Car of the year

This is an award given to the best car for the year. It started in the US in 1950 and we copied it and the “Japan Car of the Year” started in 1980. This year’s winner should be announced in about a week time.

The cars they assess are Japanese passenger vehicles. By selecting the best car for the year and praising its developer and manufacturer, it will promote more effort in making better quality, better performance and safe cars as well as to contribute in the development of the global automotive industry, protection of global environment and transport safety.

They have 2 different stages of selection. In the first stage, 10 cars will be chosen and in the second stage, a 60 member-panel has to test-drive each car to decide the winner.

In the final voting, each member is given 25 points and they have to give 10 points to one of the 10 cars, then spread the rest of 15 points between 4 more cars freely. In theory, the top points should be 10×60=600 and the car with the highest points gets the car of the year award.

Last year, it went to Honda Fit with 374 points. The reason was as follows: “Keeping the last generation’s high performance in basic functions, it enhanced its capabilities in everything from its utility features, ride quality, steering to environmental capability which is required for modern cars. This car has a quality and attractiveness recognised anywhere in the world”.

Here is a list of the cars which have won the award:

27th (2006-2007) Toyota Lexus LS460
26th (2005-2006) Mazda Roadstar
25th (2004-2005) Honda Legend
24th (2003-2004) Subaru Legacy
23rd (2002-2003) Honda Accord / Accord Wagon
22nd (2001-2002) Honda Fit
21st (2000-2001) Honda Civic Ferio / Stream
20th (1999-2000) Toyota Vitz / Platz / Funcargo
19th (1998-1999) Toyota Altezza
18th (1997-1998) Toyota Prius

They are all good cars but some might not be so well-known. There is a jinx that once the car is chosen for the “Car of the Year” they will not sell but there are exceptions like Prius, Fit, Legacy, etc.

This year 41 Japanese & imported cars are nominated and I personally think that Toyota Crown/Crown Hybrid, Nissan GT-R, Honda Odyssey, Honda Freed, Daihatsu Tanto and BMW 1 Series should win. They are the ones I like and have had inquiries for by many customers.

The winner is…?


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