Japanese VIP cars are some of the most awesome luxury cars in the world! Many kids don't know about these special cars. This article will show you Japan's top VIP cars and what makes them so amazing. By the end, you'll know all about these cool rides!
What Are Japanese VIP Cars?
Japanese VIP cars are luxury vehicles made in Japan. They focus on comfort, style, and high-end features. These cars are built for business leaders, famous people, and anyone who wants to travel in style.
Let's look at the 15 best Japanese VIP cars and what makes each one special!
Top 15 Japanese VIP Cars: Luxury on Wheels
1. Honda Legend
The Honda Legend is a top luxury sedan from Honda.
Key Features:
- Big V6 engine with 310 horsepower
- All-wheel drive system
- Leather seats that heat up and cool down
- Special safety systems that help prevent crashes
Pros:
- Very smooth and quiet ride
- Top safety ratings
- High-quality build that lasts many years
- Great sound system
Cons:
- Uses more gas than smaller cars
- Parts can be expensive to replace
- Not as well-known as some European luxury cars
Want to learn more about how Honda compares to other brands? Check out this detailed comparison of Toyota vs Honda.
2. Toyota Century
The Toyota Century is Japan's most royal car! It's even used by the Japanese royal family.
Key Features:
- Hand-built V8 or V12 engine
- Wool cloth seats (instead of leather) for less noise
- Special paint that takes weeks to apply
- Rear seats that recline like beds
Pros:
- Extremely quiet inside
- Handcrafted details everywhere
- Built to last for decades
- Classic style that never looks old
Cons:
- Very expensive to buy
- Hard to find outside Japan
- Not many high-tech features that newer cars have
Interested in other Toyota models? Learn about Toyota's most reliable cars.
3. Nissan President
The Nissan President was made to carry important business leaders and government officials.
Key Features:
- Powerful V8 engine
- Extra-long wheelbase for more room inside
- Special rear seats with controls for everything
- Super thick windows to keep out noise
Pros:
- Very roomy back seats
- Smooth ride even on bumpy roads
- Built like a tank for safety
- Classic luxury look
Cons:
- No longer in production (last made in 2010)
- Hard to find repair parts
- Not very good on gas
For more about Nissan cars, check out how Nissan compares to Suzuki.
4. Honda Vigor/Inspire
The Honda Vigor (later called Inspire) brings sporty handling to luxury cars.
Key Features:
- Unique 5-cylinder engine
- Front-wheel drive
- Double-wishbone suspension for better handling
- Driver-focused dashboard
Pros:
- More fun to drive than most luxury cars
- Good balance of comfort and sportiness
- More affordable than bigger luxury cars
- Still looks modern today
Cons:
- Smaller inside than other VIP cars
- Less powerful than V6 competitors
- Discontinued in some markets
Love Honda cars? Learn more about the Honda Fit Hybrid.
5. Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is one of Japan's longest-running car models, first made in 1955!
Key Features:
- Choice of V6 engines or hybrid system
- Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Air suspension that adjusts to road conditions
- Advanced safety features
Pros:
- Very comfortable on long trips
- High resale value
- Hybrid version uses less gas
- Packed with technology
Cons:
- Conservative styling
- Not as fun to drive as German competitors
- Some models not sold outside Japan
Planning to buy a Toyota? Check out this guide on how much cars cost in Japan.
6. Mitsubishi Proudia/Dignity
The Mitsubishi Proudia and its longer version, the Dignity, were made for business executives.
Key Features:
- V8 engine in early models
- Semi-aniline leather interior
- Extra sound insulation
- Advanced air purification system
Pros:
- Very quiet cabin
- Extremely comfortable seats
- Less common than Toyota or Nissan luxury cars
- Good value for the features
Cons:
- Discontinued in 2016
- Less prestigious brand name
- Limited dealer support now
See how Mitsubishi compares to other brands in this Mitsubishi vs Toyota comparison.
7. Toyota Celsior
The Toyota Celsior is what we know as the Lexus LS outside Japan!
Key Features:
- Smooth V8 engine
- Air suspension for a floating ride
- Super quiet interior with sound dampening
- Adjustable rear seats
Pros:
- Legendary reliability
- Smooth as silk ride
- Built to extremely high standards
- Less expensive than European luxury cars
Cons:
- Conservative styling
- Less sporty than German rivals
- Later sold as Lexus in Japan too
Want to see how Lexus compares to other Japanese brands? Read this Lexus vs Honda comparison.
8. Mazda Sentia/929
The Mazda Sentia (called 929 in some countries) was Mazda's flagship luxury sedan.
Key Features:
- Smooth V6 engine
- Unique "solar ventilation system" that uses sunlight to cool the car when parked
- Solar moon roof
- Wool cloth or leather seats
Pros:
- Distinctive styling
- Driver-focused handling
- More affordable than other luxury cars
- Unique features not found on other cars
Cons:
- Discontinued in the early 2000s
- Less interior space than competitors
- Not as well-known as Toyota or Nissan luxury cars
Curious about Mazda? Learn more about who makes Mazda cars.
9. Mazda Millenia
The Mazda Millenia was originally planned to launch Mazda's luxury brand, like Lexus is to Toyota.
Key Features:
- Unique Miller-cycle engine in S model
- Bose sound system designed for the car
- Xenon headlights (very advanced when released)
- Low, sleek body design
Pros:
- Excellent handling for a luxury car
- Unique engine technology
- Great sound system
- Stylish interior
Cons:
- Never as popular as other luxury cars
- Complex engine in S model can be expensive to fix
- Limited rear seat space
For more Mazda comparisons, check out Mazda vs Toyota.
10. Toyota Aristo
The Toyota Aristo is what we know as the Lexus GS in many countries.
Key Features:
- Twin-turbo inline-six engine in some models
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Premium sound system
- Four-wheel steering on some versions
Pros:
- More sporty than other Toyota luxury cars
- Powerful engine options
- High-quality interior materials
- Good balance of comfort and handling
Cons:
- Firm ride compared to Century or Crown
- Less rear seat space than larger sedans
- High maintenance costs f../../toyota-sports-car-modelsor twin-turbo models
Learn more about Toyota's sports car lineup in this article about Toyota sports car models.
11. Nissan Cima
The Nissan Cima is a full-size luxury car that competed with the Toyota Century.
Key Features:
- V8 or V6 hybrid engine options
- Semi-aniline leather seats
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Active noise cancellation technology
Pros:
- Extremely quiet interior
- Powerful and smooth engines
- More modern styling than Century
- Advanced technology features
Cons:
- Not as prestigious as Toyota Century
- Less interior space than some competitors
- Limited availability outside Japan
For more about classic Japanese cars, see this guide to best classic Japanese cars.
12. Nissan Cedric/Gloria
The Nissan Cedric and its twin, the Gloria, were popular executive cars for decades.
Key Features:
- Various engine options including straight-six and V6
- Plush velour or leather interiors
- Advanced suspension for the time
- Classic boxy design
Pros:
- Very spacious interior
- Smooth ride quality
- Reliable mechanics
- Less expensive than top-tier luxury cars
Cons:
- Basic design compared to European luxury cars
- Less advanced features than premium models
- No longer in production
Interested in Nissan's sporty models? Check out Nissan Skyline vs Silvia.
13. Mitsubishi Diamante
The Mitsubishi Diamante was Mitsubishi's entry in the executive car segment.
Key Features:
- V6 engine with good power
- Electronically controlled suspension
- Climate control air conditioning
- Active electronic control system
Pros:
- Good value for the features
- Advanced technology for its time
- Comfortable ride
- Distinctive styling
Cons:
- Not as luxurious as higher-end models
- Limited rear seat space
- Discontinued in the early 2000s
Looking for smaller Mitsubishi models? Learn about the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini.
14. Mazda Sentia (2nd generation)
The second generation Mazda Sentia had a completely new design from the first version.
Key Features:
- Larger V6 engine
- More rounded styling
- Improved sound insulation
- Higher quality interior materials
Pros:
- More modern look than first generation
- Better performance
- Improved ride quality
- More features as standard
Cons:
- Less distinctive than first generation
- Limited production run
- Rare to find today
For modern Mazda reviews, see 2023 Mazda CX-5 reviews.
15. Mitsubishi Dignity
The Mitsubishi Dignity was the longer, more luxurious version of the Proudia.
Key Features:
- Longer wheelbase for more rear legroom
- V8 engine (first generation)
- Full leather interior with wood trim
- Four-zone climate control
Pros:
- Extremely spacious rear seats
- High level of luxury features
- Rare and exclusive
- Smooth and quiet ride
Cons:
- Very limited production numbers
- Hard to find parts
- High fuel consumption
- Discontinued in 2016
Comparing Japanese VIP Cars
Let's compare some key features of these luxury cars:
|
Car Model |
Engine |
Special Features |
Best For |
|
Toyota Century |
V8/V12 |
Wool seats, hand-built |
Ultimate luxury, chauffeur-driven |
|
Honda Legend |
V6 |
SH-AWD system, hybrid option |
All-weather luxury, tech lovers |
|
Nissan President |
V8 |
Extra long wheelbase |
Executive transport |
|
Toyota Crown |
V6/Hybrid |
Long heritage, air suspension |
Daily luxury driving |
|
Mazda Millenia |
Miller-cycle V6 |
Unique engine technology |
Tech enthusiasts |
|
Nissan Cima |
V8/V6 Hybrid |
Noise cancellation |
Quiet luxury experience |
Why Japanese VIP Cars Are Special
Japanese VIP cars stand out from American and European luxury cars in several ways:
- Built with incredible attention to detail
- Focus on passenger comfort over sportiness
- Extremely reliable even with luxury features
- Often more understated in styling
- Special features designed for Japanese executives
Learn more about the differences in this article comparing German cars vs Japanese cars.
How to Buy a Japanese VIP Car
Interested in owning one of these luxury cars? Here's how:
- Research the model - Learn about common problems and parts availability
- Check import rules - Some countries have age restrictions on imported cars
- Find a trusted exporter - Work with reliable Japanese car exporters
- Inspect before buying - Get detailed pictures or hire an inspector in Japan
- Plan for shipping - Work with car shipping companies in Japan
For country-specific import information, check these guides:
Future of Japanese VIP Cars
Japanese luxury cars are changing fast. Here's what's coming:
- More hybrid and electric motors
- Self-driving features
- Connected car technology
- New luxury materials inside
- Even more focus on quiet, smooth rides
Is a Japanese VIP Car Right for You?
Japanese VIP cars might be perfect if you:
- Want something different from common luxury cars
- Value reliability and quality
- Appreciate subtle luxury over flashy styles
- Enjoy Japanese design and technology
If you're looking for other options, check out best affordable cars or best second hand cars under 3000.
Conclusion
Japanese VIP cars offer amazing luxury, quality, and unique features. From the royal Toyota Century to the sporty Mazda Millenia, these cars show Japan's best automotive engineering. Whether you're just learning about cars or thinking about buying one, these 15 models represent the peak of Japanese luxury cars.
Visit Next Drive to learn more about importing Japanese cars and to see current availability of these luxury models.
FAQs About Japanese VIP Cars
What does VIP mean for Japanese cars?
VIP stands for Very Important Person. These cars are made for important business people, government officials, and wealthy customers who want the best comfort and features.
Are Japanese VIP cars reliable?
Yes! Japanese luxury cars are known for being more reliable than many European luxury brands. They're built with the same quality focus as other Japanese cars.
Can I import a Japanese VIP car to my country?
Most countries allow importing Japanese cars, but rules differ. Some have age limits or safety requirements. Check our guides on Japanese car importing for your specific country.
What's the most expensive Japanese VIP car?
The Toyota Century is typically the most expensive Japanese luxury car, especially the rare V12 models or Royal editions made for the Imperial family.
Are parts expensive for Japanese luxury cars?
Parts can be expensive for discontinued models, but generally less expensive than European luxury brands. Common maintenance parts are often shared with non-luxury models.
