5. Toyota Carina ED
The Toyota Carina ED, introduced in 1985, was a compact four-door coupe exclusive to Japan. Its design, featuring a hardtop body without a B-pillar, aimed to emulate the styling of larger American and European sedans, resulting in a sleek, low-profile appearance. This model became a significant part of Japan’s ‘personal coupe’ culture, offering a blend of sporty aesthetics and practicality. In contrast, the U.S. market’s Camry, known for its conservative design and focus on comfort, lacked the Carina ED’s distinctive flair. (en.wikipedia.org)