Japanese-made cars are some of the models we often see on the road and it’s no wonder that they gain popularity in the county of Jamaica. They offer impressive qualities, fuel efficiency, durability, reliability, great performance, and budget-friendly price. In this article, we will talk about the Top 10 Most Popular Cars in Jamaica for 2021.
Most roads in Jamaica are paved, but periodic maintenance needs to be promptly done, as some roads have large potholes. Urban roads are wide and busy while those in the mountainous countryside are winding and narrow. Due to these conditions, most Jamaicans prefer to buy small Japanese cars compatible with their roads, but also cheap to run and right-hand driven suitable for their drive on left roads.
Toyota Corolla Axio (Sedan)
Price
| 2009 | US$ 2550 – US$ 15,820 |
| 2011 | US$ 1490 – US$ 10,750 |
| 2015 | US$ 3,930 – US$ 8,810 |
| 2017 | US$ 4,050 – US$ 7,690 |
Pros
- Good resale value
- Efficient (1.5-liter and hybrid models)
- Cheap to maintain
Cons
- Limited legroom at the rear
- Sluggish 1.5-liter engine when fully loaded
The Toyota Corolla Axio is a four-door sedan introduced in 2006 as the tenth-generation version of the Toyota Corolla. It is a compact size car known for its powerful engine, fuel efficiency, innovative functions, stylish design, and comfortable interior.
Interior
It comes with high-class features including airbags, an anti-lock braking system, a pre-crash system, cruise control, automatic climate control, brake assist, satellite navigation, and vehicle stability control. It offers a 1.3L 1NR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing power and torque of 95 PS (70 kW), 121 Nm (89 lb-ft); 1.5L 1NZ-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing power and torque of 110 PS (81 kW), 138 Nm (102 lb-ft); and 1.8L 2ZR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing power and torque of 140 PS (103 kW), 173 Nm (128 lb-ft) coupled with CVT and five-speed manual transmission.
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Toyota Voxy (Minivan)
Price
| 2013 | US$ 650 – US$ 10,780 |
| 2014 | US$ 3,390 – US$ 19,520 |
| 2015 | US$ 5,140 – US$ 20,870 |
| 2017 | US$ 4,470 – US$ 24,920 |
Pros
- Spacious
- Seven seats
- comfortable
Cons
- low ground clearance
- Limited cargo area with all seats occupied
The Toyota Voxy is a seven or eight-seater, five-door minivan first introduced in 2001 and is presently in its third generation. It is available in a front-wheel / four-wheel-drive layout with some notable standard features which includes airbags, power steering, power windows, Toyota’s T-Connect system with rear parking camera, online services, and 10-inch infotainment display as well as the Toyota Safety Sense C which consist of collision warning, lane assist, and high beam assist.
The Voxy is fitted with a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE straight-4 petrol-hybrid engine coupled with 5JM AC synchronous motor and e-CVT, and 2.0L 3ZR-FAE straight-4 Valvematic petrol engine producing maximum power output and torque 152 PS (112 kW), 193 Nm (19.7 kgm) mated to a CVT-i.
The Voxy is popular in Jamaica due to its passenger-carrying capacity, enabling it to ferry seven people at once.
Toyota Corolla Fielder (Wagon)
Price
| 2012 | US$ 2,560 – US$ 7,090 |
| 2014 | US$ 2,400 – US$ 8,990 |
| 2017 | US$ 6,150 – US$ 10,840 |
| 2018 | US$ 4,200 – US$ 18,170 |
Pros
- Spacious
- Large cargo hold
- Efficient
Cons
- The 1.5-liter engine is sluggish
- No seven-seater despite its size
The Toyota Corolla Fielder wagon is a five-door car released in 2001 along with the Corolla Axio sedan. It offers impressive reliability, fuel efficiency, great engine performance, stylish design, comfortable and spacious interiors. It is also fitted with standard features which consist of a pre-crash system, airbags, traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist system, tilt steering wheel, power steering, and power windows.
It comes with a 1.5L 1NZ-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing power and torque of 110 PS (81 kW) at 6000 rpm, 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) at 4800 rpm; and a 1.8L 2ZR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing power and torque of 140 PS (103 kW) at 6200 rpm, 173 Nm (128 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm with a five-speed manual and Super CVT-i transmission.
The Corolla Fielder is popular in Jamaica due to its spacious cabin and large cargo hold complemented by its efficient engines.
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Honda Step WGN (Minivan)
Price
| 2013 | US$ 1,240 – US$ 17,370 |
| 2014 | US$ 2,280 – US$ 12,200 |
| 2019 | US$ 9,320 – US$ 28,000 |
| 2023 | US$ 18,980 – US$ 19,940 |
Pros
- Spacious with 8 seats
- Drives well
- Ergonomically designed
Cons
- Poor fuel consumption
- Low ground clearance
The Honda Stepwgn minivan is a five-door MPV available in a four-wheel / front-wheel-drive layout first produced in 1996 and is currently in its fifth generation. It comes with standard features including driver and passenger airbags, Honda smart parking assist system, HONDA Sensing, an anti-lock braking system, traction control, vehicle stability assist, lane-departure warning, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency stop signal.
It is equipped with a 2.0L R20A producing maximum power and torque 150 PS (110 kW) at 6200 rpm, 19.7 kgm (193 Nm) at 4200 rpm; and a 1.5L L15B VTEC turbo engine producing maximum power and torque 150 PS (110 kW) at 5500 rpm, 20.7 kgm (203 Nm) at 1600-5000 rpm with CVT.
The Step WGN is popular for its reliability, passenger-carrying capacity, robustness, and ergonomic design.
Honda Fit (Hatchback)
Price
| 2015 | US$2790 – US$ 16,490 |
| 2017 | US$ 3,200 – US$ 14,140 |
| 2018 | US$ 4,630 – US$ 16,520 |
| 2023 | US$ 9,250 – US$ 19,920 |
Pros
- Spacious
- Large cargo capacity
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Noisy cabin
- Low ground clearance
- Sluggish engine
The Honda Fit hatchback is a five-door subcompact car also referred to as the Honda Jazz which was first introduced in 2001. It is available in four-wheel / front-wheel drive and offers great reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It also has some notable features which include airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start assist function, air conditioning, brake assist, daytime running lights, power steering, and power windows.
It comes with a 1.3L L13B straight-4 engine producing maximum power and torque of 73 kW (100 PS), 119 Nm (12.1 kgm); and 1.5L L15B straight-4 engine producing maximum power and torque of 97 kW (132 PS), 155 Nm (15.8 kgm) with five-speed / six-speed manual or CVT.
The Fit is popular due to its spacious cabin, large cargo hold, efficient engine, magic seat, and low maintenance cost.
Honda Fit Hybrid (Hatchback)
Price
| 2015 | US$ 2,790 – US$ 14,400 |
| 2016 | US$ 3,600 – US$ 12,830 |
| 2017 | US$ 3,190 – US$ 16,820 |
| 2018 | US$ 9,250 – US$ 19,920 |
Pros
- Spacious
- Easy to drive
- Super efficient
Cons
- More expensive than the standard Fit
- Batteries eat up cargo space
The Honda Fit Hybrid is a five-door hatchback released alongside the second-generation Honda Fit. It is a fuel-efficient car with great reliability and impressive numbers of features including SRS airbags, side airbags, brake assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, vehicle stability control, traction control, cruise control, hill start assists, power windows, air conditioning, and power door locks.
It is powered by a 1.5L LEB Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with a built-in lithium-ion battery Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) and the newly developed Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) as well as seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with an internal high-output motor consuming an average fuel economy 36.4 km/L.
The Fit hybrid is popular due to its superior fuel efficiency, silent cabin, practicality, and exhilarating drive experience.
Toyota Probox Van (Van)
Price
| 2014 | US$ 2,400 – US$ 12,140 |
| 2017 | US$ 4,470 – US$ 12,900 |
| 2018 | US$ 4,900 – US$ 19,360 |
| 2022 | US$ 8,000 – US$ 14,260 |
Pros
- Spacious
- Large cargo area
- Efficient engines
Cons
- lethargic engines
- no seven-seater
The Toyota Probox is a front-wheel / four-wheel drive, five-door van/wagon marketed and manufactured in July 2002 by Toyota. It is a light commercial van with outstanding reliability, functions, style, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It is equipped with driver and passenger airbags, power steering, power door locks, power windows, air conditioning, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, brake assist, AM/FM radio, traction control, and seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiter.
It comes with a 1.5L 1NZ-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing a maximum power output of 80 kW (109 PS) at 6000 rpm and a 1.3L 1NR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing a maximum power output of 70 kW (95 PS) at 6000 rpm powered by a four-speed automatic or CVT.
The popularity of the Probox is a result of its practicality and versatility, it can be used as a delivery van, shuttle, and more.
Toyota Noah (Minivan)
Price
| 2010 | US$ 1,660 – US$ 12,900 |
| 2012 | US$ 1,660 – US$ 9,580 |
| 2013 | US$ 2,190 – US$ 12,121 |
| 2014 | US$ 4,690 – US$ 16,490 |
Pros
- People mover
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Multipurpose cabin
Cons
- Low ground clearance
- sluggish when fully loaded
The Toyota Noah minivan is a five-door car with a front-wheel / four-wheel drive layout produced in November 2001 and is presently in its third generation. It is known for its spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom, fuel economy, and high-class features.
It is fitted with driver and passenger airbags, an intelligent parking assist system, Toyota Safety Sense C which consists of lane assist, automatic high beam assist, and collision warning as well as Toyota’s T-Connect system with 10-inch infotainment display, Noah Panoramic Live Sound System with eight speakers, USB/AUX inputs, and rear parking camera. It is equipped with a 2.0L 3ZR-FAE Valvematic straight-4 petrol engine producing power 152 PS (112 kW) with CVT and a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE straight-4 hybrid engine with e-CVT and 5JM AC synchronous motor.
The Noah is a reliable and versatile minivan used as a family car, taxi shuttle, or small cargo van.
Toyota Hiace Van (Van)
Price
| 2015 | US$ 6,910 – US$ 44,060 |
| 2018 | US$ 8,180 – US$ 59,420 |
| 2020 | US$ 12,200 – US$ 79,160 |
| 2023 | US$ 18,340 – US$ 72,940 |
Pros
- Huge storage capacity
- Highly reliable and robust
- Good resale value
Cons
- Expensive
- Under-equipped in safety
The Toyota HiAce van was first produced in 1967 with a four / five-door light commercial van and is now in its six generations. It is available in rear-wheel / four-wheel drive layout with some notable standard features which include driver and passenger airbags, power door locks, power windows, power steering, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, engine immobilizer, air conditioning, traction control, crash sensor, vehicle stability control, and seatbelt with pretensioners and force limiters.
It is powered by 2.0L 1TR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing 100 kW (134 hp), 2.7L 2TR-FE straight-4 petrol engine producing 118 kW (158 hp), 2.5L 2KD-FTV Low Version Intercooled / Non – Intercooled D-4D straight-4 diesel engine producing 80 kW (107 hp), and 3.0L 1KD-FTV Intercooled VN Turbo D-4D straight-4 diesel engine producing 106 kW (142 hp), 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) with a four/six-speed automatic or five-speed manual.
The Hiace has built a reputation as an all-round commercial workhorse. It offers a good combination of practicality, durability, and low ownership costs.
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Subaru Impreza G4 (Sedan)
Price
| 2014 | US$ 1,570 – US$ 6,780 |
| 2015 | US$ 3,910 – US$ 8,490 |
| 2016 | US$ 3,580 – US$ 11,440 |
| 2017 | US$ 3,070 – US$ 10,890 |
Pros
- All wheel drive
- Reliable
- comfortable and decent ride
Cons
- Small boot
- high maintenance cost
The Subaru Impreza G4 sedan is the four-door version of the fourth-generation Impreza with a front-mounted engine, front-wheel / all-wheel-drive layout which was launched in 2011. It comes with impressive standard features which consist of airbags, emergency brake assist, vehicle dynamics control, anti-lock braking system, electronic braking-force distribution, adaptive cruise control, power windows, power steering, air conditioning, steering tilt system, and seatbelt pretensioners, and force limiters.
It is fitted with a 1.6L FB16 H4 producing 85 kW (115 PS) at 5,600 rpm, 148 Nm (15.1 kgm) at 4,000 rpm; and 2.0L FB20 H4 producing 110 kW (150 PS) at 6,200 rpm, 196 Nm (20.0 kgm) at 4,200 rpm with five/six-speed manual or CVT.
The Impreza G4 offers a decent and comfortable ride, with AWD you are guaranteed to get where you are going with less fuel.
How much is a car in Jamaica?
The average price of a Toyota Probox in Jamaica is JMD 1,200,000 (USD 7,700), while at Be Forward the same car costs 705,000 (USD 4,500) to the port at Kingston.
People also read:
Most Popular Used Cars in Jamaica Under $1,500!
Final Verdict
All cars featured here are good, depending on the buyer’s taste and where they plan to use them. In my case, I’ll go for either the Probox or Hiace depending on the budget as these two are so versatile no matter where you are from, only that the Hiace is unsuitable for use in narrow streets and tiny parking spaces due to its size. Whether the latest models or used cars, they are built with good reliability, fuel efficiency with a high-performance engine, comfortability, great features, and impressive stability. Please visit the BE FORWARD store for more budget-friendly used cars.
BEST VALUE USED CARS FOR SALE from $470
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
