The content of the article:
- Ranking of Japanese car brands and models
- Toyota
- Nissan
- Mitsubishi
- Subaru
- Honda
- Mazda
- Suzuki
- Lexus
- Infiniti
- Acura
The annual ratings of automobile brands, based on the study of technical characteristics, model ranges, safety, environmental friendliness, popularity among consumers, lead to only one conclusion - there are no ideal cars. German quality does not guarantee protection against breakdowns, Japanese thoroughness does not save you from the realities of Russian roads, and Chinese cheapness speaks for itself. But despite all these shortcomings, Japanese manufacturers are taking the lead from year to year, leaving their rivals far behind.
Research firm J. D. Power and Associates generates its statistics based on information received from owners who purchased their cars no more than 3 years ago. The survey among forty thousand respondents is carried out in order to identify technical problems for 100 cars of each brand. According to the latest research, Toyota's models were the best, winning 7 out of 18 positions.
The Japanese car industry is in great demand in Russia, easily enduring all the hardships and hardships: unpredictable climatic conditions, widespread off-road conditions and often frankly low-quality gasoline. The preferences of Russians among all automobile representatives of the Land of the Rising Sun were distributed as follows:
Ranking of Japanese car brands and models
1. Toyota
For many years, no other manufacturer has been able to oust Toyota from the hearts of Russian motorists. Most fortunate is Primorye, whose roads are 90% filled with "Japanese" of this particular family.
The company has earned this trust and success thanks to its concept of strict quality control at each production stage, starting with the design of the new model.
The undoubted advantages of the brand are:
- simplicity of the internal structure of the car;
- availability of repair and purchase of spare parts;
- high reliability;
- ease of maintenance.
Numerous inspections and test drives make Toyota cars as tough as any other. They are not afraid of temperature changes from unbearable heat to winter cold, they are stable on the road during drifts, do not lose detail on potholes and country paths. Each new model is equipped with units and assemblies that have been tested over the years and have clearly proven durability and quality.
The gigantic volumes of production did not lead to the loss of "face", did not make Toyota cars of the same type, conveyor belts. Each representative is invariably striking in the traffic flow due to his individuality.
The most popular model is the generally recognized Corolla, followed by the equally beloved Camry, Land Cruiser, Verossa, and the RX300 sums up the list.
By the way, SUVs have also gained worldwide fame as the most reliable and passable. So much so that they were purchased for the implementation of the UN and Red Cross missions.
2. Nissan
Why such an excellent brand was only in second place is difficult to judge. The body structure, engine power, transmission quality and other advantages of Nissan are in no way inferior to the legendary Toyota.
Perhaps, the disadvantages of this manufacturer should be written down the technical characteristics of the suspension, which turned out to be poorly adapted to the tragic state of Russian highways. Its design has been meticulously researched and tested to ensure stability and controllability, which has been well achieved. But only in the city. You don't even have to go to the hinterland to see the work of the suspension joints. On any highway with poor coverage, at least at the joints of concrete slabs M3 "Ukraine", they will go out of service even before the end of the trip.
Potholes and cracks on the roads put too much dynamic load on the body, for which this car is not ready, and therefore begins to wear out rapidly.
If you can't avoid country trips, you should pay attention to the Almera and Primera models. In relation to other representatives of Nissan, motorists' preferences were equally divided between Leopard and Skyline, Cefiro and Gloria, Laurel and Cima.
3. Mitsubishi
The cars of this Japanese manufacturer surprise with a combination of reliability and technical filling with a capricious disposition and requests of a "muslin lady". So, low-quality gasoline in a gas tank can quickly disable a car; for the stable functioning of a tiptronic, constant attention and care with specially designed oil will be required. And its short-travel suspensions are similar to those of the Nissan and are just as painful for road bumps.
If you wish, you can find fault with the build quality of the body itself: the welding of the seams leaves much to be desired, not all parts and assemblies are covered with an anti-corrosion agent.
Therefore, the long-term attachment of Russian car owners to Mitsubishi cars is especially amazing. Pajero, Lancer and Galant, which have long and firmly established themselves on our roads, can boast of tender love. Of the SUVs, only the Outlander has taken root so far.
4. Subaru
The Japanese company Subaru is relatively new on the Russian market - only since 1992. For over 20 years, their sedans and station wagons have proven to be comfortable, confident vehicles. Their all-wheel drive models with 1.6 and 2-liter 4-cylinder engines performed well in the constant off-season and snowy roads. Car owners appreciated their stability on the road, maneuverability and ease of handling.
Somewhat smaller than Mitsubishi, but still Subaru cars are also sensitive to poor fuel. Indeed, a serious malfunction or an accident will become a problem, because if it is not difficult to replace a spare part in the capital or a large city, then the regional technical centers will face the task of lacking the necessary parts.
5. Honda
This manufacturer was awarded only the middle of the rating because of the specific preferences of consumers - Russians buy mainly sports cars, executive and business models from Honda. Sales statistics prioritize the following:
- Legend;
- Accord;
- Torneo;
- Saber.
The Honda family impresses with its stylish design, powerful engine, comfort, stability and reliability. If the car owner provides his car with proper care, it will serve him so long that he will have time to simply get bored.
But she will demand attention like a real woman - expensive and regular. If 40 years ago the same Civic was positioned as an economy-class car, now for a mutually beneficial relationship you will need high-level gasoline, high-quality oil, timely technical inspections and, preferably, trips only around the city.
6. Mazda
Mazda in Russia impresses with a large-scale assortment of brands of all types. There are family minivans, pickups, which are not very popular among Russians, and budget models of the middle and small class, and, of course, SUVs.
The line of models Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 6 were and remain the highest quality and reliable even after 2-3 years of operation. Although just like the rest of the brothers, they have a weak suspension and can not stand unnecessary loads. Mazda is quite capable of transferring a small country trip, and even on city streets it will show itself as a queen.
Careful operation, avoidance of bad roads and regular care will make the Mazda car a reliable companion for years to come.
7. Suzuki
Younger brothers often receive more love, attention, and talent than older brothers. Unfortunately, this fate has passed for Suzuki.While other brethren have successfully developed from manufacturers of sewing machines or motorcycles into automobile giants, Suzuki has stuck in the ranks of "amateurs". Its auto department does not shine with either scale or level of technology, and its marketing strategy turns out to be a failure altogether.
But in Russia the company still has loyal fans who appreciate the combination of "price-quality". Of course, Suzuki will not be able to compete not only with Toyota, but even with Mazda, but compared to Chinese cars, they provide greater comfort, safety level, agility and controllability at a low cost and low-cost maintenance.
8. Lexus
Lexus is the most ideal example of this development of events, when the child surpassed the success of the parent. The Toyota brand is successful and popular, but its premium Lexus line has taken the world by storm. He inherited the "parent's" business card in the form of a hybrid drive, which was supplemented by centuries-proven reliability, Japanese conservatism, combined with ultra-modern technical approaches.
Now I can't believe that the production of Lexus cars was planned exclusively for the American car market, because the founders did not expect to compete with BMW or Jaguar. But already in the first weeks after the presentation of the first model LX450, sales were so great that they surpassed all expectations. Now Russian car owners are eagerly awaiting each new version of the most beloved RX line.
9. Infiniti
Nissan has always tried to keep up with its main competitor and after Toyota launched its luxury brand, also focused on the American consumer.
The most striking hit of the manufacturer was the 280-strong crossover Infiniti FX35 / 45, whose sales record has not yet been surpassed by any other model. He became a trendsetter, which other companies began to orient themselves towards, trying to copy the perfect design.
The Russians were no exception, who also became fans of the predatory nature, smooth lines and ultra-modern high-tech design of the FX series. Infiniti competes successfully with German luxury brands thanks to its striking looks and affordable price.
10. Acura
Promotion of this automaker on the Russian market can be called only tentative first steps. Honda's premium line so far provides only MDX and RDX crossovers, as well as the TLX sedan, to motorists.
The manufacturer relies on the famous Japanese reliability at very attractive price tags, especially in comparison with European counterparts. The brand is distinguished by a sporty appearance, high cross-country ability, fuel economy and comfort level.
Conclusion
The Japanese car industry is a very diverse phenomenon. For each specific country, each car market, they develop individual model ranges. One and the same car in America, Russia and Japan will have a fundamental difference, both external and internal. Moreover, the Japanese, as a rule, sell the most high-class models with the best technical filling, engines of increased power and ultra-modern design only in the domestic market.
