What are the Most Popular Japanese Car Brands

Japanese Lexus driving fast

From sushi to onsen hot springs and pastel-pink cherry blossoms, Japan is famous for all kinds of reasons. When it comes to automobiles, the country is a frontrunner. So, what are Japanese car brands known for and what makes them so well regarded around the world? Read on as we take a closer look at some of the most popular Japanese auto manufacturers and what they offer to motorists.

What are Japanese car brands known for?

Before we spotlight some of the most popular makes and models, let’s take a moment to unpack what are Japanese car brands known for.

Affordability

Japanese auto factories are highly efficient. This keeps prices down and makes Japanese models amazingly affordable, compared to many other brands.

Reliability

Japanese manufacturers continually dominate when it comes to reliability. High manufacturing standards and advanced quality control techniques help ensure every car that leaves the factory is built to last.

Technology

What are Japanese car brands celebrated for? Technology is one of the biggest draws. From powerful all-electric engines to next-generation driver assist features and infotainment systems, Japanese car brands are leading lights when it comes to technology.

Easy to maintain

Most Japanese cars are mass produced using readily available and easily replicated materials. This is good news for drivers as it makes it a cinch to find parts. Repair and replacement costs are low, which makes maintaining Japanese vehicles simple.

The most popular Japanese car brands

Now you know more about what Japanese car brands are known for, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular makes and models.

Toyota

Based in the Aichi Prefecture on Honshu Island, Toyota is one of the most popular car manufacturers in the world. The Japanese auto giant sold almost 10.5 million vehicles around the world in 2022. This made it the world’s top-selling car manufacturer, topping German rival Volkswagen. The company ticks all the boxes when it comes to our list of what Japanese car brands are known for. Models are affordable, reliable and family friendly.

Model popularity varies between countries. For example, in North America, best-sellers include the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, Toyota Highlander midsize SUV and the wildly popular Toyota Camry sedan. Drivers also love the RAV4, a capable and compact SUV that’s been winning over motorists since the 1990s.

British drivers love the Toyota Yaris, which is perfect for zipping around cities. The hatchback combines top-notch safety standards with smart technology, lots of style and a surprising amount of space. Hybrid technology also has a big role to play when it comes to the popularity of Japanese car brands. Hybrid models like the Yaris have been a huge hit with drivers who want to embrace electric but aren’t ready to commit to an EV. The new Aygo X compact crossover also helped boost Toyota sales in 2022.

Subaru

What are Japanese car brands known for? Speed, of course. When it comes to rally-inspired cars, no brand does it better than Subaru. The Impreza is a mainstay on the World Rally Champion stage, with legendary Scottish rally driver Colin McRae helping propel the model into the spotlight.

The practical Subaru Outback has been a firm favourite since it was first launched in 1994. Today it remains popular with British motorists in search of adventure. The AWD crossover is just as capable at cruising along urban streets as it is taking on rocky trails and mud-splattered fields. The Forester hybrid is tough-as-nails and combines a beefy petrol e-BOXER engine with self-charging electric battery power. And let’s not forget the all-new Subaru Solterra. It’s one of the company’s first all-electric models and offers an impressive range of up to 289 miles.

Nissan

Whether you use your Nissan to run errands in the city or whisk the family away on weekend road trips, this much-loved brand is hugely popular in the UK. The latest Nissan Qashqai compact crossover SUV boasts e-POWER technology. This clever feature offers the whisper-quiet and eco-friendly benefits of an all-electric motor, without the need to plug in and recharge.

A compact build and bold silhouette have made the Nissan Juke another darling in the UK. And of course, no list of Nissan favourites is complete without a nod to the Micra. Affordable and reliable, this pint-sized model sums up everything people love most about Japanese car brands.

Lexus

What are Japanese car brands famous for? While giants like Toyota and Subaru are renowned for their affordability and reliability, manufacturers like Lexus are all about luxury. The brand is owned by Toyota and strikes a perfect balance between reliability and luxury. Expect powerful engines, incredible craftsmanship and superlative attention to detail.

The all-new Lexus RZ 450e is the latest model to capture headlines. As the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle, the model sets a new benchmark for EVs. With a starting price of £62,600 it’s not cheap. But you absolutely get what you pay for.

Beyond the all-electric engine, expect a high-end cabin inspired by the traditional Japanese art of Omotenashi. The term is woven into the tapestry of Japanese culture and hospitality. It’s all about wholeheartedly anticipating the needs of guests and giving them the best possible experience. The Lexus RZ 450e does just this with features like an extra-large 14” touchscreen and incredible connectivity. Radiant heaters keep passengers cosy, while a glass panoramic roof with electronic dimming functionality allows you to customise your views and sunlight levels. This is Japanese luxury at its best.

Financing a Japanese car

Want to master the art of Omotenashi in your car? Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious Lexus RZ 450e, an affordable Subaru or a family-friendly Toyota, use our car finance eligibility checker to get into the driver’s seat faster. 

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How to Find Out the Service History of a Car

Clean engine thanks to full service history

Whether you’re shopping for a lightly used Mercedes or a Mini with almost 200,000 miles on the odometer, the service history of a car can be a valuable asset. As a potential buyer, you can unlock insight into how well the car has been looked after over its lifetime. This can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of performance and the cost of future repairs.

According to a leading automotive parts and repair service provider, almost 50% of car owners maintain they wouldn’t purchase a used vehicle without a complete service history. The remaining 50% said they would expect a discount of around 20% on vehicles without a complete service history.

It’s clearly an important decision-making tool and rightly so. Want to know more? Read on for our complete guide on how to find out the service history of a car.

What is the service history of a car?

A service history is a fingerprint of all the services that have been completed on a vehicle over its lifetime. This includes a variety of general services, including tyre changes and brake fluid replacements.

Is it legal to sell a car with no service history?

Yes, in the UK it’s completely legal to sell a vehicle with no service history. For example, an individual or dealership can sell a 25-year-old car with no proof of repairs or services. However, as a buyer it’s your responsibility to understand the risks and do everything you can to make a smart, informed decision.

What is a Full Service History of a car?

A Full Service History (FSH) proves that a vehicle has been maintained according to the service schedule set by the manufacturer. Usually, this involves a general service every year or every 12,000 miles.

All servicing and repairs should be backed by official documents, either from a manufacturer-operated garage or an approved service centre.

A full service history of a car is always coveted as it proves the vehicle has been well looked after.

The role of a service book

Most new vehicles are sold with a service book designed to help owners keep track of general maintenance. After every service, the book should be stamped by the mechanic. It’s worth noting that many cars manufactured within the last five years have swapped paper service books for digital copies. This is designed to make it easier to keep track of the service history of a car.

What is a Full Dealer Service History?

A Full Dealer Service History (FDSH) applies to vehicles that have consistently been serviced by manufacturer-operated garages. Also known as a Main Dealer Service History (MDSH), this guarantees the vehicle has always been serviced by an expert. Some people consider a FDSH to be the gold standard while others don’t give it as much weight.

What is a partial service history?

If a service was skipped one year, the vehicle was serviced at a non-approved service centre, or the service book is missing a stamp, a FSH is void. Instead, the car must be sold with a partial service history (PSH).

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as cars with a partial service history don’t always have issues. However, you have no way of knowing how well the car has been serviced over the years.

How can I find the service history of my car?

The easiest way to find out the service history of a car is to look at the service book. Of course, this isn’t always an option. Service books can be lost, misplaced or withheld on purpose. If you find yourself in this situation, you have a few options:

Ask the owner to contact the regular service provider

Most service providers keep detailed records of services and repairs. If the owner knows what mechanic the car is usually taken to, they should be able to pull up records.

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is a great resource when it comes to tracking down the service history of a car. On the DVLA website, you can use the V888 form to request information about the previous owners of a vehicle. As long as you have a ‘reasonable cause’ for making the request, the DVLA may be able to supply their contact details, which you can use to get in touch with the previous owners and request more information about the service history of a car. There are no guarantees you’ll find out any useful information but it’s always worth a try.

Watch out for forged FSH

Sellers know the value of a FSH and unfortunately, some choose to forge documents to secure a higher price. Despite clampdowns, fake service histories are all too common in the UK. If you have any suspicions about the service history of a car, it’s worth contacting the listed service provider to confirm the information is genuine.

For cars less than three years old, service records should be stored by the manufacturer on a central database. A quick call to your local manufacturer-operated service centre should be all that’s needed to confirm the FSH is legitimate. Another good tip is to ask to see receipts, invoices and paperwork, rather than blindly trust the service book. This should help establish authenticity and give you peace of mind.

The bottom line on accessing a service history

Ultimately, there’s no one-click solution when it comes to accessing the service history of a car. Instead, you need to take the initiative as a buyer and put in a little groundwork. With a few calls and questions, you can unlock valuable information about the condition of a vehicle.

Now you know more about how to find out the service history of a car, it’s time to start shopping for your new set of wheels. Budget is a big factor for most buyers, which is where our car loan calculator steps up. With just a few clicks, you can crunch the numbers and get a clear idea of what price range to browse and what to expect in terms of repayments.

For more information, get in touch by email or give us a call on 01246 458 810.

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  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
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  • You may have recently changed address
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X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

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Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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