Five Japanese Premium Cars From the Past That Still Matter

An in-depth look at classic Japanese premium cars that remain respected today, based on recent reviews, auctions, and expert analysis from English and German sources.

For many years, Japanese cars were primarily associated with reliability and rational engineering. Yet in the late 1980s and 1990s, several models proved that Japan was ready to compete at the very top of the premium segment. Decades later, some of those cars have not faded into obscurity. On the contrary, they are still respected today, a fact confirmed by recent buyer’s guides, collector interest, and concrete market transactions.

The Lexus LS400 remains one of the clearest examples. Recent English-language buyer’s guides openly describe it as a modern classic. As the car that launched Lexus as a premium brand, the LS400 is no longer seen as just an old luxury sedan but as a reference point for Japanese luxury engineering. Contemporary articles carefully outline age-related concerns, from electronics to climate control systems, yet the overall tone is telling: the LS400 is still regarded as a sensible and respected choice. This attitude is reflected in the market, where well-kept examples continue to sell at auction in 2025 with steady, if measured, interest.

A very different story surrounds the Toyota Century equipped with the V12 engine. Never designed as a mass-market vehicle, the Century long remained an automotive curiosity outside Japan. In recent years, however, its appeal has become more tangible. Recent auction results show that the Century is valued not for performance figures, but for its philosophy: rear-seat comfort, extensive equipment, and the presence of Toyota’s only series-production V12, the 1GZ-FE. English-language coverage consistently emphasizes the car’s rarity and symbolic status, while technical articles on the engine help explain why the Century still occupies a unique position today.

The Infiniti Q45 represents a flagship that was once overshadowed by its rivals but is now being reassessed. Official Infiniti legacy materials continue to underline that the Q45 set the tone for the brand in the early 1990s. Its minimalist interior, focus on technology, and naturally aspirated V8 offered a different interpretation of luxury. German-language sources tend to mention the Q45 in market or reference contexts, yet recent auction sales demonstrate that interest remains alive. The wide range of realized prices suggests the model is gradually moving from obscurity toward niche classic status.

When discussing uncompromising Japanese premium cars, the first-generation Acura NSX cannot be ignored. Recent buyer’s guides and reports on factory-backed support programs highlight that the NSX is not only a cult sports car but one that continues to receive tangible attention from its manufacturer. Honda’s decision to expand restoration services and supply compatible genuine parts has sent a strong signal to owners and the wider market. Auction sales in 2025 confirm sustained demand, with the NSX’s reputation reinforced not only by its history, but also by ongoing support.

At the very top of this list sits the Lexus LFA. Years after production ended, it remains a symbol of Japanese engineering ambition. Recent auction data makes it clear that the LFA is viewed as a world-class collector car. In recent months, German media have focused on the new LFA Concept, and the return of the LFA name to the headlines has inevitably drawn renewed attention to the original V10-powered model. Even without a large volume of new German-language analysis on the original LFA, the market itself speaks clearly, with respect expressed through significant transaction figures.

What unites all of these cars is that they exist firmly in the present, not just in memory. The LS400, Century, Q45, NSX, and LFA continue to appear in reviews, auctions, and discussions among enthusiasts. The form that respect takes may differ, ranging from quiet acknowledgment of engineering excellence to full-fledged collector status, but the fact that this respect endures today is no longer in doubt.