You can argue for a long time about what kind of car to call "reliable". Indeed, nowadays it is difficult to surprise someone with a mileage of 200 thousand kilometers. But out of several good cars you can always choose the best. This review features 10 of the most reliable Japanese cars that will easily cover 300,000 km and more.
1 Honda Civic
The hybrid version of the Civic has experienced battery problems over the past few years. Petrol version devoid of such a disadvantage and will serve for a long time. The previous generation model looked somewhat outdated, but in 2015 a new, improved version was released.
2. Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander is a car aimed at young people. But the model also appealed to couples with children who do not want a minivan. And it's a great alternative. According to experts, Highlander - great SUV- comfortable, spacious, quiet. And the very best of the Highlander range are the V6 models.
3. Toyota Sienna
The rear doors of the Toyota Sienna slide easily and then children can safely sit on the spacious sofa. And if you fold it, you can load a lot of luggage. Whatever needs to be transported, this minivan will do just fine. In addition, the car is all-wheel drive, which makes it even more useful. It will "live" for a long time and, in general, the Sienna is one of the most "long-lived" minivans on the market.
4. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V is not just another japanese crossover. This comfortable car with all-wheel drive, which is controlled almost like a "passenger car". Like others Honda models, CR-V can travel 300 thousand kilometers.
5. Honda Accord
Honda Accord receives many accolades for spacious salon And good handling. And if the reliability of the car is at the forefront, then you should buy a 4-cylinder model. A 2.0 or 2.4 liter engine will run "almost forever" while saving fuel.
6. Toyota Corolla
Drivers don't always need as much interior space as they do in a spacious CR-V or an Accord. For them, a compact Toyota Corolla. The eleventh generation car looks much more noticeable than previous versions. And not only outside, but also inside. Now the interior is much more stylish and comfortable than before.
7 Honda Pilot
For large families who do not want to travel by minivan, perfect Honda crossover Pilot. In this all-wheel drive car accommodates up to eight passengers.
8 Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey may not be the best best minivan, but the model is worth paying attention to. The car accommodates eight passengers, as well as all the luggage that they can take with them. The car is reliable, but this does not mean at all that it lags behind in other parameters. As for a minivan, it is very interesting to drive.
9 Toyota Camry
Popular every few years Toyota sedan Camry undergoes modernization or facelift. And every time updated model demonstrates high reliability inherent in models Japanese company. Cars with 4-cylinder engines are especially good. They are not the most dynamic, but they allow you to provide a mileage of up to 300 thousand kilometers.
10 Toyota Prius
When did the first sales start? Toyota Prius, many believed that the costly accumulator battery will become big problem owners of these vehicles. But Toyota engineers have thought of everything perfectly and the car turned out to be very reliable. Actual Toyota mileage Prius can reach 300 thousand kilometers and more.
Unlike the Japanese cars in this review, a rating can come in handy when choosing a car.
Toyota vs BMW, Audi vs Mazda, Mercedes-Benz vs Infiniti. And this list can be continued for a long time. It so happened that motorists around the world are constantly comparing german cars mobiles that were once considered, with Japanese cars, which also from the very beginning have proven themselves to be ultra-reliable and "non-fragile" vehicles.
No wonder why there are always fierce battles in disputes between fans of Japanese and German cars, where each camp tries to prove to each other which cars are still better. And, probably, this dispute cannot be resolved, since the question of which car is better is pure water a philosophy that does not have an engineering and technical explanation. However, today we will try to do it. True, turning the question a little differently. So let's go.
To this day, the fact remains: . This is recognized even by true fans of the German car industry. And it does not matter what brand of cars we are comparing. Indeed, Japanese cars are more enduring compared to German ones. But here's the question: why?
Have the Germans forgotten how to make reliable cars? Of course not. This becomes clear when it comes to the incredible engineering technologies that appear on every new German car today. Moreover, as it was originally, at the dawn of the automotive industry, most German companies open up new technologies to the world, forcing the entire automotive industry to move into the future. But why then is the Japanese auto industry more reliable and enduring?
We contacted a German engineer involved in research and development work (R&D) with a team of distinguished scientists, engineers and designers, asking him why, at a time when the German automotive industry automotive technology ahead of the rest, cars from Germany are less hardy than Japanese cars.
Due to the fact that our interlocutor is part of a large group of specialists from different countries world (including from Germany), we got the opportunity to understand how German engineers think when creating a product (in particular, a car), and also get an unexpected answer to the question why German cars are less reliable than Japanese ones. Here is what he told us:
I have had the pleasure of working with several Japanese, Italian, Taiwanese, Chinese and Russian scientists and engineers. Naturally, before that my experience was also associated with working with German engineers and scientists in Germany. Therefore, having worked in the framework of R&D, I can now compare how German engineers and scientists differ from specialists from other countries. Let's focus on what interests you: German and Japanese engineers.
German and Japanese engineers have one common feature: they invent and know how to bring to life high-quality details from seemingly terrible materials. In general, if you need to make candy out of shit, all questions are for Japanese and German engineers. They really, from a scientific point of view, will approach the problem and figure out how to make a masterpiece out of the impossible. Moreover, their approach is the same to every even small detail, whether it is a screw, a clip, etc.
Unfortunately, such general approach Germans and Japanese to design and development does not give an understanding of why, in fact, most Japanese cars are more reliable than German ones in the real world. After all, if engineers from two countries have the same approach to development and their implementation, why then from the assembly line of Japanese automotive companies Are more reliable cars coming out? Do the Germans end up working worse?
No. In fact, the problem is more fundamental. Let me explain.
Germans love rules. They follow these rules. Therefore, when developing cars, German engineers initially take into account this feature of the German people, who love and know how to obey any rules. As a result, when the future German car is being developed and constructed, its technologies have already taken into account that those who will drive them will unquestioningly abide by the RULES developed by the automaker!
When Japanese engineers design cars, the design philosophy is very different from the German engineering approach. So, when Japanese engineers develop a product, they ask themselves: “How will customers use it? How can I prevent it from crashing if they abuse it?".
And here is what a German engineer thinks when he invents, develops and creates a product (not necessarily a car): “I made this car, and it must be used in a certain way, strictly according to the developed rules. If a customer abuses them and he fails (the product fails), it's his fault, not mine.".
And so it is. This is the real difference between German engineering and Japanese engineering. You look at most of the German products, which everyone must use exactly according to the conditions worked out by the manufacturer, for which this or that product is intended. And then, probably, this product will serve you as long as possible. If the consumer exceeds the manufacturer's usage limits, then you can expect german product will fail in a short time.
Many Japanese products (including automobiles) operate well even outside of specifications and established conditions of use.
For example, there are many examples in the auto world when in some Toyota, in which scheduled maintenance was not carried out for a long time, the driver was faced with the super-endurance of a car that surprised with its reliability. For comparison: if you do not carry out scheduled maintenance on time for a German car, it will quickly fail, unlike Japanese cars that can withstand even a rare replacement. engine oil in the engine.
Yes, you can, of course, argue for a long time, citing thousands more arguments both in favor of Japanese engineers and defending the German auto industry and those who serve for its benefit. There is no consensus. Someone thinks that it is impossible to make German cars super high-quality and reliable, because they are technologically complex (the level of complexity of some German cars is comparable to early space rockets).
Someone thinks that the Germans in last years snickered and deliberately spoiled their auto industry, reducing the potential life of a car in order to sell as much as possible more cars. Someone is convinced that the Japanese managed to establish the production of the most reliable and quality cars in the world thanks to a change in the policy of standardization and quality back in the 60s and 70s under the leadership of American scientists.
As a result, Japan made great efforts after World War II to improve its manufacturing capabilities and technology. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of engineers, the Japanese have learned to create some of the most reliable products in the world, as a result, Japanese products have begun to be praised all over the world for their reference reliability. AND main reason This, according to many experts, is in rethinking the entire policy of quality standardization in the entire industry of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Germany, on the other hand, has been well known for its technology since World War II. Yes, there have always been good engineers in Germany. But the quality standardization left much to be desired. There were also problems in Germany with the organization of competent production.
During the war, the Germans, by the way, did not have a developed system of interchangeable spare parts for military equipment. For example, the well-known Panther tank was equipped with caterpillars, which, in case of damage, could be replaced with new ones, created only at the plant where the tank was produced. Russian and American tanks were easily repaired thanks to the standardization of parts. That is why Russian tanks were more effective in single combat.
But subsequently the Germans also came to standardization throughout the industry. This also applies to the automotive industry. Without it today in today's highly competitive world in any way. . And the higher and more successful this standardization, the more successful the company in the market. In general, the standardization of German industry began in the mid-70s. Until that time, quality programs did not really excite Germany. As a result, standardization programs for production and quality programs appeared in Germany much later than in the USA and Japan.
Companies such as Ford and Toyota are now the benchmark for standardization in the automotive industry, and have been able to create a truly unique quality standard for their products without sacrificing their cost. That is why these companies today collect all the cream from the car market. Especially Toyota, which sells the most cars in the world.
The Germans, on the other hand, because of a different policy, went a slightly different way, focusing on the production of premium sophisticated cars, taking the production of cars with amazing technologies as a standard. Unfortunately, we know that the more complex a car is, the less reliable it is. As a result, German cars break down more often than Japanese ones.
But again, we return to the fact that German cars are better and more reliable if you follow them and follow all the rules prescribed by the automaker. Japanese cars are simpler, have less technology, and are also much cheaper. German cars. Also, Japanese cars are more enduring, because initially engineers lay in the Japanese auto industry scenarios when car owners begin to deviate from the rules prescribed by the manufacturer.
But, despite the foregoing, it cannot be unequivocally said that German cars are less reliable. Just German and initially have a different foundation during development. As a result, these cars are different in spirit. So, it is incorrect to compare their quality, reliability.
If we discard all these difficulties aside, then, of course, Japanese cars last longer. Especially if their owners do not particularly monitor the machines. German cars are more capricious and require due care from their owners.
Japanese automakers such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura are often referred to as the most reliable and durable cars. But can all Japanese cars provide this famous reliability?
For many years, Toyota and Honda cars have been the most reliable and durable (for those who have a different opinion, preferring German brands, read). Lexus, for example, has been at the top of the longest lasting car rankings for 15 of the last 18 years. But in recent years the situation automotive market began to change. This year Daimler company top of the list, and General Motors ranked fourth. What's happening? Does this mean that Japanese automakers are losing ground?
Not certainly in that way. But vehicles produced by other brands are improving year after year. The industry as a whole has improved significantly. Considering all those technologies and electronics, the problems with them have been greatly reduced. Previously, with the help of tests, it was possible to detect an average of 155 problems per 100 Vehicle. In 2014, this rate dropped to 133 problems per 100 vehicles.
Are Japanese cars inferior to European ones in terms of reliability? 
So, the reliability of vehicles of European and American brands is improving, but at the same time, Japanese automakers still manage to maintain a leading position. From list of ten most reliable cars, which published Consumer Reports, nine produced by companiestoyota,Lexus orScion. Moreover, in list of most reliable car manufacturers Lexus, Toyota, Mazda and Honda take the top four places.
If you look at full list the most reliable cars, 92 percent of which are owned by Japanese car companies.
But this indicator does not mean at all that all Japanese cars are reliable.
Are all Japanese cars reliable and durable?
According to Consumer Reports, Nissan and its luxury division, Infiniti, have no such reputation. For many years, the manufacturer has shown no top scores. The redesigned Rouge managed to get an average reliability score, but the Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra received a "poor" mark. Infinity cars show the same disappointing results. Both cars, both the Q50 sedan and the Q60 crossover, have plenty of problems with the famous Japanese reliability can only dream.
Even Acura's ratings have dropped in large part because two very reliable cars - the TL and TSX - have retired while new model RLX sedan and updated SUV MDX, according to research, in the first years of operation, hardly receive an average reliability score.
So, the chances of acquiring a durable and reliable car increase if you choose a car Japanese made, but this is not an axiom. If you want to increase your chances, then it is best to make a choice in favor of carsToyota andLexus.
How Toyota and Lexus managed to become the leader in the production of relatively safe 
cars?
The secret of these companies is that they strive to create cars High Quality, and not those that drive you crazy with driving pleasure (like BMW, whose reliability leaves much to be desired, details). Part of the reason they strive for the longevity of their products is that both companies adopt new technologies slowly and on proven platforms.
You can verify this for yourself. Just think of Toyota cars that still come with the ancient four-speed automatic transmission gearshifts and engines that have not been updated for several years (a prime example of this). And these cars are on sale! The company rarely updates the design of models, but if it does, then the new models in design are drastically different from their predecessor.
Is it true that a reliable car is the best in terms of ease of use?
Representatives of Consumer Reports noted that cars that won the championship branch in the "most reliable" category are not always the best option For daily operation. For example, the Scion xB won the title of most reliable car, but even the experts admit that it is not economical in terms of fuel consumption and has a rough transmission. Facing the same problems Toyota Tundra, a vehicle that won the Most Reliable Truck title but lacked many of the features found in its main competitors.
Unlike the conservative Japanese, other automakers, on the contrary, can radically change the model during the next update, introducing new technologies into it. The problem is that testing these new technologies is a headache for their owner, due to their dampness. As a rule, automakers, over the next years, try to eliminate one or another identified shortcoming.
From all of the above, you can take advice - never buy a car in a model 
first generation. In this matter Toyota and Lexus are absolute conservatives. Even the last Toyota model The Camry, which got 2,000 new parts, still sports the same powertrain as the 2007 model.
The company is clearly showing restraint in changing its products, which helps to keep high rating reliability. Japanese auto companies that have invested a lot of effort and time in the development of their products, as a rule, do not seek to replace them with something new.
So let's conclude gentlemen. If you are ready to take on your shoulders the testing of new technologies introduced into your cars by European and American manufacturers, then you can choose the brands of these countries, but if you are an adherent of reliability and durability in a vehicle, even without modern options and technologies, then your choice should fall on Japanese models.
Today we will talk about the most reliable Japanese cars and look at each brand in detail, identify their advantages and disadvantages.
Without underestimating the merits of many models of other brands of Japanese cars, we can immediately say that cars are best suited for our roads. Toyota.
This is evidenced by the statistics of cars purchased in Russia. And not without reason, because Toyota is able to withstand the terrible quality of the roads, climatic conditions and gasoline, the quality of which leaves much to be desired.
According to reliability surveys, the first places from Toyota are occupied by the Corolla and Carina models.
Toyota cars are very popular due to the traditional qualities of their cars - reliability, durability in operation. All this thanks to the painstaking and right approach engineers to develop cars.
In the vast expanses of Russia, where there are no car services for hundreds of kilometers, you can find reliable Japanese Toyota cars that can withstand any extreme conditions without breakdowns.
In each class, Toyota has four-wheel drive vehicles, improved and developed for more than 20 years, which, like no other cars, are suitable for Russian roads.
At Toyota cars each car, regardless of model and class, has its own personality, and their SUVs have no equal in the whole world, because they are used by UN missions even on the most impassable roads thanks to their proven reliability, quality and reliability.
The next brand of cars produced in Japan that we will talk about will be NISSAN.
They are practically not inferior in quality to Tayota engines, and in some places even surpass them. They use sophisticated suspension systems for a comfortable ride and ease of handling on the most unpredictable roads.
But the complex design is not designed for permanent potholes and potholes, so the suspension quickly fails, especially on Almera, Primera and the like. A design features are made in such a way that most of the load falls on the body, which ultimately affects its durability.
Best for Russian roads are Cedrik, Laurel, Skyline, etc.
The following to the list of reliable cars manufactured in Japan include Mitsubishi.
Trying to apply the most Hi-tech when developing cars, the company seems to lack funding. This suggests a detailed inspection of the build quality of many models, where you can find low-quality welds, hidden cavities, a thin coating against corrosion and a number of other flaws.
On the Russian Mitsubishi roads feels unimportant. GDI engines Russian gasoline is not recommended, and even more so the climate, in order to start the car in 30 degrees below zero you need ideal condition all systems. Tiptronic gearboxes need constant service maintenance and specialized oils. Also, Mitsubishi is equipped with short-stroke multi-link suspensions requiring care and frequent service operation.
But these "flaws" do not become an obstacle in acquiring new Mitsubishi models,
such as Lancer Evo, Pajero Evo and others.
SUBARU.
The trump card of these cars are fast and having four-wheel drive station wagons and sedans, the engine of which is based on the reliable and proven EJ20. It has 4 cylinders with a volume of 2 liters and has a power of 137 to 280 hp
This engine is ideal for Russian conditions climate, it has optimal power, but there is also a drawback - a tendency to overheat.
Subaru's are generally reliable vehicles that have stood the test of time. Has excellent handling, especially in winter period but, like everything, it has its drawbacks:
The complexity of the design, increased sensitivity to the quality of gasoline, problems with spare parts. But these "flaws" pale in comparison to its advantages and a ride quality that not every car can match.
A characteristic feature of all Honda engines of small volumes is the maximum speed: power over 8000, maximum torque - more than 6000.
Eg, Honda engine S2000 - F20 (2.0 liters, 250 hp, at 8300 rpm, maximum torque is 222 Nm at 7500 rpm) - is the power champion among naturally aspirated engines.
Undoubtedly, in order for cars to work without failures in operation, favorable conditions are needed for them, this and good gasoline and oils, roads of satisfactory quality, quality service.
From Honda worthy to Russian roads compared to other models, Accord, Saber, Inspire, etc. behave. Sports cars are especially good - Integra Type R, S2000, which, without excellent results on the roads.
Finally, let's talk about MAZDA cars. The disadvantages of these cars include a small clearance, and a rather weak suspension, which makes it impossible to use them on poor quality roads.
Despite this, they harmoniously combine price / quality ratio. The best models for use in Russia include Familia, Capella, Millenia.
Japanese cars can be attributed to the best, but nothing is perfect, so it's up to you which brand to give preference to!
Drivers who were able to drive different brands machines, agree with the statement that perfect cars does not exist. From malfunctions during the operation of the vehicle, neither the reliability of Japanese cars, nor the impeccability DM nor the recognized safety of the Volvo brand. The realities of the roads in this regard do not spare anyone.
Volvo cars are rightfully considered one of the strongest and safest.
However, it is worth noting that in the world tops, the leading places are often occupied by Japanese cars. They are far ahead of their rivals in terms of durability and reliability. Among the most popular and sought-after manufacturers are:
- Toyota - among the advantages are quite high performance reliability, simplicity of design, availability of spare parts according to reasonable prices and ease of maintenance. Cars of this brand are able to overcome almost all extreme conditions: heat, thunderstorms, frost. Such cars are very popular and recognizable.
- Nissan - quite a bit behind Toyota cars in quality. And this is just because of one drawback. The suspension of vehicles of this brand is unsuitable for driving on the road with poor coverage. It is more suitable for driving on city streets with good roads. For Russian outbacks and off-road such equipment will not work. But in terms of engine quality, body elements, transmission and other components no complaints.
- Mitsubishi - equipment from this manufacturer has an excellent level of reliability and electronic stuffing modern level. However, there is also weak spots: often the welded places of the body are made somewhat carelessly and the body itself is not well treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
- Subaru - cars are distinguished by good handling, stability and excellent dynamics. They just perfectly behave on winter Russian tracks. There are difficulties with the availability of spare parts, and Subaru cars require high-quality gasoline.
- Honda - cars of this manufacturer attract consumers with their power, reliability and stability. They will be able to serve their owners for a very long time, provided quality fuel And good oil. Stylish design and comfortable lounge this brand is just perfect.
- Mazda - the model range is very wide and includes roadsters, SUVs, pickups, minivans and cars of small and medium classes. Just like cars brands Nissan, Mazda cars have a somewhat unfinished suspension and for driving on a bad pavement she doesn't fit.
It is the models of real brands that most often lead the rating of Japanese cars.
Summarizing the quality of Japanese production
Today, Japanese car manufacturers produce reliable and high-quality vehicles. They have already earned a huge technical base and experience.
Let us dwell in more detail on the individual positive aspects that distinguish products Japanese car industry among manufacturers of other states:
- Engine. It should be noted that the Japanese have quite quality engines. Cars with are most often delivered to Russia. In this case, the power is compensated by the volume. Under operating conditions in our country, such motors work much longer, although they consume slightly more fuel. The Japanese also have turbocharged engines, but they rarely come to us.
- Transmission. The mechanics in Japanese vehicles are impeccable. Automatic transmissions, combining an automatic and a variator, are as practical and reliable as possible. With due maintenance they last a very long time and have no complaints.
- Drive unit. All cars exported from Japan are equipped with front-wheel drive, which is quite practical. Some sedans have all-wheel drive. There are no complaints about the quality of the structures.
- Suspension. The simple and time-tested suspension structure allows it to work for a long time even in our off-road conditions.
- Body and interior. The body design of Japanese vehicles combines beauty and aggressiveness. Inside the cabin, as a rule, everything is done ergonomically.
- Cost and warranty. The Japanese, as it were, give a 5-year warranty on their cars, but everything is rather cunningly twisted. For example, high mileage excludes the suspension warranty and many more such clauses. As for the price, it used to be competitive, but in recent years, when Japanese manufacturers realized that their products are popular and in demand, the cost has increased.
Consumer rating from the American edition of Consumer Reports
It is believed that the Japanese automotive industry still has no analogues in the world. It is the manufacturers from this state that do not get tired of impressing consumers with the wonders of engineering of their products, as well as the design, perfection of technologies and technical characteristics of the models.
The American publication Consumer Reports decided to find out which japanese car better in consumer ratings. In this case, only car reliability indicators were considered.
Honda topped the list.
In second place in popularity was the automaker Subaru. They can also find great crossover, And sports car, and a beautiful sedan.
Mazda is in fourth place. Models of this manufacturer are distinguished by quality and the best ratio of price to reliability.
The Mitsubishi brand is quite a bit short of the championship. However, it is quite highly valued by tuning enthusiasts.
Another popular and reliable brand The contender for the title of "Best Japanese Car" is Nissan. The models of this manufacturer are most often chosen by night riders, speed lovers and professional drifters.
The most popular cars of 2015 in Japan
Every year Japan selects the top 10 most popular cars, which are best sold in the state. The selection included cars model range 2015–2016. Here are the results of the "Best Japanese Car of 2015" ranking:
- First place went to Mazda models MX-5.
- Quite a bit behind the leader Honda S660. This car gained well-deserved popularity due to its aggressive character and bright appearance.
- But this time he took the third position not at all Japanese brand. According to the voting results, there was a BMW - the 2nd series Active and Grand Tourer.
- Following the top three is the rear-wheel drive Jaguar model XE.
- In fifth place was quite expensive electric car Tesla.
- The next position was taken by Suzuki Alto.
- Thanks to its attractive sporty appearance, the Sienta managed to win the 7th line. It is produced in three versions: a five-seater modification for wheelchair users, a six-seater version and a seven-seater version.
- Hit the top 10 and Fiat 500X. Consumers accepted this car with enthusiasm for its specifications and design.
- At the end of the ranking, but still in the top is the Subaru Legacy / Outback.
- The last position is occupied by a hybrid Nissan X-Trail. The popularity of this SUV is growing all over the world.
Summing up all the above, we can conclude that each separate brand Japanese cars has its own characteristics and advantageous characteristics. The range of models is quite wide and allows everyone to choose for themselves best option. However, when choosing a new Japanese car for yourself, it is important to take into account the conditions in which it is supposed to operate, its weak and strengths. This will allow you to enjoy the comfort and reliability of your vehicle for as long as possible.
