Japan 1998: Corolla, Nissan Cube and Suzuki Wagon R favourites

Toyota Corolla

* See the Top 30 best-selling models by clicking on the title! Many thanks to Florian + Joe *

In the passenger car category, the Toyota Corolla celebrates its 30th consecutive year atop the Japanese models ranking with 198,498 sales (-18% on 1997), nearly double the amount of the #2, the Nissan Cube, extremely successful at 107,857 units for its very first year in market.

Nissan Cube

The Mazda Demio rounds up the podium with 102,377 sales, up 16% and 6 spots on 1997. The Nissan March (-34%), Toyota Starlet (-15%), Honda StepWGN (-20%) and Toyota Mark II (-29%) follow and all sell upwards of 90,000 units in spite of strong declines.

Mitsubishi Chariot Grandis

As far as great performers are concerned, the Mitsubishi Chariot Grandis is up 377% this year to #9 with 70,644 sales, the Honda Accord is up 102% to #15 and the all-new Toyota Harrier lands at #19 while the Honda Capa is #27 for its first year. In the Kei car category, the Suzuki Wagon R is in pole position, even selling more than the Corolla at 206,548 registrations this year. It is followed by the Daihatsu Move at 169,990 units and the Mitsubishi Minica with 126,244 sales.

You can check each and every Top 30 monthly ranking here.

Previous year: Japan 1997: Toyota Corolla and Nissan March on top, Honda StepWGN up to #5

Next year: Japan 1999: Toyota Corolla and Vitz in the lead

Full Year 1998 Top 30 passenger cars and Top 5 kei cars Ranking Tables below.