10 Japanese Sedans that Should be on Your Shopping List

2016 Mazda Mazda6

Japanese sedans have come a long way from simply being the most reliable car you could park in your driveway. Whether it's a comfortable commuter, a luxurious daily driver, or a legitimate back roads burner, there are now Japanese sedans out there that will haul the entire family while scratching that specific automotive itch. In fact, it's undeniable that Japanese cars hold an edge in specific segments of the industry, with certain models displaying strengths that make them undisputed leaders in terms of both sales and driver satisfaction. Let's take a look at 10 Japanese sedans that should be on your shopping list and see what their unique personalities bring to the table.

1) 2016 Toyota Avalon - The Highway Cruiser

The 2016 Toyota Avalon may have built its reputation as the preferred chariot of retirees seeking a plush and insulated ride, but the most recent refresh proves that even big Japanese sedans can have a second act. With a much more stylish take on the full-size concept, the Toyota Avalon leverages a suspension system that isn't afraid to engage the driver while returning an exceptional 31 mpg in highway driving. You don't have to give up any grunt to gain that solid cruising figure, either: the Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 has been tuned to provide 268 horsepower, managed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

Photo by Toyota

2) 2016 Mazda Mazda6 - The Affordable Corner-Carver

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6's swooping lines and sculpted sheet metal aren't the most appealing aspect of this mid-size sedan. Get the chance to take the Mazda Mazda6 on a road that has more twists and turns than your typical turnpike and you'll quickly appreciate the way the car's chassis eats up each change in direction with finesse and composure. A six-speed manual gearbox is offered with the Sport and Touring editions of the Mazda6 for an even more engaging driving experience, and power is sourced from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder mill that's good for 184 horses and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Photo by Mazda

3) 2016 Nissan Maxima - The Stealth Luxury Ride

The 2016 Nissan Maxima might not have the name recognition offered by any number of premium brands, but step inside the Platinum edition of this full-size four-door and you'll be shocked by just how well-appointed it is. Diamond-stitched leather, a top-notch infotainment system, and a chassis that banishes the majority of road insults are some of the Nissan Maxima's highlights, and the fit and finish of the car are higher than one would expect for such a reasonably-priced Japanese sedan. Under the hood you'll find 300 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V-6, mated to a continuously-variable automatic transmission.

4) 2016 Honda Civic - The Small, But Safe Choice

The 2016 Honda Civic has been completely redesigned for the current model year, and that means a surprising amount of technology has been stuffed into what is one of the most affordable automobiles in the Honda showroom. Much of this comes in the form of driver protection equipment such as a lane keeping system (which automatically steers the car back between the lines), an adaptive cruise control feature that maintains a safe gap between the Honda Civic and the traffic ahead, and the Honda LaneWatch camera that keeps an eye on the lane to the right of the vehicle in a bid to eliminate any blind spots. Then there's the Honda Sensing suite of features, which includes a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, a system that is designed to keep the car from hitting the shoulder unexpectedly, and a lane departure warning system. This represents a comprehensive level of safety gear for any car, let alone a compact Japanese sedan.

Photo by Honda

5) 2016 Toyota Camry - The Commuter

The 2016 Toyota Camry continues to do what this award-winning four-door has done almost since it first went on sale: offer a well-rounded, do-everything sedan that you can drive to and from work every day (and everywhere else, really). The Toyota Camry's generous interior space, affordable pricing, and efficient drivetrain selection (its 2.5-liter, 178-horsepower four-cylinder motor delivers 35 mpg on the highway, while its 3.5-liter, 268 horsepower V-6 isn't far behind) together create one of the most appealing models on the market. If you're even more focused on fuel economy, you can even pick up a Camry Hybrid that will turn in 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

6) 2016 Lexus IS 350 - The Sporty Alternative

The 2016 Lexus IS 350 dares to challenge the hegemony of BMW and Audi in the luxury sport sedan world with its combination of rock-solid build quality, premium features, and a suspension setup that's at the very least competitive with the likes of the trend-setting 3 Series. The Lexus IS 350 might not offer a manual gearbox, but it does provide an eight-speed automatic transmission to parse the 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque produced by its 3.5-liter V-6. Found in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, the Lexus IS is also available in entry-level 200t trim as well as the mid-range IS 300.

7) 2016 Infiniti Q50 - The All-New High Performance Contender

The 2016 Infiniti Q50 bursts onto the scene with a dramatic new take on the brand's sport sedan template. Perhaps the biggest news is the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 that will be offered as the Infiniti Q50's range-topping engine, blowing past last year's 3.5-liter motor. It's also available in 300-horsepower form, where it joins a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor that puts out 208 ponies (and even an eventual turbodiesel). Each Q50 comes standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive can be had as an option.

Photo by Infiniti Media

8) 2016 Honda Accord - The Step-Up

The 2016 Honda Accord is an intriguing Japanese sedan choice for buyers who want to stick with the tried, tested, and true but who are looking for a little more excitement behind the wheel than what they would get from the usual suspects. The Honda Accord isn't exactly a driver's car, but in Sport trim it will keep you interested through the corners. Great fuel efficiency is on offer from the vehicle's base 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine, to the tune of 37 mpg on the highway, and for an extra kick in the pants there's the 278 horsepower offered by its 3.5-liter V-6. A continuously variable automatic is required to squeeze as many miles out of a gallon of gas as possible with the Honda Accord.

Photo by Honda

9) 2016 Subaru Legacy - The All-Weather Warrior

The 2016 Subaru Legacy is the only mid-size sedan in its class to come standard with all-wheel drive, which makes it a darling amongst northern dwellers routinely forced to deal with harsh winter weather. Of course, the Subaru Legacy is more than just the extra traction offered by its AWD system - it also offers the EyeSight advanced safety system and a roomy passenger compartment - but there's no denying this trademark technology attracts customers to showrooms. Choose between a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder when ordering your Legacy.

Photo by Subaru Media

10) 2016 Toyota Corolla - The First Car

The 2016 Toyota Corolla deserves your attention as perhaps the perfect first car for anyone on a budget, regardless of age. This Japanese sedan has been delivering exceptional value at a very low price since it first hit the scene in the 1970s, and it's evolved into the go-to automobile for those seeking a transportation appliance they'll rarely have to think twice about. Comfortable and efficient, with up to 42 mpg highway and 30 mpg city available from its 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Toyota Corolla is a strong contender for your entry-level dollars.