In recent years, America has developed a fast-growing interest in Japanese cars from the 1960s and '70s. It used to be that only the most obsessive of auto aficionados were even aware such cars existed, but now they've begun to appear in an increasing number of books, TV shows and magazines. Car shows dedicated to them are popping up all over the country as well.

Fifty years ago, no one could have predicted that a small island in the Pacific would, in a few short decades, dominate the automotive industry. Japan now makes more cars than both Germany, where the horseless carriage was invented, and America, where mass production of the automobile began. Moreover, Japan even outsells American cars on their home turf, which happens to be the largest car market in the world.

Japan has gained a reputation for producing the most efficient, economical and reliable vehicles money can buy. Brands such as Toyota and Honda have become household names, synonymous with quality.