Popular Car Brands 2025: Reviews, Pros & Cons, and Market Trends

(Photo Credit: freepik)

In an era where the automotive market is rapidly evolving, choosing the right car brand has become increasingly important for every buyer. Whether you're looking for a quality used car or planning to sell your current vehicle for an upgrade, making an informed decision is crucial.

This article provides comprehensive information about the most popular car brands in Thailand for 2025 that have garnered the most attention from buyers nationwide. Covering sedans, SUVs, pickups, and electric vehicles, we'll analyze their strengths, considerations, and interesting market trends to help you confidently choose a vehicle that meets both your needs and budget.

Popular Car Brands in Thailand – 2025 Update

1. Toyota

(Photo Credit: Toyota)

Toyota has long been one of the most beloved car brands among Thai consumers, thanks to its durability and affordable maintenance costs. This makes it a popular choice for both new and used car buyers.

Pros:

• High durability and reliability

• Affordable repair costs and readily available spare parts

• Strong resale value in the used car market

• Wide variety of models to choose from, from compact sedans to SUVs

Cons:

• Some models may appear too classic for those who prefer modern styling

• Certain technology features may lag behind competitors in some models

Recommended Models: Toyota Yaris ATIV, Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hilux Revo

2. Honda

(Photo Credit: Honda)

Honda is another highly popular car brand in the Thai market, distinguished by its fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, modern design, and appeal to users across all segments.

Pros:

• Fuel-efficient engines with excellent performance

• Modern design with spacious interiors and efficient space utilization

• Comprehensive safety systems, especially in newer models

• High resale value in the used car market

Cons:

• Maintenance costs for some models may be higher than competitors

• Some parts can be relatively expensive

• Suspension systems in certain models may be too firm for those who prefer a softer ride

Recommended Models: Honda City, Honda Civic, Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Honda Accord

3. Nissan

(Photo Credit: Nissan)

Nissan is a car brand offering diverse options from sedans to SUVs and pickups, standing out with advanced safety technology and competitive pricing.

Pros:

• Reasonable pricing compared to features offered

• Advanced safety technology with Safety Shield in multiple models

• Spacious and comfortable cabin

• Options available across sedans, SUVs, and pickups to suit various needs

Cons:

• Service centers not as widespread as Toyota or Honda

• Resale value in the used car market may be lower than other Japanese brands

• Design of some models may not stand out as much as competitors

Recommended Models: Nissan Almera, Nissan Note, Nissan Kicks, Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Navara

4. Mazda

(Photo Credit: Mazda)

Mazda stands out with its beautiful design following the KODO Design philosophy and sporty, enjoyable driving experience, perfect for those who love excitement on the road.

Pros:

• Beautiful and modern design with distinctive character

• Sporty driving experience with excellent responsiveness

• Premium cabin with quality materials

• i-ACTIVSENSE technology enhances safety

Cons:

• Maintenance and parts costs higher than other Japanese brands

• Fuel efficiency may not match Honda or Toyota

• Rear seats in some models may be cramped for taller passengers

Recommended Models: Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-8

5. Mitsubishi

(Photo Credit: mitsubishi)

Mitsubishi is another interesting option, especially in the pickup and SUV segments, offering rugged durability suitable for heavy-duty use and driving in all road conditions.

Pros:

• Strong and durable, suitable for heavy-duty use

• Reasonable pricing compared to features

• Efficient 4WD technology in SUV and pickup models

• Parts and maintenance costs not too expensive

Cons:

• Design of some models may appear dated compared to competitors

• Entertainment features and technology may not be as advanced as desired

• Fuel efficiency in some models may not be outstanding

Recommended Models: Mitsubishi Attrage, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Mitsubishi Triton, Mitsubishi Xpander

6. Ford

(Photo Credit: autofun)

Ford is an American car brand that has gained popularity in Thailand, especially in the pickup and SUV segments, offering rugged durability with advanced technology and powerful engine performance.

Pros:

• Powerful and strong engines

• High-performance 4WD system ideal for off-road driving

• Bold design with distinctive style

• Comprehensive safety technology with Ford Co-Pilot360 system

Cons:

• Sales and maintenance prices higher than Japanese brands

• Relatively low fuel efficiency

• Resale value in the used car market may not be as high as expected

• Service centers not as widespread as Japanese brands

Recommended Models: Ford Ranger, Ford Everest, Ford Territory

7. Suzuki

(Photo Credit: suzuki)

Suzuki is an ideal choice for those seeking affordable vehicles, especially in the compact car segment that offers excellent fuel efficiency and urban practicality.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing, accessible for first-time buyers

• Highly fuel-efficient, perfect for city use

• Compact size, easy to park and drive in tight spaces

• Affordable maintenance costs and spare parts

Cons:

• Limited engine performance, not ideal for long-distance driving

• Features and luxury may be less than competitors

• Resale value in the used car market relatively low

• Interior space and cargo area somewhat limited

Recommended Models: Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Celerio, Suzuki Ciaz, Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki XL7

8. BYD

(Photo Credit: BYD)

BYD, or Build Your Dreams, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) technology company, is making waves in the Thai automotive market. It has quickly become a well-known and highly regarded brand among Thai consumers. This rapid success can be attributed to BYD's unwavering commitment to developing cutting-edge EVs coupled with its astute marketing strategies. Currently, BYD offers four main electric vehicle models that are becoming increasingly common on Thai roads:

• BYD Seal
• NEW BYD Otto 3
• BYD Otto 3
• BYD Dolphin

9. Isuzu

(Photo Credit: Isuzu)

A Japanese automotive manufacturer, a brand that has been familiar to Thais for a long time, is like an important legend in Thai automotive history. With its durability, fuel efficiency, and easy-to-find spare parts, Isuzu has become the leader in the Thai pickup truck and truck market for over six decades. ISUZU sells two main types of vehicles that can be commonly seen on the roads:

• Pickup: ISUZU D-MAX X-SERIES, ISUZU V-Cross, ISUZU Space Cab
• SUV: ISUZU MU-X 4x4 3.0 Ultimate Phantom Collection A/T

Choosing the Right Car Brand for Buyers

Selecting a car brand isn't just about personal preference; it should be based on multiple factors to ensure you get a vehicle that truly meets your needs. Here's guidance on choosing the right car for you:

1. Consider Usage Needs

• City use → Compact sedans recommended, such as Honda City, Toyota Yaris

• Frequent long-distance travel → SUV or mid-size sedan, such as Mazda CX-5, Honda Accord

• Heavy-duty use → Pickup trucks, such as Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton

2. Budget and Operating Costs

• Maintenance costs: Toyota and Honda have relatively affordable repair costs

• Fuel costs: Consider Hybrid or electric vehicles if you want long-term savings

• Resale value: Japanese brands typically offer better resale prices

3. Technology Requirements

If you're someone who loves modern features, brands like Mazda, Nissan, or electric vehicles would be more suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which car brand is considered the most reliable in the Thai market?

Based on data and real consumer usage, Toyota and Honda are recognized as the two most reliable brands due to their durability, readily available spare parts, and nationwide service center coverage. However, other brands such as Mazda and Nissan also offer comparable quality.

2. Which used car brand has the best resale value?

Generally, Japanese brands, especially Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, tend to have better resale values than others due to high demand in the used car market. Additionally, popular models like Toyota Vios and Honda City also have good liquidity in sales.

3. Should I choose a sedan, SUV, or pickup?

It depends primarily on your usage needs:

• Sedan: Ideal for city use, fuel-efficient, easy to park

• SUV: Suitable for families, requiring spacious interiors, frequent long-distance travel

• Pickup: Perfect for heavy-duty use, cargo hauling, or driving in various road conditions

We recommend considering your lifestyle and actual needs as the primary factors.

Conclusion

For 2025, we'll see growing trends in electric and Hybrid vehicles, which present attractive options for those seeking long-term cost savings and environmental consciousness.

Most importantly, choosing a car should be based on actual usage, budget, and personal requirements—not just following trends. If you're looking for a quality used car, don't forget to thoroughly check the vehicle's history and condition before making a decision, or consult with experts to find the most suitable car for you.

Read More: How to Get the Highest Price for Your Used Car in Thailand

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