6 Expensive Japanese Cars That Are Worth the Cost
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Japanese cars are so popular in the United States and elsewhere because they are affordable, economical and reliable, especially for smaller and mid-sized models. But Japan also produces some of the world’s best luxury cars.
Although Japan’s luxury models are less well known than those made by Mercedes-Benz, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Porsche or Cadillac, they can hold their own regarding look, performance and value.
Starting prices are for new models, and all cars have a starting price at least 10% higher than the average new car price, which was $48,510 as of April 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book — reviews provided by HotCars and TrueCar.
Following is a look at six expensive Japanese cars that are worth the cost.
Nissan Z
- Starting price: $54,110
- TrueCar’s take: The “legendary” Z car was brought back last year with “increased power, improved performance” and a new look. It boasts a “powerful engine,” six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, and “checks the right boxes as a proper fun-to-drive sports car.”
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
- Starting price: $56,500
- HotCars’ take: The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a “serious performance luxury sedan” with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower. Also available with an optional all-wheel drive system.
Toyota GR Supra
- Starting price: $59,645
- TrueCar’s take: The Supra has a “stylish coupe shape, scintillating power and speed, and nimble handling,” making it a “compelling alternative” to rival European two-seat sports cars.
Lexus LS
- Starting price: $80,685
- HotCars’ take: The Lexus LS is a “technologically advanced” and “no-nonsense” luxury sedan with a “cutting-edge” hybrid powertrain option that will last a long time on the road.
Lexus LC500
- Starting price: $99,800
- HotCars’ take: Consumers who want an “ultra-luxurious grand tourer with long legs and one of the best cabins ever” should be happy with the Lexus LC500. The cabin “shouts opulence” and boasts a level of quality that will “put established European carmakers to shame.”
Lexus LX
- Starting price: $93,915
- HotCars’ take: Lexus’ flagship SUV is a “butch and gaudy” vehicle with “brilliant” underpinning. HotCars calls it a Toyota Land Cruiser “clad in a tuxedo.”
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