91. Honda S660
Cost: $15,000-$25,000*
Year Made: 2015-Present
The Honda S660 emerged in 2015 as a modern iteration of the Japanese Kei sports car concept. The “660” in its name refers to the car’s 660cc three-cylinder engine, keeping it within the Kei car regulation, but it’s mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration injects a level of sportiness and driving fun not commonly associated with this segment.
Honda S660 ©オーバードライブ83 /Wikimedia
The S660’s exterior is sleek and modern, while the open-top layout adds to its sporty, fun-to-drive persona. Inside, it offers a driver-focused cockpit with all controls within easy reach. Despite its compact dimensions and tiny engine, the S660 delivers a driving experience that has been compared to larger, more expensive sports cars.
92. Toyota Century
Cost: $80,000-$180,000*
Year Made: 1967-Present
The Toyota Century sits at the pinnacle of Japanese luxury motoring. Since its debut in 1967, the Century has served as a dignified, high-quality transport for top-ranking government officials and business executives. With a price tag often exceeding $100,000, this vehicle is the epitome of luxury in Toyota’s lineup and has a reputation for quiet comfort and superior craftsmanship.
Toyota Century @motortrend/Pinterest
Unlike its contemporaries, the Century eschews flamboyance and adopts a more restrained, traditional Japanese aesthetic. Its design, barely changed through its generations, radiates an air of timeless sophistication. Underneath its understated exterior lies advanced technology and a meticulously crafted interior featuring high-grade materials. The Century is one of the few cars globally to offer a V12 engine, and more recently a hybrid V8, ensuring smooth and powerful performance befitting its stature.
93. Suzuki Alto Lapin
Cost: $7,000-$12,000*
Year Made: 2002-Present
The Suzuki Alto Lapin, a standout in the kei car category, is an embodiment of Suzuki’s innovative approach to compact car design. Since its debut in 2002, the Lapin has charmed consumers with its quirky looks, efficient performance, and clever utilisation of interior space. The word ‘Lapin’ is French for rabbit, reflecting the car’s cute, appealing design language.
Suzuki Alto Lapin ©Mytho88/Wikimedia
The Alto Lapin isn’t just about cute aesthetics; it is well-regarded for its practicality and economy. Its boxy design allows for a spacious interior, which can comfortably accommodate four passengers or a significant amount of cargo for its size. Additionally, the car’s tiny footprint and efficient engine make it perfect for navigating congested city traffic while keeping running costs low.
94. Nissan Cherry
Cost: $4,000-$10,000*
Year Made: 1970-1986
The Nissan Cherry marked a milestone in Nissan’s history as it was the company’s first front-wheel-drive model. With its compact dimensions and economical performance, the Cherry quickly found a niche in the market and played a significant role in popularising front-wheel-drive vehicles in Japan.
Nissan Cherry ©Ypy31/Wikimedia
The Cherry, over its four generations, evolved considerably in design and technology, reflecting the changing tastes and demands of consumers. From its initial boxy design to more aerodynamic shapes in later years, the Cherry showcased Nissan’s adaptability and forward-thinking design approach. Despite no longer being in production, the Nissan Cherry remains a notable part of Nissan’s legacy, representing a time of change and innovation in the automotive industry.
95. Toyota FunCargo
Cost: $3,000-$7,000*
Year Made: 1999-2005
The Toyota FunCargo, produced from 1999 to 2005, is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that lives up to its cheerful name. Designed for practicality and versatility, the FunCargo offers a surprising amount of space for passengers and cargo despite its modest exterior dimensions. The vehicle’s boxy silhouette and high roofline allow for easy entry and exit, ample headroom, and substantial cargo capacity.
Toyota FunCargo ©Tennen-Gas/Wikimedia
Beyond its practical benefits, the FunCargo possesses a certain whimsical charm, characterised by its playful, rounded design language. The interior is similarly functional, featuring fold-flat rear seats for enhanced cargo flexibility. Powered by a range of fuel-efficient engines, the FunCargo delivers commendable performance and economy for its size. As an urban runabout or a first car for young drivers, the Toyota FunCargo ticks many boxes for practicality and affordability.
96. Suzuki Jimny Sierra
Cost: $15,000-$25,000*
Year Made: 1970-Present
Suzuki Jimny Sierra, a part of the iconic Jimny lineup since 1970, represents an intriguing blend of compact dimensions and serious off-road capability. Despite its small size, the Jimny Sierra is no less a formidable 4×4 vehicle, endowed with a ladder frame, high ground clearance, and low-range transfer gear. Its boxy design and round headlamps give it an irresistible retro charm that sets it apart in today’s market.
Suzuki Jimny Sierra @Google/Pinterest
While its compact size and rugged capabilities may not appeal to everyone, for those looking for a vehicle that can seamlessly transition from urban jungles to wild terrains, the Jimny Sierra presents a unique and appealing option.
97. Subaru Pleo Plus
Cost: $7,000-$12,000*
Year Made: 2010-Present
Launched in 2010, the Subaru Pleo Plus is a compact hatchback that fits into Japan’s kei car category. As the successor to Subaru’s original Pleo, the Pleo Plus continues the brand’s tradition of delivering small, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicles that cater to the demands of urban drivers. With its compact dimensions, the Pleo Plus is an ideal city car that excels at manoeuvring in tight parking spots and navigating through congested streets.
Subaru Pleo Plus ©Tennen-Gas/Wikimedia
But the Pleo Plus is not just about practicality. Its charming, somewhat boxy exterior hides a surprisingly roomy and comfortable interior, with well-appointed features for its class. The Pleo Plus also showcases Subaru’s dedication to safety, boasting features such as an advanced braking system and vehicle stability control.
98. Mitsuoka Viewt
Cost: $8,000-$15,000*
Year Made: 1993-Present
The Mitsuoka Viewt is an automotive oddity that showcases Mitsuoka’s ability to craft distinctive and unique vehicles. Based on the Nissan March/Micra, the Viewt stands out with its exterior styling that harks back to the iconic Jaguar Mark II of the 1960s. Despite being a small compact car, its exterior exudes an aura of vintage luxury that belies its humble underpinnings.
Mitsuoka Viewt ©Tennen-Gas/Wikimedia
Inside, the Viewt maintains the modern conveniences of its Nissan base. The cabin is compact but well-arranged, providing a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers. While the performance is not exactly sporty, it’s reliable and efficient, as you would expect from a vehicle based on a Nissan platform. For those looking for a car with classic aesthetics without the headaches of vintage car maintenance, the Mitsuoka Viewt is an intriguing option.
99. Daihatsu Leeza Spider
Cost: $5,000-$10,000*
Year Made: 1991-1996
The Daihatsu Leeza Spider is a bit of a hidden gem in the world of unique Japanese automobiles. This open-top kei car, with its convertible feature, was something of an anomaly in a segment dominated by practical, urban-focused vehicles. It combined the fun of open-air motoring with the compact size and efficiency of a kei car, creating an appealing package for those seeking a distinctive driving experience.
Daihatsu Leeza Spider @ebay/Pinterest
Despite its sporty appearance, the Leeza Spider retained the typical characteristics of a kei car: a small footprint, easy manoeuvrability, and economical running costs. Its tiny engine may not offer blistering performance, but the fun factor comes from its nimble handling and the pleasure of top-down driving.
100. Antennas Car
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
Blue and yellow always makes for a striking aesthetic, especially when it’s painted on a car with extreme precision. This sports car has been given the royal treatment and is clearly treated incredibly well by its owner.
Antennas Car @robertinoburgo / Pinterest
The large pipes sticking out of the hood may not be to everyone’s taste, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less desirable to a niche market. Strip off the custom paint and spoilers, and you might find a very nice, classic vintage car. Just don’t expect that to happen any time soon – this whip is in it for the long haul.