24 Japanese Cars Known for Lasting 500,000+ Miles

Japanese cars are famed for their impeccable reliability. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, or Mitsubishi, as nearly every Japanese automobile is reliable and likely to last a lifetime.

The rule of Japanese reliability applies to all manner of vehicles as well. Whether a supercar like the Honda S2000 or an SUV like the Toyota Land Cruiser, reliability is crucial to making these all successful.

Our list contains some of the finest and most reliable Japanese cars ever to grace our roads. Everything from performance vehicles to family cars is included, highlighting the wide variety of Japanese and JDM cars you can buy and drive for the rest of your life.

First-Generation Honda NSX

The first-generation Honda NSX is one of the most talked about Japanese cars in history, even over 30 years since its debut in 1991. The iconic supercar exploded onto the scene with a range of V6 engines under the hood, producing 290-hp, and it had the honor of being the first production car to feature an all-aluminum semi-monocoque.

Elevating the NSX was that Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna played a role in testing the NSX. A famous test at the Suzuka circuit in Japan led to Honda stiffening the chassis and refining the car’s suspension. Over the years, Honda produced several versions of the NSX, including the NSX-R of 1992 and the NSX-R GT of 2005.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

It is no coincidence that the Mazda MX-5 has been in production for so many years. It is still a world-class sports car and one of the most reliable on the planet, earning an 85 on Consumer Reports.

The MX-5 is currently in its fourth generation as the MX-5 ND, first unveiled in 2014 and entering production a year later. Current engine options include the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G DOHC inline-four and the slightly larger 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G DIHC inline-four, with the larger engine producing up to 155-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota Corolla

It might not be as exciting as the MX-5 or the Honda NSX, but the Toyota Corolla is one of the best options for those seeking a daily driver from Japan. Consumer Reports scored an exceptional 93 on its reliability chart, and it currently holds the number one reliability rating for compact cars.

The 2024 Corolla is one of the few cars available for less than $25,000, and the model currently retails for $22,050. This is for the SE trim with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a maximum of 169-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Toyota has also recently added the hybrid Corolla to the lineup to future-proof the model heading into the electric era.

2009 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has existed for generations, first appearing in the mid-1970s. Since then, it has grown from a humble hatchback to a superb sedan, and the 2009 Civic is one of the most robust models in the car’s history.

A sign of its reliability is its score of 83/100 on J.D. Power, putting it in joint third place for the best compact car of 2009 behind only the Toyota Prius and Corolla and on a par with the Matrix. The 2009 Civic is still a great option on the used market, and you can opt for either the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder VTEC with 140-hp and 128 lb-ft of torque or the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder VTEC with 190-hp and 139 lb-ft of torque.

2022 Lexus IS

Toyota’s luxury division produces some of the finest cars in the world, combining luxury and comfort with excellent reliability and performance. The Lexus IS sedan was the first Lexus to use the F-Sport Performance badge when it launched in 2021. It has a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, taken from the LC 500 and RC F.

The Lexus IS is one of its most reliable models. It scores 92 on J.D. Power and has yet to suffer a single recall. Edmunds also gives it a very high consumer rating of 4.3/5. It is one of the most striking-looking Lexus of recent years, with aggressive headlights, sharp lines, and a prominent grille.

Toyota Yaris

It isn’t the most exciting car on this list, but the Toyota Yaris is an exceptional car with high reliability ratings. In 2018, What Car? scored the Yaris at 100 percent for reliability, it was ranked first out of 21 cars in that year’s subcompact category. It is a staggering achievement that only a few cars will ever achieve.

The Yaris has always had fantastic reliability, which seems to get even better every year. The fourth-generation Yaris is currently available as a four-door hatchback, while the two-door version is reserved for the impressive GR Yaris. The standard Yaris comes with three-cylinder gasoline engines and averages 30 MPG combined.

Toyota Prius

Since its launch, the Toyota Prius has been the subject of many jokes. But the new 2024 model has rekindled the excitement about the car, and it’s now one of the best hybrids on the market and one of the most reliable. Even the previous generation was trustworthy, and it was named the UK’s most reliable car in 2020, scoring an average rating of 9.88 out of 10.

The current Prius is still very affordable, costing $27,950 MSRP, and the sedan can get as much as 57 MPG. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid, producing 194-hp in front-wheel drive and 196-hp in all-wheel drive.

2017 Honda Fit/ Honda Jazz

The Honda Fit/Jazz is another car that, on the face of things, isn’t all that exciting. However, it is one of the most dependable vehicles on sale in the United States, first entering the market in 2001 as the Fit. The Fit soon gained a reputation for being a fun and nippy machine, and in 2017, this was at its zenith thanks to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder “Earth Dreams” VTEC engine, producing 130-hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

Reliability was another strong point of the 2017 Fit. J.D. Power gave it a respectable 85/100, while Edmunds also waded in, rating the 2017 Fit at 4/5. The 2017 Fit has also had no NHTSA recalls, a legacy of being a carryover vehicle from the 2016 Fit.

Honda S2000

Few Japanese sports cars can match the performance prowess of the Honda S2000. This iconic sports car was produced from 1999 to 2009. It had the F20C and F221C inline-four engines under the hood, producing up to 239 hp.

The S2000 also excelled in reliability scoring across every model year, improving reliability as the 2000s continued. The most reliable S2000 model years are from 2004 to 2009, and although servicing might be more expensive than a more modern car, you shouldn’t have to take it in for repairs often during its lifetime.

2014 Scion FR-S

The 2014 Scion FR-S will likely be a sports car you forgot existed. That is a shame because this quirky little Japanese performance car is one of the best to come out of the country, and Edmunds rates it incredibly highly at 4.5/5. They say the FR-S is light and well-balanced with excellent steering, very comfortable, and impressive fuel economy.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 4U-GSE Boxer engine that produces 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The FR-S is a gearhead dream thanks to its six-speed manual transmission, but it was also available with a six-speed automatic and paddle shifters. Fuel economy is also impressive, with 25 MPG combined for the manual and 28 MPG combined for the automatic model.

2011 Lexus LS 460

The 2011 Lexus LS 460 offers the best of two worlds. You get the unrivaled comfort that only a Lexus can give you, while you also get a punchy V8 under the hood, which means you can surprise those at the traffic lights and leave them in your dust.

The 4.6-liter 1UR-FSE V8 under the hood debuted in the third-generation LS 460. Thanks to its direct injection system, the V8 was a performance step up from the previous FSE. The V8 provided 380-hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for anyone using the LS 460 as their daily driver.

2019 Honda Insight

The Honda Insight debuted as the first hybrid available in North America in 1999. It would enter its third generation in 2018 as a stylish sedan with some of the best reliability of any modern Honda. Hybrid power was at the heart of the 2019 Insight, with a two-motor 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine producing 151-hp combined.

The third-generation Insight was much more premium than the first, scoring highly, with Cars.com rating the sedan at 4.7/5. Its smooth and efficient driving experience was critical to its success, and the addition of sport mode makes the Insight even more responsive.

2023 Mazda CX-30 Hybrid

The current Mazda CX-30 is one of the most impressive crossovers on the market and one of the most reliable hybrids on sale. The 2023 CX-30 has two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, the SkayActiv-G and the SkyActiv-X, featuring a mild hybrid system. The SkayActiv-X is the most potent, producing 183-hp, while the SkyActiv-G produces just 120-hp.

Fuel economy is another strong point of the CX-30, as it can achieve a combined EPA MPG of 29. Once again, it is another car that scores very well on J.D. Power. The website currently lists that the quality and reliability of the CX-30 stand at 80/100, while it scores an overall rating of 83/100 for consumer satisfaction.

2022 Nissan Rogue

The first Nissan on this list might not set the world on fire. However, the 2022 Rogue is one of the Japanese manufacturers’ best attempts at an SUV. Power comes from its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and CVT transmission. The turbocharged engine produces 201-hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the economy can be as high as 37 MPG on the highway, depending on the trim.

The 2022 Rogue continued the success of the 2021 model, which was the first Rogue to undergo a complete redesign for a few years. The Rogue directly rivals the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester.

Acura TLX

The Acura TLX is an American car, strictly speaking. However, its origins lie in the parent brand Honda in Japan, so its roots are firmly planted in the Japanese domestic market. Whatever badge is on the front, the Acura TLX is an impressive mid-size luxury car, with a 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine under the hood producing 272-hp.

The more powerful Type S comes with the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 355-hp, which makes for an exceptional daily driver. For a luxury car, the starting MSRP of $45,000 is very respectable, and the price can rise as high as $50,000 depending on what trim level you select.

Toyota Land Cruiser

We aren’t the only ones who think of the incredible Toyota Land Cruiser whenever reliable Japanese cars come up. Toyota has produced the Land Cruiser in various forms from 1951 to the present day, and the legendary SUV has recently returned to the USA after a four-year sabbatical.

The Land Cruiser journey started with the BJ and FJ generations in 1951, with the J20 taking over in 1955. The J20 is arguably the most recognizable of all Land Cruiser generations. Over the years, the Land Cruiser has created a reputation as one of the most reliable off-roaders in the world, and early reviews of the 2024 model suggest that it will not change anytime soon.

Fifth-Generation Toyota Supra

When the fifth-generation Toyota Supra launched, the reaction was mixed. Its BMW Z4 underpinnings led to many feeling it was simply a Z4 with new clothing, but over the past five years, the latest Supra has forged a reputation as one of the best sports cars currently on the market.

With a starting price of $46,440 in 2024, the GR Supra offers incredible value for money in the performance car segment. It is also a fraction of the cost of its rivals, including those from BMW. Power starts with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power increases to 382-hp and 368 lb-ft of torque with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

Nissan GT-R

If you are looking for a supercar with exceptional reliability, the 2024 Nissan GT-R is the one. We should savor it for as long as possible because the end of the GT-R is closer to the beginning with the 2024 model, potentially one of the last.

Although it might be showing its age in some ways, the GT-R is still getting excellent reviews and offering outstanding performance. The standard engine is the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing a superb 565-hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. Add in the Track Edition and the NISMO models, and you can have a tuned V6 powertrain with 600-hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

With ten generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, it is tough to select the best. In reality, it doesn’t matter which you pick, as they are all brilliant performance sedans with lots of power, grip, and the ability to experience what World Rally legends such as Mäkinen could. And all of them are very reliable performance cars as well.

Speaking of Mäkinen, Mitsubishi released a special Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition, built to celebrate the Finnish driver’s fourth consecutive WRC title in 1999. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter ‘4G63’ inline-four, producing around 276-hp, and this special edition of the Evo has become a modern classic.

Toyota GR86

Toyota is currently on a roll in the sports car world, offering what many of its rivals can’t: exceptional performance and handling, plus famous Toyota reliability, at a fraction of what you might expect to pay. The current GR86 is a fine example, with its MSRP of just $29,300.

Toyota describes the latest GR86 as a “thrill-seekers delight.” Under the hood, you get a 228-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 2.4-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated Boxer engine. Developed in conjunction with Subaru, this is one of the finest engines in any modern sports car, and the addition of a six-speed manual makes it even more enjoyable. That performance still comes with a J.D. Power reliability score of 73/100, an excellent number for any sports car.

Subaru BRZ

It is only fair to add the 2024 Subaru BRZ to this list as the sibling to the excellent Toyota GR86. The joint venture between the two companies produced two excellent sports cars, with the BRZ being the second. Thanks to its MSRP of $30,195, it still represents brilliant value for money.

Under the hood, unsurprisingly, you get the same 228-hp 2.4-liter Subaru Boxer engine as you find under the hood of the GR86. That does not detract from how equally excellent the BRZ is; it provides one of any modern sports car’s most engaging driving experiences.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

Not only is the Mazda 3 Hatchback one of the most reliable Japanese cars, but it is also one of their most stylish. Its incredible design is a far cry from some of the more mundane hatchbacks on the market. Even though the sedan is a great-looking car, the hatchback is the real winner.

Under the hood, the top-of-the-range model features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 250-hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. This is far better than the two engine choices, but the regular 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is still good for 191-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of your chosen engine, you will still get a fantastic-looking hatchback.

Subaru Outback

You can’t argue with a J.D. Power reliability score of 80/100. The Subaru Outback is one of the best vehicles in Subaru’s current lineup. For less than $29,000, you get a fantastic all-wheel drive crossover that performs brilliantly off-road. It provides stiff competition to the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Outback promises up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Thanks to the direct-injection Subaru Boxer engines, It produces 182-hp, which rises to 260-hp and 277 lb-ft of torque with the turbocharged version. A bonus is the exceptional 3,500-lb towing capacity, letting you bring all the gear you need for the journey.

Toyota 2000GT

Classic cars are typically less reliable than some of their more modern counterparts. Yet the Toyota 2000GT is a rare exception, with its 2.3-liter inline-six engine that produces 148-hp, which is one of the most dependable you will ever find in a classic car.

Reviews are keen to point out just how responsive the engine still is, regularly providing perfect revs to match the travel of the gas pedal. Even the brakes of the 2000GT have stood up to the test of time. The only downside to this classic is its cost, as it’s not unheard of for the 2000GT to sell for over $1 million.