Top 10 Obscure Japanese Cars

Enthusiast-centric Japanese cars have flooded the markets and almost every other model has a fan who is always drooling over it. But, there are some unfortunate models that never got the recognition they deserved. Well, here are some obscure Japanese car models you may have overlooked over the years, but the more you learn about these efficient little cars, the more charming they become!

Mazda R360

The Mazda R360 is an adorable little car, and an important piece of Japanese history. It was a two-door, four-seat coupe introduced in 1960. As a "kei car" it was very small, compact, and meant for crowded city driving. It was also Mazda's first passenger car, hence its historical significance. Soon, the R360 had cornered a sizable chunk of the lightweight (kei car) market in Japan, and production of the R360 lasted for six years, making it a staple within the Japanese community at the time. It's powered by a humble little engine - a rear-mounted air-cooled 356 cc V-twin that manages to produce 16 horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque as well as speeds of up to 52 mph - pretty impressive for the time considering its tiny size. It also featured a four-speed manual, or two-speed automatic transmission. If you are collecting Japanese cars, this one is a must-have!

Daihatsu Charade Runabout

Red Daihatsu Charade G20 850 Runabout 1982 — order_242 via Wikimedia Commons

Whether it's the G10 or the G20 model, the Daihatsu Charade Runabout is by far one of Japan's coolest cars. When the first generation (G10) appeared in October 1977, it was only sold as a five-door hatchback. The three-door hatchback version, AKA the "Runabout", was introduced in the fall of 1978. This version received two round "opera windows" in the C-pillars which adds to the car's stylish appearance and sporty build. The Charade also has an interesting backstory. It was a surprise bestseller in Japan despite ever-tighter emissions standards that had many people thinking that the one-liter car was no longer a viable option. Despite this belief, the Charade became an instant favorite for consumers and was voted Japanese "Car of the Year" in 1979. You are sure to turn some heads when you drive by in this classic gem!

Toyopet RS36V Masterline

1961 Toyopet Masterline Light Van RS36V rear right — Tennen-Gas via Wikimedia Commons

While technically a van, the RS36V Masterline was born from the Toyopet Master, an iconic Japanese passenger car introduced in 1955. In 1960, Japanese car regulations were updated so that passenger cars were allowed to be bigger. They were also granted an engine size increase from 1,500 to 2,000 cc. Toyota immediately got to work and created the RS36V Masterline, among a few other very cool models such as the Masterline double-cab pickup (RS36P). The two-door version of the RS36V, shown in the picture above, is exceptionally rare as it was discontinued and replaced by the four-door when the RS40s came out. If you are lucky enough to see one of these, send us a few pictures, would ya?

Nissan Cherry

Red 1974 Nissan Datsun Cherry 120A — Charles01 via Wikimedia Commons

The Datsun Cherry, later known as the Nissan Cherry, is an often overlooked Japanese car. With such a perfect name, this is hard to believe, but it was often overshadowed by other Nissan models that got more attention, such as Cherry's direct successor, the Pulsar. However, the Cherry was created as a series of subcompact cars that formed Nissan's first front-wheel drive "supermini" model line. In Japan, the Cherry could only be bought from exclusive Nissan Cherry store locations, making it a bit of an oddity with its own special place in Japanese history. The 1973 Datsun 120A Cherry coupe was especially cool.

Honda Accord Aerodeck

Half micro car, half wagon, this little Japanese machine is one of those cars that you want to see lowered with a brand new body kit and some big speakers in the back. Normally outshone by other Honda cars like the CRX, or its more practical advancement, the Honda Civic 5-door station wagon, this little car doesn't get nearly as much love as it deserves. It's got the speedy look of the 80s-90s racer with bonus cargo space - what's not to like?

Toyota bB Open Deck

You thought we were just talking about classic Japanese cars? No way! Here we have an example of a car that never made it to the States. Instead, we got its sister car, the Scion xB. It's a shame that we never got to enjoy this bB version as its features were pretty cool. They replaced the normal hatchback rear with an open bed that had a double tailgate system which allowed you to pass cargo all the way through to the cabin. Truly this was a smart little machine that was ready for adventure!

Subaru BRAT

By far one of Japan's coolest vehicles ever made, but normally overshadowed by other Japanese trucks, is the Subaru BRAT. Both its first and second-generation models were a hit in the U.S. while competing with cars like the Ford Ranchero and the Chevy El Camino. Even Ronald Reagan had one! It was known by a few different names around the world. They called it the BRAT in the U.S., the Brumby in Australia and New Zealand, and the MV Pickup or Shifter in the UK. Interestingly, the BRAT was not sold in Japan and was manufactured solely for export markets. It also had a camper top made available which snapped onto the back and turned the little truck into an adventure machine. You will definitely turn some heads at the car shows with this obscure model!

Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 Turbo

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a car that normally goes unnoticed as a simple sedan made for grabbing groceries. But, did you know that Mitsuibishi also made a rally version? Behold, the Lancer 2000 Turbo - made and for Group 4 and Group B, it was able to dish out 276 horses. Due to emission regulations in Japan at the time, the turbo model didn't sell very well, but that didn't stop it from kicking some serious tail on the rally tracks of the world. You will feel the need for speed the second you get behind the wheel of this underappreciated car!

Suzuki Jimny

Another example of Japanese engineering making its way into the off-road market, the Jimny is often overshadowed by other Japanese Jeep-style vehicles and pickups. The Jimny comes from Humble beginnings in the 1960s and is still made today. Many in the States know it as the Samurai. This was actually an updated version of the Jimny SJ413. The name "Samurai" was eventually phased out, and the vehicle is simply known as the Jimny worldwide.

Mitsubishi Starion

Speaking of Mitsubishi, the folks there created another hidden gem known as the Starion. Sold from 1986 to 1989, these cars were Japan's response to muscle cars like the Pontiac Trans Am. And, while the Trans Am is a common sight to see at most car shows, one would be quite lucky to see a Starion instead. It was also a strong competitor in Motorsports in the 1980s. It made it all the way up to the International level in Group A and Group N races classes and did quite well for that time.