Japanese cars are famous for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall bang for your buck. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, you hear these names and probably think that these are solid cars. And for the most part, that’s true.
But not every Japanese car is worth buying. In fact, some are straight-up letdowns. Whether they suffer from awful reliability, safety concerns, bad design, or just a complete lack of value, there are a few models that you should definitely avoid, especially if you’re shopping in the used market. So let’s dive in. Here are the Japanese cars you should think twice before buying.
1. Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is one of those cars that looks fun and funky at first but becomes a headache the longer you own it. It came with a CVT transmission, and that’s the Juke’s biggest weakness. These CVTs have a reputation for dying early, sometimes before hitting 100,000 miles, and the replacement cost isn’t cheap.
Beyond that, the interior is super cramped, especially in the back, and cargo space is basically non-existent. It’s also one of those cars that aged really badly. The styling that once looked futuristic now feels awkward and outdated. Unless you’re really into weird-looking cars and want to gamble on the CVT, skip this one.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
If there’s one car on this list that screams “cut corners,” it’s the Mitsubishi Mirage. It’s cheap, yes, but in almost every way. From the moment you step inside, it feels like a car from the early 2000s. The engine is a tiny three-cylinder that struggles to get up to highway speed, and it sounds really bad when pushed.
On top of that, the safety ratings have been disappointing, the ride is noisy and bumpy, and long-term durability isn’t exactly a strong suit. Sure, it gets good gas mileage, but you’ll pay for it in other ways. It’s just not worth it when there are better-built, equally efficient used cars out there.
3. Suzuki XL-7
The Suzuki XL-7 is one of those cars people barely remember, and for good reason. Built during a confusing partnership between Suzuki and General Motors, this SUV feels like a mashup of random parts and ideas. It’s got an outdated design, questionable reliability, and, to make matters worse, Suzuki stopped selling cars in the U.S. years ago.
That means getting parts can be a pain, and finding a mechanic who knows how to work on one might be even harder. On top of all that, the transmission is known for failing prematurely, and the electronics are glitchy. You’d be better off with almost any other SUV from the same area.
4. Mazda CX-7
The CX-7 was supposed to be Mazda’s sporty SUV, but it ended up being a bit of a mess, especially the turbocharged versions. The 2.3 L turbo engine has a bad habit of burning oil and running into turbo failure far earlier than you’d expect. It’s also been known to stretch its timing chain, which can lead to major engine issues if left unchecked.
Even setting the engine problems aside, the resale value isn’t great either. Mazda discontinued the model in favor of the much better CX-5, and that’s where you should be looking if you want a solid crossover from Mazda.
5. Subaru Tribeca
Subaru usually nails it when it comes to practical, reliable vehicles, but the Tribeca is the black sheep of the family. It launched with a design that wasn’t exactly popular. Then you’ve got the underpowered engine, disappointing gas mileage, and tight cargo space for a midsize SUV.
To make things worse, repair costs for the Tribeca are higher than you’d expect, and some models suffer from electrical problems that are hard to pin down. Subaru discontinued the Tribeca and moved on to better ideas. So should you.
6. Toyota Yaris
Here’s a bit of a shocker: not every Toyota model is worth buying. The early Yaris is a prime example. It’s basic. And not in a charming way. The ride is rough, the cabin is loud, and safety features were seriously lacking at the time.
It’s cheap and reliable, sure. But there’s a difference between reliable and livable. The early Yaris doesn’t feel like a car built for actual adults, and unless you’re desperate for cheap transportation, it’s probably not worth your time.
7. Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour is kind of like if someone tried to turn an Accord into a crossover but forgot why people like either of those cars in the first place. It has the awkward slope of a coupe, the size of an SUV, and the usefulness of neither. The cargo space is oddly shaped and limited, and rear visibility is terrible.
It’s also more expensive to maintain than a regular Accord and doesn’t offer any meaningful performance or utility advantages. In the end, Honda pulled the plug on the Crosstour for good reason, and that’s because buyers weren’t convinced.
8. Nissan Altima
If there’s one car that constantly shows up in CVT horror stories, it’s the fifth-generation Nissan Altima. This model had so many problems with its transmission that class-action lawsuits started rolling in. The CVTs are known to jerk, hesitate, or completely fail, sometimes without much warning.
But that’s not all. These Altimas also suffer from excessive oil consumption, cheap-feeling interiors, and steering issues. It’s not the reliable midsize sedan it once was. Unless you’re planning to replace the transmission at some point, steer clear.
9. Isuzu Axiom
You’ve probably never even seen an Isuzu Axiom on the road lately, and that’s a good thing. This was one of the last gasps of Isuzu’s U.S. operations, and it was not a strong showing. The Axiom looked boxy and futuristic back then, but under the hood it was old tech on its last days.
Transmission failures were common, safety ratings were weak, and rust was a serious issue in the northern climates. Combine that with Isuzu’s exit from the market and the total lack of parts or dealership support, and you’ve got a recipe for headaches.
10. Scion tC
Scion was Toyota’s shot at appealing to young buyers, and the tC looked cool at first. But it didn’t take long for owners to realize the sporty exterior didn’t translate into a sporty drive. It’s underwhelming behind the wheel and has a stiff suspension that doesn’t do it any favors on daily commutes.
Over time, the interior tends to rattle and wear out faster than you’d expect from a Toyota-built car. And with the Scion brand now dead, resale value has taken a hit. You’re better off buying a used Corolla or Civic and calling it a day.
In the end…
It’s easy to assume that all Japanese cars are bulletproof, but as you’ve seen, that’s just not true. Even brands with rock-solid reputations have their flops. The cars on this list aren’t just a little disappointing, they have serious issues that can end up costing you a lot more than they’re worth.
If you are car shopping, especially in the used market, it pays to do your homework. Look beyond the badge. Read owner reviews, check reliability ratings, and always get a pre-purchase inspection. Japanese cars are still some of the best out there, but only if you avoid the bad apples.
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