10 Impressive But Forgotten Japanese Sedans

2. Nissan President

Long before Nissan’s luxury ambitions materialized in global markets, the President reigned as Japan’s top-of-the-line sedan. Powered by a 4.5-liter V8 producing 280 horsepower, it carried dignitaries in serene comfort behind thick curtains. On the road, the President’s advanced hydraulic suspension smoothed out bumps with regal grace, while its double-wishbone front suspension offered surprisingly engaging handling for a limousine-sized car.

Inside, the rear-seat legroom and amenities—such as power-operated seats, a refrigerated compartment, and an onboard intercom—were unmatched at the time. Despite its exclusive clientele and technological advancements, the President faded as Nissan shifted focus to more globalized luxury offerings, leaving this powerhouse largely forgotten.

3. Toyota Century

The Toyota Century was more than a luxury sedan; it was the official conveyance of Japanese executives and royalty. Underneath its conservative exterior lurked a 5.0-liter V12 engine—later replaced by a smooth 4.3-liter V8 in subsequent generations—delivering effortless 276 horsepower with the whisper of a silk scarf.

What set the Century apart was its commitment to quiet dignity: rear suicide doors, wool upholstery, and meticulously crafted wood accents created an ambiance of solemn refinement. Its adaptive air suspension ensured the ride felt weightless, even when navigating uneven city streets. While later models continued the tradition, the first-generation Century’s mix of discreet performance and ceremonious presence remains a hidden gem among enthusiasts.

4. Mitsubishi Dignity

In the late ’90s, Mitsubishi aimed to rival domestic luxury titans with the Dignity—an imposing four-door built on a stretched platform and powered by a 4.5-liter V8 generating 280 horsepower. Rather than raw speed, the Dignity prioritized smoothness through its four-wheel independent suspension and active yaw control, providing stability at higher speeds while cushioning occupants from road imperfections. Inside, reclining rear seats, an integrated TV screen, and advanced climate control defined opulence.

Despite these attributes and efforts to match Toyota’s Century and Nissan’s President, the Dignity failed to capture significant market share. Today, its bold design and refined yet underappreciated performance are rare reminders of Mitsubishi’s fleeting luxury ambitions.

5. Nissan Cedric

The Nissan Cedric spent decades as a stalwart of Japanese taxi fleets and executive garages alike. By the early ’90s, the top-tier Cedric gained a 3.0-liter V6 producing around 190 horsepower—enough to merge onto highways confidently without sacrificing fuel economy. What set upscale Cedric trims apart was their sumptuous interiors: plush upholstery, wood-grain accents, and power-adjustable seats with lumbar support created a comfortable cocoon.

The chassis featured multilink rear suspension that provided balanced handling, making daily drives feel poised rather than ponderous. Though the Cedric badge eventually gave way to global naming conventions, its combination of smooth power delivery and understated luxury remains an underappreciated cornerstone in Nissan’s sedan legacy.

6. Toyota Crown (1995)

In 1995, the Toyota Crown struck a fine balance between executive elegance and engaging road manners. Offered with a 2.5-liter inline-six producing 200 horsepower or an optional 3.0-liter V6 generating 220 horsepower, the Crown delivered smooth throttle response and linear acceleration. Its double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear layout kept the chassis composed, allowing enthusiastic drivers to enjoy spirited cornering without jarring the cabin.

Notably, advanced four-wheel steering on higher trims sharpened turn-in response, bringing sports sedan thrills to the executive segment. Though the Crown name lives on in Japan, the mid-’90s models—with their blend of power, precision, and subtle luxury—often get overlooked outside collector circles.

7. Mazda Sentia

Mazda’s flagship Sentia—known in some markets as the 929—merged Japanese elegance with rotary-engine heritage, though the flagship powerplant was a 3.0-liter V6 producing 200 horsepower. Its silky-smooth mill and five-speed automatic transmission delivered acceleration that felt effortless rather than frantic.

The Sentia’s spotlight feature was its Dynamic Active Suspension, which utilized sensors to adjust damping forces in real time, providing a poised, flick-of-the-wrist response when weaving through city traffic. Inside, amenities like a retractable GPS screen and premium Bose audio underscored Mazda’s bid for codriver comfort. Despite its advanced tech and agreeable performance, the Sentia’s niche positioning caused it to fall into obscurity when Mazda refocused on sportier offerings.

8. Honda Legend (First Generation)

When Honda introduced the Legend in 1986, it marked the company’s first foray into full-size luxury. Its 2.5-liter V6 delivered 160 horsepower—respectable for its day—and, more importantly, showcased Honda’s prowess in V6 engineering. The Legend’s double-wishbone suspension all around ensured a planted feel, whether cruising on highways or tackling tight urban canyons.

Inside, a driver-centric cockpit featured power-adjustable memory seats, premium upholstery, and a takumi-inspired attention to fit and finish. Though early Legends didn’t flood North American showrooms, their reputation for reliability and balanced handling resonated with Japanese executives. Today’s luxury buyers rarely recall the first-generation Legend’s quiet strength or its influence on future Acura designs.

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.

10. Honda Vigor (Second Generation)

Launched in 1991, the second-generation Honda Vigor blended European-inspired handling with dependable V6 performance. Its 2.5-liter V6 generated 170 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration without overwhelming new drivers. What truly stood out was the Vigor’s handling balance: a rigid chassis coupled with precise steering and MacPherson front, multilink rear suspension delivered an engaging drive that inspired confidence on winding backroads.

Inside, supportive seats, clear gauges, and a generous spread of safety equipment—like anti-lock brakes and dual airbags—reinforced its appeal as a driver’s sedan. Though overshadowed by Honda’s more luxurious Legend, the Vigor’s deft combination of power and poise remains an underappreciated chapter in Honda’s sedan lineage.