Have you ever wondered why Japanese luxury cars stand out in the crowd? Many people don't know what makes these cars special. Japanese luxury cars offer amazing quality and comfort without the high price of European brands. This article will show you the best Japanese luxury cars from past to present. By reading this, you'll learn which Japanese luxury cars give you the most value and why they might be your next perfect ride.
Evolution of Japanese Luxury Cars
Japanese car makers started making luxury cars to compete with big European and American brands. They wanted to show they could make fancy cars too, not just cheap ones.
1. 1989 Lexus LS 400: The Game Changer
The 1989 Lexus LS 400 changed everything in the luxury car world. Toyota made this car to compete with Mercedes and BMW. It was Toyota's first try at a true luxury car under their new Lexus brand.
Key features:
- Super quiet V8 engine
- Buttery smooth ride
- High-quality leather seats
- Advanced sound system
- Better price than German rivals
The LS 400 showed that Japan could make top luxury cars. It was so good that European car makers had to improve their own cars to keep up!
2. 1990 Nissan President: Japan's Answer to Luxury
The Nissan President was Nissan's top luxury car. It was made to be a car for important people like business leaders and government officials.
What made it special:
- Big V8 engine
- Very roomy inside
- Hand-crafted wood parts
- Super soft leather seats
- Special quiet cabin
While not as well known outside Japan as the Lexus, the President showed Nissan could make truly fancy cars. It mixed Western luxury ideas with Japanese attention to small details.
3. 1991 Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown has been a symbol of success in Japan for many years. In 1991, this model kept its classic look while adding new tech.
Stand-out features:
- Sleek body style
- Powerful straight-six engine
- Plush ride quality
- High-tech dashboard for its time
- Perfect build quality
The Crown became the car that many Japanese business people wanted to own. It showed you had "made it" in life without being too flashy.
Learn more about Toyota vs other Japanese brands
4.1993 Mitsuoka Viewt: Unique Japanese Luxury
The Mitsuoka Viewt stands out from other Japanese luxury cars. It looks like an old British Jaguar but has reliable Japanese parts inside!
Why it's special:
- Classic British-inspired look
- Based on the Nissan March/Micra
- Hand-built body panels
- Custom leather interior
- Reliable Japanese engine
The Viewt showed that luxury isn't just about size or power. It's about being different and special. People who owned a Viewt wanted something that stood out from regular cars.
5.1997 Toyota Century: The Ultimate Japanese Luxury
The Toyota Century is Japan's most exclusive luxury car. It's hand-built for Japan's richest people, top business leaders, and even the royal family.
Luxury features:
- Hand-polished paint (takes weeks!)
- Wool cloth seats (more comfy than leather in Japan's climate)
- V12 engine (super smooth and quiet)
- Lace curtains for privacy
- Almost no outside badges or chrome
The Century isn't about showing off. It's about perfect craftsmanship and quiet luxury. Toyota Century owners don't need to prove they're rich - they want perfect quality and comfort.
6. 1999 Mitsubishi Proudia: Bold Luxury Statement
The Mitsubishi Proudia was Mitsubishi's big move into the luxury market. It was made to compete with top German and Japanese luxury cars.
Key points:
- Big, bold design
- Powerful V8 engine option
- Advanced suspension system
- High-tech features
- Smooth 5-speed automatic
While the Proudia didn't sell as well as Mitsubishi hoped, it showed their skill in making luxury cars. It was a car built without compromise.
7. 2004 Honda Legend: Technology Meets Luxury
The Honda Legend proved that Honda could make more than just great everyday cars. This luxury sedan packed amazing tech into a stylish package.
Tech features:
- Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
- Collision mitigation braking
- Active noise cancellation
- Premium sound system
- Advanced navigation
The Legend showed Honda's focus on clever engineering in a luxury package. It was perfect for tech-loving luxury buyers who wanted something different from the usual German brands.
8. 2025 Infiniti QX80: Luxury Goes Big
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 shows how far Japanese luxury has come. This big SUV combines space with amazing comfort.
Luxury highlights:
- Stunning 24-inch wheels
- Semi-aniline leather seats
- 24-speaker sound system
- Three digital screens up front
- Massage seats in first and second rows
- Off-road capability with luxury feel
The QX80 proves that Japanese brands can do luxury SUVs as well as anyone. It's perfect for families who want space without giving up luxury.
9. 2025 Lexus LS 500h AWD: Eco-Friendly Luxury
The Lexus LS 500h AWD shows that luxury cars can be kind to the planet too. This hybrid sedan doesn't make you choose between luxury and being green.
Green luxury features:
- V6 hybrid system with great power
- Amazing fuel economy for its size
- Handcrafted interior details
- Whisper-quiet electric driving
- Advanced driver safety tech
The LS 500h proves that eco-friendly can still mean luxury. It's perfect for buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without giving up comfort.
10. 2025 Toyota Crown Signia: The New Face of Japanese Luxury
The Toyota Crown Signia brings the famous Crown name into the modern era. This new model mixes SUV style with sedan luxury.
Modern luxury touches:
- Lifted sedan body style
- Hybrid powertrain standard
- Two-tone paint option
- Digital cockpit
- Premium JBL sound system
- High performance with sophisticated design
The Crown Signia shows Toyota's new vision for luxury cars. It's not just a sedan or SUV - it's something new that fits today's buyer needs.
Find out more about Toyota models
11. Lexus LS: The Flagship Luxury Sedan
The Lexus LS continues to be the standard-bearer for Japanese luxury. This flagship sedan shows what Lexus does best.
Performance highlights:
- Smooth, powerful engine options
- Air suspension for perfect ride quality
- Whisper-quiet cabin at any speed
- Effortless acceleration
- All-wheel drive available
Luxury features:
- Hand-pleated door panels
- Kiriko cut glass accents
- 28-way adjustable seats
- Shiatsu massage function
- Mark Levinson audio system
The LS remains the car that launched the Lexus brand and continues to showcase Japanese luxury at its finest.
12 Toyota Crown: Luxury With Heritage
The Toyota Crown has been a symbol of success for decades. This model combines tradition with modern luxury.
Performance aspects:
- Multiple powertrain options
- Refined chassis tuning
- Balanced handling and comfort
- Available hybrid technology
- Smooth power delivery
Luxury elements:
- Premium materials throughout
- Advanced driver assistance
- Excellent sound insulation
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Top-tier infotainment
The Crown continues to be a cornerstone of Toyota's luxury lineup, offering understated elegance with modern performance.
13.Lexus RC F: Performance Luxury Coupe
The Lexus RC F proves Japanese luxury cars can be exciting to drive. This sports coupe has the power to match its good looks.
Performance specs:
- 5.0L V8 engine
- 472 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
- Carbon fiber parts available
- Track-tuned suspension
- High-tech performance features
The RC F gives drivers the best of both worlds - luxury when cruising and sports car fun when the road gets twisty.
Check out alternatives to the Lexus RC F
14.Nissan President: Classic Executive Luxury
The Nissan President established itself as a premium luxury sedan for executives and officials. Though no longer in production, it left a lasting legacy.
Performance highlights:
- Powerful V8 engine options
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Excellent high-speed stability
- Soft yet controlled suspension
- Effortless cruising ability
Luxury elements:
- Hand-selected materials
- Spacious rear seating
- Plush leather upholstery
- Wood trim accents
- Advanced comfort features
The President showed Nissan's ability to create true luxury, rivaling the best from Europe and America.
15. Toyota Origin: Retro-Inspired Luxury
The Toyota Origin was a limited-edition luxury car that paid homage to Toyota's heritage while offering modern luxury.
Performance aspects:
- Smooth inline-six engine
- Refined rear-wheel drive
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Compliant suspension system
- Classic driving dynamics
Luxury features:
- Retro-inspired styling
- Premium leather interior
- Wood and metal accents
- Modern amenities in classic package
- Limited production exclusivity
The Origin showed how Toyota could blend vintage appeal with modern luxury expectations.
16.Toyota Century: The Ultimate Japanese Luxury
The Toyota Century remains Japan's most prestigious luxury car. It's handcrafted for the elite with attention to every detail.
Performance qualities:
- Perfectly tuned V8 or V12 engines
- Air suspension for perfect comfort
- Silent operation at all speeds
- Dignified acceleration
- Smooth power delivery
Luxury elements:
- Wool cloth or leather upholstery
- Hand-polished paint finish
- Rear-seat focused comfort
- Privacy curtains
- Writing tables and executive amenities
The Century continues to be the choice for Japan's elite, offering understated luxury without flashy badges.
17. Lexus LC 500: Beauty and Power Combined
The Lexus LC 500 might be the most beautiful Japanese luxury car ever made. Its looks match its amazing performance.
Performance highlights:
- 5.0L naturally aspirated V8
- 471 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive variable suspension
- Sport+ driving mode
Luxury features:
- Breathtaking exterior design
- Artisan-crafted interior
- Alcantara and leather trim
- Mark Levinson audio
- Hand-stitched details
The LC 500 shows that Japanese luxury cars can stir emotions just like Italian exotics. It's art on wheels that can also thrill on a back road.
18. Nissan Cedric: Accessible Luxury
The Nissan Cedric made luxury more accessible to everyday buyers. It offered premium features at a more reasonable price.
Performance aspects:
- Range of reliable engines
- Smooth automatic transmissions
- Comfortable ride quality
- Predictable handling
- Long-distance cruising ability
Luxury touches:
- Plush interior materials
- Power accessories
- Climate control
- Good sound insulation
- Thoughtful ergonomics
The Cedric proved luxury doesn't need a huge price tag. Many are still on the road today, showing their great build quality.
Find out about used Japanese cars
Mitsubishi Debonaire V 3000 Royal AMG: Hidden Gem
The Mitsubishi Debonaire V 3000 Royal AMG is a rare luxury car that few remember. But those who know it appreciate its unique charm.
Performance features:
- Powerful 3.0L V6 engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- AMG handling enhancements
- Responsive steering
- Long-distance cruising comfort
Luxury elements:
- Premium velour or leather upholstery
- Digital dashboard technology
- Power accessories throughout
- High-end audio system
- Unique AMG styling touches
This special Mitsubishi shows that even smaller Japanese brands could make truly fancy cars when they wanted to.
What Makes Japanese Luxury Cars Special?
Japanese luxury cars stand out for some key reasons:
Quality That Lasts
Japanese luxury cars are built to last for many years. They use:
- Better materials
- Stricter quality checks
- Smarter engineering
- More testing before sale
This means Japanese luxury cars often cost less to own over time than European rivals.
Learn why Japanese cars are so reliable
Technology Focus
Japanese brands often lead with new tech:
- First with hybrid luxury cars
- Advanced safety systems
- Intuitive controls
- Better fuel efficiency
- Smart connectivity
This tech focus makes Japanese luxury cars very modern and forward-thinking.
Value for Money
Japanese luxury cars often give you more features for less money:
- Better standard equipment
- Fewer expensive options
- Lower maintenance costs
- Better reliability ratings
- Higher resale values
This value approach means you get more luxury for your dollar.
Japanese vs German Luxury Cars: How They Compare
Many buyers choose between Japanese and German luxury cars. Here's how they stack up:
|
Feature |
Japanese Luxury Cars |
German Luxury Cars |
|
Initial Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Reliability |
Excellent |
Good |
|
Repair Costs |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Performance |
Very Good |
Excellent |
|
Brand Status |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Technology |
Cutting-edge |
Advanced |
|
Design |
Subtle |
Bold |
|
Resale Value |
Higher |
Variable |
Full comparison of German vs Japanese cars
How to Import a Japanese Luxury Car
Many people want to import Japanese luxury cars not sold in their country. Here's what you need to know:
Step 1: Find a Reputable Importer
Work with a company that specializes in Japanese car imports. They handle the hard parts for you.
Find top Japanese car exporters
Step 2: Check Import Rules
Each country has different rules about importing cars. Some only allow cars older than 25 years.
Import rules for different countries
Step 3: Budget for Extra Costs
Remember to include shipping, taxes, and possible modifications in your budget.
Step 4: Arrange Inspection
Have the car checked before shipping to avoid surprises.
Best Japanese Luxury Cars for Different Needs
Best for Families
- Infiniti QX80
- Lexus RX
- Toyota Crown Signia
Best for Performance
- Lexus RC F
- Lexus LC 500
- Nissan GT-R Premium
Best for Classic Luxury
- Toyota Century
- Lexus LS
- Mitsubishi Proudia
Best Value Luxury
- Toyota Crown
- Honda Legend
- Nissan Cedric (used)
Compare different Toyota models
Buying Tips for Japanese Luxury Cars
- Research model-specific issues Each model has its own quirks and potential problems.
- Check for import history If buying used, know where the car came from.
- Verify parts availability Some JDM-only models may have harder-to-find parts.
- Consider hybrid options Japanese brands excel at luxury hybrids.
- Look at total ownership costs Lower repair costs can offset a higher purchase price.
FAQs About Japanese Luxury Cars
Are Japanese luxury cars as good as German ones?
Yes! Japanese luxury cars are often more reliable and cost less to maintain while offering similar features.
What is the most luxurious Japanese car?
The Toyota Century is considered the most prestigious Japanese luxury car, used by top business leaders and royalty.
Are Japanese luxury cars cheaper to maintain?
Usually yes. They tend to need fewer repairs and parts are often less expensive.
Do Japanese luxury cars hold their value?
Most Japanese luxury cars have excellent resale value, often better than European rivals.
What was the first true Japanese luxury car?
The 1989 Lexus LS 400 is widely considered the first Japanese car to truly compete with established luxury brands.
How do Japanese luxury cars handle mountain driving?
Very well! Many models offer excellent handling and all-wheel drive options.
Learn about mountain driving performance
Conclusion
Japanese luxury cars offer an amazing mix of quality, technology, comfort, and value. From the game-changing Lexus LS 400 to today's high-tech hybrids, Japanese brands have proven they belong in the luxury car world. Whether you want a smooth, quiet ride, cutting-edge tech, or solid reliability, there's a Japanese luxury car for you. The best part? You'll often get more for your money than with other luxury brands.
Ready to explore the world of Japanese luxury cars? Start with the models we've covered here and discover why so many drivers have fallen in love with these special vehicles.
