Nigerians have a strong preference for cars that are affordable. They love cars that are durable and efficient. In Nigeria, the popularity of a car is influenced by these factors like fuel efficiency, and suitability for local road conditions. The automotive market is diverse, featuring everything from reliable sedans to rugged SUVs and pickups.
If you drive around Lagos today, you’ll notice five notable car brands that are commonly seen on the roads. These brands have established a good reputation over the years, with many Nigerians having fond memories associated with them.
On many roads in our bustling cities like Lagos we can see a wide array of cars, each reflecting different needs and preferences of drivers. Every mechanic you find on the road understand the unique maintenance and repair needs of these vehicles. Whether you own one of these popular models or you are considering buying one, knowing their reliability and common issues can help you make informed decisions and keep your car in top shape.
When buying a car in Nigeria, it’s essential to consider the brand’s second-hand value to make an intelligent investment.
By choosing one of these brands and paying attention to the factors that influence resale value, you can make a well-informed decision that meets your transportation needs and holds its value over time.
The 10 most popular car brands in Nigeria include a mix of Japanese and German manufacturers, with brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz being especially prominent. Other frequently used brands are Lexus, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Ford, and Volkswagen.
Toyota: Widely considered the most popular, especially models like the Corolla and Camry, known for reliability and fuel efficiency.
Toyota tops the list as one of the most popular car brands in Nigeria and the brand with the highest resale value. Toyota vehicles are known for their dependability, durability, and fuel efficiency, making them popular among new and used car buyers . Popular Toyota vehicles in Nigeria include the Corolla, Camry, and Highlander.
Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry are popular choices for Uber riders, young professionals, bankers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and students. The Toyota Matrix is popular among ladies, whereas the Toyota Sienna is popular among people with impairments. And Toyota Hilux is very common among the rich in the Nigerian society
Honda: Another dominant Japanese brand, with popular models like the Accord and CR-V.
Honda is another Japanese car brand with second-hand solid value in Nigeria. Honda cars are known for their quality, comfort, performance, and longevity, making them a good investment in the Nigerian market. Some of Nigeria’s most popular Honda models include the Accord, Civic, and CR-V.
Honda cars are popular with the middle class, with the Honda Accord being a favourite choice among Uber drivers, bankers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and men. On the other hand, the Honda Civic is favoured by women, young professionals, and students, while the Honda Odyssey is favoured mostly by persons with impairments.
Mercedes-Benz: A popular luxury choice, with models like the C-Class and the SUV series being common.
Lexus: A luxury brand from Toyota, the RX and other models are popular choices. Lexus is Toyota’s luxury car brand, and it is gaining ground in Nigeria’s used car market. Lexus cars are noted for their luxury, plush interiors, modern technology performance, dependability, and smooth rides. The RX, LX, and ES are among Nigeria’s most popular Lexus models, appealing to consumers looking for reasonably priced luxury.
Lexus cars are popular among both middle-class and upper-class people. The Lexus ES is preferred by bankers, retirees, and corporate women, while men prefer the Lexus RX.
BMW: A well-known luxury brand that has a strong presence in the Nigerian market.
Hyundai: This brand is gaining popularity, with models like the Sonata and Elantra being used.
BMW is a renowned German brand known for its emphasis on performance, luxury, handling and innovation. It offers a diverse lineup of vehicles, including 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 and X5. BMWs generally maintain decent resale value, but ownership may incur higher maintenance costs.
BMW cars are a sign of luxury for the upper class, with males preferring the BMW 5 Series and women and retirees preferring the BMW 3 Series
Kia: Similar to Hyundai, Kia models like the Rio are becoming more common. and efficient, the Rio appeals to young professionals and urban commuters.
Maintenance Tips: Keep the air filters clean and ensure timely wheel alignments for better handling.KIA is another South Korean car brand that is popular in Nigeria. KIA cars are known for their affordability, reliability, design and user-friendly technology. Some of Nigeria’s most popular KIA models include the Rio, Sportage, and Sorento, and they are gaining popularity among Nigerian buyers who want value for their
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury car brand that is also popular in Nigeria that retains its value well in Nigeria. Mercedes-Benz cars are a status symbol, and these vehicles are often associated with class and prestige and are known for their luxury, performance, and safety. Some of Nigeria’s most popular Mercedes-Benz models include the C-Class, E-Class, and G-Wagon.
Nissan: The Altima is one of the popular models from this brand.
Nissan is a popular car brand in Nigeria, with Stallion NMN Ltd. being the exclusive official distributor and assembler since 2013. The company has a modern assembly plant in Lagos and offers a range of vehicles, including passenger and commercial models like the Patrol and Almera. Nissan is known for its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, and supports its customers with after-sales service through a network of authorized service centers.
Ford: Popular among different segments, with the Fiesta being favored by students and the Escape by entrepreneurs.
Ford is an American car brand that has a long history in Nigeria. Ford cars are known for building rugged and dependable SUVs and for their affordability, durability, and performance. Some of Nigeria’s most popular Ford models include the F-150, Ranger, Edge and Explorer. These vehicles are well-suited to Nigeria’s diverse terrains and road conditions.
Ford cars are popular among the middle and upper classes, with students preferring the Ford Fiesta and entrepreneurs preferring the Ford Escape.
Ford cars are a status symbol among the upper class, with the Ford Fiesta being a popular option for students and the Ford Escape being favoured by entrepreneurs.
Hyundai is a South Korean car brand that has recently become increasingly popular in Nigeria. Models like the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Tucson and Sante Fe are well-known for their affordability, low maintenance costs, and modern features.Hyundai’s robust warranty offerings also add to the brand’s popularity.
Hyundai cars appeal to middle-class and upper-class buyers, making the Hyundai Elantra popular among Uber drivers, young professionals, and students. On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson is mostly popular among business owners.
Volkswagen: This is another brand with a strong presence, especially in markets like Abuja, with the Peugeot being popular there. Volkswagen cars are known in Nigeria for their safety, quality, and a range of models including the Golf, Passat, Polo, and SUVs like the Tiguan and Touareg. Stallion Motors is the official distributor, offering sales and after-sales service support across the country. While some older models might require more maintenance, VWs are often seen as reliable and stylish choices, especially for those seeking an alternative to the more common Toyota.
-Isaac Abimbade
