Japan’s car industry is a study in engineering, design and varied market focus — from compact city cars to heavy-duty commercial rigs — shaped by decades of domestic demand and global export. Whether you follow motorsports, daily commuting needs or fleet purchases, Japan’s manufacturers offer a wide array of choices.
There are 26 Japanese Car Brands, ranging from Acura to UD Trucks. For each brand, you’ll find below organized data with the columns Founded (year), Parent company, Vehicle types to help you compare history, ownership and what they build — you’ll find below.
Are all 26 brands still active and producing vehicles?
Not necessarily; the list includes current manufacturers, subsidiaries and some legacy or region-specific marques. Some names represent active global brands, others are focused on commercial vehicles or exist as historical/market-specific labels, so check the Founded (year) and Parent company columns for context on activity and ownership.
How should I use the Founded (year), Parent company and Vehicle types columns?
Use Founded (year) to gauge company age and heritage, Parent company to understand corporate relationships or shared platforms, and Vehicle types to quickly see whether a brand specializes in passenger cars, trucks, buses or mixed lines — helpful for comparing suitability for personal, commercial or enthusiast interests.
Japanese Car Brands
| Brand | Founded (year) | Parent company | Vehicle types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 1937 | Independent | cars, trucks, commercial, luxury |
| Lexus | 1989 | Toyota Motor Corporation | luxury cars |
| Scion | 2003 | Toyota Motor Corporation | compact cars |
| Daihatsu | 1907 | Toyota Motor Corporation | kei cars, compact cars, light trucks |
| Subaru | 1953 | Subaru Corporation | cars, AWD performance |
| Mazda | 1920 | Independent | cars, SUVs |
| Mitsubishi Motors | 1970 | Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance (part) | cars, SUVs, trucks |
| Mitsubishi Fuso | 1932 | Daimler Truck / Mitsubishi Heavy | trucks, buses, commercial |
| Hino | 1942 | Toyota Motor Corporation | trucks, buses, commercial |
| Isuzu | 1918 | Independent | trucks, diesel commercial, SUVs (historical) |
| UD Trucks | 1935 | Isuzu Motors | trucks, buses, commercial |
| Nissan | 1933 | Independent | cars, SUVs, trucks |
| Datsun | 1931 | Nissan Motor Co. | cars, compact |
| Infiniti | 1989 | Nissan Motor Co. | luxury cars |
| Honda | 1948 | Independent | cars, light trucks, hybrids |
| Acura | 1986 | Honda Motor Co. | luxury cars |
| Suzuki | 1954 | Independent | cars, kei cars, compact trucks |
| Eunos | 1989 | Mazda Motor Corporation | cars |
| Autozam | 1989 | Mazda Motor Corporation | kei cars, small sports cars |
| Efini | 1990 | Mazda Motor Corporation | luxury cars |
| Prince | 1952 | Merged into Nissan 1966 | cars |
| Mitsuoka | 1968 | Independent | retro-styled cars, niche sports cars |
| Aspark | 2005 | Independent | electric hypercars |
| Dome | 1965 | Independent | race cars, limited-production sports cars |
| Tommykaira | 1986 | Independent | sports cars, performance cars |
| Ohta | 1922 | Defunct | cars |
Images and Descriptions
Toyota
Japan’s largest automaker, maker of the Corolla and Prius, active global manufacturer of cars, trucks and hybrids. Founded 1937, known for reliability, mass-market models and luxury division Lexus; continues leading hybrid and mobility technology development.
Lexus
Toyota’s premium brand launched in 1989, maker of the LS and RX, active worldwide. Known for quiet refinement, strong reliability and luxury hybrids, Lexus established Toyota’s foothold in global premium markets and continues expanding SUVs and electrified models.
Scion
Youth-focused Toyota sub-brand launched 2003 to sell funky compact models like the xB and tC in North America; discontinued in 2016 with models folded back into Toyota. Notable for affordable customization and marketing aimed at younger buyers.
Daihatsu
One of Japan’s oldest small-car makers, founded 1907, now a Toyota subsidiary. Daihatsu specializes in kei cars and compact models like the Mira and Tanto, active in domestic and select export markets for city-friendly affordable vehicles.
Subaru
Known for boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD, Subaru (founded 1953) makes the Impreza, Forester and Outback. Active global brand prized for safety and rally heritage; owned by Subaru Corporation and notable for boxer-powered sport and utility models.
Mazda
Founded 1920, Mazda is known for rotary engines and styling, maker of the MX-5 Miata and CX SUV family. Active worldwide, Mazda blends sporting character with efficient Skyactiv engines and compact car expertise.
Mitsubishi Motors
Established as Mitsubishi Motors in 1970, the company produces the Outlander and historically the Lancer and Pajero SUVs. Part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance; active but rebuilding reputation after past recalls and diesel issues.
Mitsubishi Fuso
Mitsubishi Fuso is a historic truck and bus manufacturer dating back to the 1930s, known for the Canter light-duty truck. Now part of a Daimler Truck partnership, it supplies commercial vehicles globally and continues active production.
Hino
Hino, founded 1942 and majority owned by Toyota, focuses on medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Known for the Ranger and Profia models, Hino is Japan’s truck maker with global commercial vehicle operations and hybrid/diesel technology.
Isuzu
Isuzu traces roots to the early 20th century and is best known for commercial diesel trucks and SUVs like the Trooper historically. Active as a truck specialist and engine supplier, Isuzu emphasizes durability and commercial vehicle markets.
UD Trucks
Founded as Nihon Diesel in 1935 and once Nissan Diesel, UD Trucks produces heavy and medium commercial vehicles. Acquired by Isuzu in recent years, UD is active globally for trucks, buses and chassis with a long diesel heritage.
Nissan
Nissan, founded 1933, is a major global automaker producing models like the Leaf EV, Altima and Skyline lineage. Active worldwide and parent of Infiniti, Nissan is notable for early mass-market EV adoption and a broad passenger and commercial lineup.
Datsun
Historic badge dating to 1931, Datsun launched Nissan’s early compact cars and became synonymous with export classics like the 240Z. Revived as a low-cost brand 2013–2020 for emerging markets; currently dormant under Nissan.
Infiniti
Nissan’s luxury division launched 1989, maker of Q-series sedans and SUVs. Active globally with performance and luxury models, Infiniti sought to compete with European and Japanese premium brands and continues to evolve toward electrification.
Honda
Founded 1948, Honda is known for the Civic, Accord and NSX, blending engines and efficient design. Active worldwide, Honda expanded into hybrids, electric vehicles and light trucks, and maintains a strong reputation for engineering and reliability.
Acura
Honda’s luxury marque launched 1986 with models like the Legend and Integra. Acura offers performance-focused sedans and SUVs such as the NSX and MDX, remains active particularly in North America and is evolving with electrified performance models.
Suzuki
Suzuki, established 1954 as a motor vehicle maker, specializes in small cars, kei vehicles and light commercial trucks—models include the Swift and Alto. Active globally and famed for compact, efficient city cars and the off-road-capable Jimny.
Eunos
Eunos was a Mazda premium sub-brand created 1989 for Japanese domestic market cars like the Eunos Cosmo. Discontinued in the mid-1990s, Eunos is notable for Mazda’s rotary-powered luxury coupe and experiments with upscale dealer networks.
Autozam
Autozam was Mazda’s dealership marque launched 1989, selling kei cars and niche sports models such as the AZ-1 micro sports coupe. Autozam ceased as a separate brand in the 1990s but left a cult following for compact sports models.
Efini
Efini was Mazda’s upscale dealership and brand around 1990, offering premium and performance versions of Mazda models. Disbanded during corporate consolidation in the mid-1990s, Efini is remembered for sporty, upscale RX and MX variants.
Prince
Prince Motor Company, founded 1952, produced early Skylines and Glorias and notable engineering like the S20 twin-cam engine. Merged into Nissan in 1966, Prince’s Skyline lineage lived on and became a cornerstone of Nissan’s performance heritage.
Mitsuoka
Mitsuoka, established 1968, is a boutique automaker crafting retro-styled small cars and distinctive models like the Viewt and Orochi sports car. Active in low-volume production, Mitsuoka caters to collectors seeking handcrafted and unconventional Japanese automobiles.
Aspark
Aspark is a small Japanese company founded 2005, known for the battery-electric Aspark Owl hypercar with extreme acceleration claims. Active as a niche EV developer, Aspark focuses on limited-run, high-performance electric vehicles aimed at collectors and showcases.
Dome
Dome, founded 1965, is a racecar constructor that has produced limited road cars like the Dome Zero concept and many prototype racers. Active in motorsport, Dome’s engineering influences Japan’s niche high-performance and racing car scene.
Tommykaira
Tommykaira began as a tuner and launched its own-branded sports cars in the 1990s and later. Founded 1986, the company makes limited-run models like the ZZ, notable for lightweight Japanese sports-car craftsmanship and performance tuning heritage.
Ohta
Ohta Motor Works, founded 1922, was an early Japanese automaker producing prewar and postwar passenger cars. The marque ceased operations mid-20th century; notable historically for early Japanese engineering and contributions before consolidation into larger manufacturers.
