Asian cars are known for their superior fuel economy, reliability, and affordability. Many of these vehicles come from manufacturers in Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Taiwan.
Popular brands include Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Suzuki, and Mazda as well as luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti. Other noteworthy Asian automakers include Mitsubishi, Isuzu, and Subaru.
Most of these vehicles have a reputation for being cost-effective to purchase and maintain yet offering much more than their competitors with regards to performance and technology.
As automotive technology has advanced over the years this has allowed Asian car companies to continue innovating in order to remain competitive with the rest of the world’s automakers.
Many factors are at play when factoring in why Asian cars have become so popular today such as their affordability; customer loyalty; efficient use of energy; as well as less stringent government regulations regarding emissions standards.
With the increasing economic growth throughout Asia, more companies are expanding into other parts of the continent which means more consumers now than ever before can benefit from this reliable source of quality transport.
Here we have summarized the most popular Asian car brands based on research and prices on the market today:
Most Popular Asian Car Brands
Lexus
Lexus is a Japanese luxury car brand founded in 1989 by the Toyota Motor Corporation.
It is now Toyota’s luxury vehicle division and one of the largest-selling luxury marques in the world.
Lexus cars are known for providing luxurious, high-performance vehicles that offer a unique blend of style and innovation.
From its flagship sedan, the Lexus LS series to its performance coupes and SUVs, Lexus has something to offer any kind of driver.
Lexus also offers hybrid models, making it one of the most environmentally conscious automakers available.
Suzuki
Suzuki is one of the most popular car brands in Asia, with a good reputation for reliability and value.
The Japanese automotive giant offers a wide range of models that suit a variety of tastes and budgets, ranging from small hatchbacks to sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
In addition to its well-made cars, Suzuki is also known for its motorcycles and outboard motors.
Toyota
With the Toyota Race Development (TRD) squad, Toyota has had a significant presence on US motorsport racing circuits for more than 40 years.
They’ve been successful on a variety of platforms, including the NASCAR regional series, the NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car divisions, Formula Drift, and nationwide midget racing.
And TRD has benefited from this success not just with the race cars they build for the track but also with the models they make for all drivers.
The most recent and significant example of this is the 2020 Camry, which combines the racing-track engine power with cutting-edge self-charging hybrid technology and practical real-world safety measures.
In order to compete with emerging rival brands like Nissan’s Infinity, Toyota created a premium automobile brand in the 1980s. The company Toyota founded, Lexus, is known across the world for its top-of-the-line automobiles.
Nissan
Although the firm had started several years before, the Nissan luxury brand was first used in Japan in 1934 when Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd was renamed Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Yoshisuke Aikawa founded the Nihon Sangyo and Togata Casting holding firms, which joined together to become the Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd., in 1910.
This company produced automotive parts and continued to expand until it created the Automotive Division in 1933.
Since then, Nissan has expanded its global model line and established a reputation for producing both little hatchbacks and substantial SUVs.
Before we examine some of Nissan’s best models, we need to go over a little more background information, including how Datsun came to play such a significant role in Nissan’s operations.
One year after the Tobata Casting Co was founded, Masujiro Hashimoto, another Japanese businessman, founded the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works and quickly rose to the top of Japan’s domestic car industry.
When the business was founded, foreign automakers like Ford and General Motors controlled the Japanese auto industry.
The DAT, the company’s first automobile, was created just three years after its founding.
Nissan, unlike other companies, has best-sellers in all segments of the automotive industry.
The Nissan Micra, an award-winning hatchback since it first hit our roads in the 1980s, and beloved family SUVs like the Juke and Qashqai are just two examples.
Nissan also cemented their position as a leader in cutting-edge electric technology when it unveiled the Nissan Leaf to the public in 2010.
The Leaf, now in its second generation, gives users an e+ version with a range of up to 239 miles.
Mazda
Mazda is indeed a popular Asian sports car brand. The company is based in Hiroshima, Japan, and has been producing performance vehicles since 1960.
Mazda’s lineup of performance models includes the iconic MX-5 Miata as well as the RX-7, RX-8, and MX-3. Mazda luxury cars such as the CX-7, CX-9, and CX-30.
In addition to these models, they also offer various luxury sedans, hatchbacks, and coupe options such as the 6, 830 LX, Atenza, and CX-5.
Acura
Acura is a premium car brand owned by Honda Motor Company and based in Japan.
Acura was established in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury brand and has since become one of the leading automakers in the luxury segment.
Its cars are recognized for their superior performance, advanced safety features, and excellent quality and value.
Popular models include the TLX sports sedan, MDX crossover SUV, RDX compact crossover SUV, ILX sedan, RLX sedan, and NSX supercar.
Subaru
Subaru is one of the more popular Asian car brands in the United States. Its lineup includes vehicles such as Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy.
As a Japanese automaker, Subaru is known for its commitment to quality engineering and all-wheel drive performance.
The brand also offers advanced safety features and innovative technology.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company is one of the top Asian car brands and Hyundai luxury car is a top leader in the global auto market.
Founded in South Korea, Hyundai has established its presence in markets across the world by providing reliable, stylish vehicles backed by superior technology.
With a commitment to sustainability and advanced vehicle design, Hyundai produces some of the most popular passenger cars and SUV offerings available today.
From cutting-edge electric models like the Kona EV to budget-friendly favorites such as the Elantra, Hyundai has something for every driver.
Whether you’re looking for efficient city travel or off-roading adventures, Hyundai’s selection of award-winning performance and craftsmanship is sure to exceed your expectations.
Kia
Of our top five Asian brands, Kia is the second manufacturer from South Korea, and it is currently partially owned by Hyundai. In 1944, Kyungsung Precision Industry, a manufacturer of steel tubing for bicycles, was the precursor to Kia.
The Samchully, the first bicycle made in South Korea, was shown to the public in 1952 after they had progressed from fabricating the parts to making their own bicycles in 1951.
The business changed its name to Kia Industries in the same year.
After making bicycles, the firm switched to producing motorcycles in 1957.
After making the successful transition from a pushbike to a motorcycle, Kia quickly began to consider other developing vehicles in the expanding car industry.
Early in the 1960s, Kia began making trucks, and it wasn’t until 1974 that the company created its first automobile. The Brisa was a success and was still in production until 1981 when it was discontinued.
The South Korean government ordered Kia to cease making passenger vehicles in 1981 because they believed the market was getting too competitive.
Kia began to grow in the US at the beginning of the 1990s, opening four dealerships in Portland and Oregon in 1992. In the US, there were more than 100 dealerships by 1995.
Despite its expansion in the US, Kia was regrettably severely impacted by the Asian financial crisis in 1997, and the company ultimately filed for bankruptcy the same year.
However, they reached a deal with Hyundai to spread ownership among the two nations, and Kia kept making cars under their own name.
The largest shareholder in Kia Industries today, Hyundai controls almost a third of the business, while Kia holds interests in 22 of Hyundai’s subsidiaries.
Genesis Car Brand
Genesis is a luxury vehicle brand created by Hyundai Motor Group, the South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer, in 2015.
It offers a line of luxury vehicles designed to compete with other high-end automakers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The lineup includes sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.
Infiniti
Infiniti is a Japanese automaker that produces luxury vehicles for the Asia-Pacific markets. The company was established in 1989 by Nissan as part of its Luxury/Premium division.
Infiniti has built a reputation for offering comfortable and high-end cars with plenty of features and amenities.
The cars are known for having powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and sporty designs that combine performance and style.
They also come packed with a range of advanced tech features like navigation systems, infotainment systems, and active driver assistance systems which make the driving experience more enjoyable and safe.
With production centers located in Japan, the UK, the United States, Indonesia, China, Russia, and Taiwan; Infiniti has become one of the leading Asian automotive brands on the market today.
Most Reliable Asian Car Brands in Australia
When it comes to the most reliable luxury cars, Asian brands are some of the most popular and best-selling models in Australia.
The Japanese, Korean, and Chinese makes have long been known for their high quality and dependability, with many Australians opting for vehicles made by these top Asian car manufacturers.
Some of the top-rated and most reliable Asian car brands sold in Australia are Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi.
All these makes have consistently earned high-reliability ratings from independent surveys such as J.D Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study.
The following brands are also known for their excellent fuel efficiency and budget-friendly options: Suzuki, Volkswagen Group (Skoda & Seat), Daihatsu, and Proton Motors.
In addition to these popular names, there are others such as Peugeot Citroen Australia (PCA), Renault-Nissan Alliance (RNM), Lexus & Infiniti from Japan, and Geely from China.
As well premium luxury vehicles from Audi AG may be an impressive option due to their great craftsmanship while Dongfeng Motor Group (DFM) offers value Chinese cars at reasonable prices.
Most Popular Asian Car Brands in the USA
For many years, Asian cars have been gaining popularity in the United States. From affordable yet reliable entry-level vehicles to luxury performance models, there is a wide variety of cars available from top Asian car brands.
In this overview, we’ll explore the most popular Asian car brands in the US and discuss their various offerings.
We’ll also look at the history and current trends of these brands in order to provide an informed perspective on why they have become so sought after by American consumers.
Toyota
Toyota is one of the most popular Asian car brands in the USA. The Japanese car brand has been a leader in reliable and affordable vehicles for decades and continues to be an innovator in the automotive industry.
Toyota offers a variety of cars, SUVs, trucks, and hybrids which are some of the most popular vehicles on the market.
Their Camry sedan is consistently among the top-selling cars each year, and their SUV lineup includes models such as RAV4 and Highlander.
Toyota is known for its reliability and build quality, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a dependable car.
Honda
Honda is one of the most popular Asian car brands in the USA, and Honda vehicles have long been the go-to option for those who want reliable transportation.
The introduction of vehicles like the Accord, Civic, and CR-V to the U.S. market has been credited with helping to solidify Honda’s popularity in America.
The company offers a wide range of vehicles from subcompact models like the Fit to larger SUVs like the Pilot.
In addition to cars, Honda also manufactures motorcycles, scooters, and lawnmowers for consumers in the United States.
Nissan
Nissan is one of the most popular Asian car brands in the USA. Founded in 1933, Nissan has become a global automotive powerhouse, selling cars and light trucks around the world.
The company has its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, and offers a wide range of vehicles ranging from hatchbacks to luxury sedans and SUVs.
Thanks to its reliable design, quality engineering, and affordability, Nissan has earned the trust of millions of car buyers across different markets.
Asian Car Brands – China:
- SAIC Motor
- Changan Automobile
- Chery
- Geely
- Dongfeng Motor
- FAW
- BAIC
Asian Car Brands – India:
- Mahindra & Mahindra
- Tata
Asian Car Brands – Japan:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Nissan
- Suzuki
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
Asian Car Brands – South Korea:
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Renault Samsung
Asian Car Brands – Other Asian Country:
- Esemka (Indonesia)
- Luxgen (Taiwan)
- W Motors (United Arab Emirates)
- Zarooq Motors (United Arab Emirates)
- Perodua (Malaysia)
- Proton Holdings (Malaysia)
- Naza (Malaysia)
- SAIPA (Iran)
- Iran Khodro (Iran)
- United Auto Industries (Pakistan)
- Micro (Sri Lanka)
- Thai Rung Union Car (Thailand)
- VinFast (Vietnam)
Summary: Asian Car Brands
Asian car brands are growing in popularity as people become more aware of the quality, performance, and value that they offer. Consumers are looking for reliable and affordable cars, and many are turning to Asian vehicles to find them. With continued improvements in technology and design, these automakers are likely to remain competitive in the future.
Related:
American Car Brands
British Car Brands
European Car Brands
French Car Brands
German Car Brands
Italian Car Brands
Japanese Car Brands List
Russian Car Brands
Swedish Car Brands