9. Nissan Gloria
Kin to the Cedric but aiming for a slightly younger demographic, the Nissan Gloria sported upmarket ambitions in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The top-spec trim housed a 3.0-liter RB30E inline-six pushing around 190 horsepower, paired with a frictionless five-speed automatic that accentuated smooth power delivery. Its chassis featured multi-link rear suspension for controlled handling, and higher trims offered rear-wheel steering to tighten the turning radius.
Luxurious touches—such as reclining rear seats and burl wood trim—added to its executive appeal. Though the Gloria nameplate faded in the mid-2000s, its blend of near-silky performance and driver-focused refinement remains largely forgotten outside Japanese auto historians.