Which car is still made in Japan?
Japan has long been a hub for automotive innovation and manufacturing, producing some of the most reliable and iconic vehicles in the world. While many automakers have shifted production to other countries to reduce costs, several cars are still proudly made in Japan. In this article, we’ll explore which cars continue to be manufactured in Japan and why this matters to car enthusiasts and buyers.
Why Does Japanese Manufacturing Matter?
Japanese-made cars are often associated with exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and advanced engineering. The country’s strict quality control standards and skilled workforce contribute to the reputation of Japanese-made vehicles as being durable and reliable. For many car buyers, owning a car made in Japan is a mark of quality and craftsmanship.
Examples of Cars Still Made in Japan
While many automakers have globalized their production, several models are still manufactured in Japan. Here are some notable examples:
- Toyota Land Cruiser: This iconic SUV, known for its rugged durability and off-road capabilities, is still produced in Japan.
- Honda Civic Type R: The high-performance version of the Honda Civic is manufactured in Japan, showcasing the country’s expertise in engineering sports cars.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: This beloved roadster, celebrated for its lightweight design and driving dynamics, is made in Hiroshima, Japan.
- Nissan GT-R: Known as “Godzilla” among car enthusiasts, the GT-R is a high-performance sports car that continues to be built in Japan.
- Subaru WRX STI: Subaru’s rally-inspired performance car is another example of a Japanese-made vehicle.
How to Identify a Japanese-Made Car
If you’re curious about whether a specific car was made in Japan, here are some tips to help you find out:
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The first character of the VIN indicates the country of manufacture. Cars made in Japan typically have a VIN starting with the letter “J.”
- Research the Model: Some models are exclusively manufactured in Japan, so a quick online search can confirm the production location.
- Ask the Dealer: Dealerships often have detailed information about where their vehicles are produced.
Conclusion
Despite the globalization of the automotive industry, Japan remains a key player in car manufacturing, producing some of the most respected and sought-after vehicles on the market. Whether you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a high-performance sports car, Japanese-made vehicles continue to set the standard for quality and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicle is still made in Japan?
Major current manufacturers
| Company | Sub Brand |
|---|---|
| Mazda (1920–present) (5% Toyota) | |
| Mitsubishi (1873–1950; 1964–present) | |
| Nissan (formerly Datsun) (1933–present) | Infiniti (1989–present) |
| Nissan Blue Stage (dealer network) |
Which car is made in China?
Summary
| Company | Marques | Foreign-branded JVs |
|---|---|---|
| Central state-owned manufacturers | ||
| Geely | Geely, Livan, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC, Farizon, Radar, Ji Yue, Smart, Proton | |
| BYD | BYD Auto, Yangwang, Denza, Fangchengbao | |
| Great Wall | GWM, Haval, Wey, Tank, Ora | Mini (Spotlight) |
Which Toyotas are made in China?
China
- FAW Toyota. Tianjin – Allion, bZ3, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Crown Kluger, IZOA, Vios XP150, Granvia, Harrier. Chengdu – Coaster, Avalon, Land Cruiser Prado. Changchun – RAV4.
- GAC Toyota, Guangzhou – bZ4X, Camry, C-HR, Frontlander, Wildlander, Highlander, Levin, Sienna, Venza, Yaris XP150.
Are Nissans still made in Japan?
The vast majority of Nissan vehicles are made at at six manufacturing facilities, located in Japan, the U.S., and Mexico: Tochigi Plant (Japan) Oppama Plant (Japan)
Which is the most reliable Japanese car?
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid holds the number one spot on the list of Consumer Reports most reliable vehicles, with a reliability rating of 93 and an overall score of 88. It's also rated number one in compact cars.
Do cars made in Japan last longer?
Yes, Japanese Cars Last Longer!
An extensive study conducted by the Curtis Laws Wilson Library demonstrates that Japanese cars are generally more long-lived than their American and European counterparts.
What is Japan's No. 1 car brand?
Toyota
Sales volume of leading car brands in Japan 2024. In 2024, Toyota was the leading car manufacturer in Japan, selling around 1.36 million vehicles domestically.
What Toyota models are still built in Japan?
As previously stated, some hybrids are manufactured in Japan, including the Corolla, Prius, Crown, Rav4 Prime, and Venza. All other rav4 and Camry models are manufactured outside of Japan. 4runners have always been built in Japan. LC200 and LX are manufactured in Japan.
Is Honda buying Nissan?
Nissan and Honda have announced plans to merge by 2026 in a seismic shift for the Japanese auto industry.
Which Lexus is still made in Japan?
Here is a rundown of the seven manufacturing plants where Lexus cars are made: Toyota Tahara Plant (Tahara, Japan): Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC. Toyota Yoshiwara Plant (Toyota, Aichi, Japan): Lexus LX. Toyota Motor Kyushu (Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan): Lexus UX.
