace the beloved Honda CR-X in 1992, was nothing better than “terribly disappointing,”
The Honda Del Sol had various issues, including a leaking roof, noisy cabin, and a tendency for front brake rotors to warp. It was quite different from the sporty reputation of its namesake, the Honda CRX, and was often considered a problematic car. Honda no longer produces a vehicle comparable to the Del Sol.
The sportiest option in Honda’s current lineup is the two-door version of the Civic Si. Late-model used versions are priced around $20,000, and many find them worth the cost, as Hondas generally retain their value well.
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Toyota Paseo
We wouldn’t blame you if you read “Toyota Paseo” and said, “Toyota – what?”. While other Toyotas, like the Camry, Tacoma, RAV4, and even the Prius – one of the first hybrid cars to gain mainstream popularity – are household names, the Paseo was barely a blip in the 1990s.
Produced from 1991 to 1997, this subcompact car, despite sharing the Corolla frame, didn’t gain much attention or affection from Toyota enthusiasts. It came in convertible and regular models, and today, well-maintained ones can fetch thousands of dollars.
It’s not that the Paseo is a problematic car; it just didn’t capture the ’90s drivers’ interest, leading to its quick discontinuation by Toyota. If you’re thinking of restoring one, finding parts might be a challenge due to its limited availability in the U.S.
Suzuki Samurai and Suzuki X-90
The ’90s was a rough decade for Japanese auto manufacturers. Suzuki launched the Suzuki Samurai SUV with boxy lines reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler. But the car was given a safety rating of “not acceptable” by Consumer Reports, according to SlashGear.com. It was prone to flipping during sharp maneuvers.
Similarly, the successor to the Suzuki X-90 faced tipping issues. Unlike the appealing style of the Samurai, the two-seater X-90 had an odd design that left people questioning whether it was a coupe, a sports car, or just the front half of a pickup truck. With a modest 90 horsepower, it ultimately faded into obscurity, joining the Samurai as one of the least successful Japanese cars ever produced.
