A list of cars that have been most sought after by Nigerians over the last two decades. To use Nigerian street lingo: cars that der use to swear for Nigerians over the last 20 years. Here goes: (prices stated are for foreign used, auto tranny examples).

1. Toyota Camry (1996 – 2002)
This one has to take it for being the king of kings on our roads. You cannot blame our people can you, as the car’s practicality speaks for itself. Simply built, immortal engine and transmission, and most especially very affordable. With 600k and the clinical patience of a neurosurgeon, I assure you you would land a Naija used example in very good condition. With proper maintenance, you could even sell after years of proper use, for a similar price or higher.

Alias: Camry Pencil.

Cons:
not the most secure of cars, very easy to steal and dispose of. So the first thing to do after buying is to secure using aftermarket systems. You may also install a tracker.
Cut timing belt on high mileage cars, above 200k km. Remedy is to always have an original timing belt at hand, or to do a pre-emptive replacement at intervals.

Specifications: 2.2l 4cyl

Power: 136hp at 5200rpm.
Torque: 199Nm at 4400rpm.
0 -60mph: 10s
Average fuel economy: 10l/100km
Market price: 1.4 – 1.9m naira.

2.Toyota Corolla (2002 -2007, 9th generation)
This one does not need introduction, just look outside your window and count the next 5 cars passing, you will see one or two of this car. This is the national symbol of the middle class female with a new family, or even male. These are fantastic cars and it is not rocket science really to see why they have the sales figures they do globally. Simple, practical, supremely fuel efficient, rugged and many other positives on this car. An apprentice mechanic can fix most issues, parts are a stone throw away. You can get away with treating this car like an imprisoned war criminal and still smile at the end. It is simply the most wanted car in the country and you can re-sell even an abused example for a bargain price.

Cons:
Parts may be surprisingly pricey due to high demand.
not a very secure car, can be unlocked with even a flat piece of metal, kick-started and your beloved car is zoomed off into thin air.

Specifications: 1.8l 4cyl

Power: 130hp at 6000rpm.
Torque: 170Nm at 4200rpm.
0 -60mph: 9s
Average fuel economy: 7.5l/100km

Market price: 2.2 – 2.7m naira

3. Golf Mk3 (1992 -1997, 3rd generation)
This small hatch managed to warm itself into hearts of adventurous fun loving typically male youth globally and Nigerians were not left behind. With a characteristically sturdy build from the relentless Germans, the cute MK3 one of two hatches that makes it into our list for good reason; frugal engines, hard wearing interior and chassis have made this one of the most beloved cars for many regular Nigerians as well as commercial car owners in the country. Parts are also affordable and readily available in most state capitals and major cities across the country.

Alias: Golf 3.

Cons:
Real and imagined Volkswagen electrical gremlins make this a car not to be toyed with by the novice technician, else you find yourself reaching frantically for that fire extinguisher in your trunk you thought you’d never need in a lifetime.

Specifications: 1.8l 4cyl

Power: 89hp at 5500rpm.
Torque: 145Nm at 2500rpm.
0 -60mph: 12s
Average fuel economy: 8l/100km.

Market price: 1.2 – 1.7m naira

4. Toyota matrix (2003 – 2008, 1st generation)
The saviour of upwardly mobile single females or young mothers. Typical Toyota build on this, so not much to write further. The matrix will give and keep on giving. Simplicity, easy maneuveurability, large trunk space, availability of spare parts are qualities that warmed this into the heart of Nigerians.

Cons: see for Toyota Corolla above.

Specifications: 1.8l 4cyl

Power: 130hp at 6000rpm.
Torque: 170Nm at 4200rpm.
0 -60mph: 9s
Average fuel economy: 7.5l/100km

Market price: 2.2 - 2.7m naira

5. Honda Accord (2002 – 2007, 7th generation).
This superbly capable car unfortunately only barely manages to make the list, reason being that its secret has been exposed by the ruthless Nigerian roads. Timeless looks, up-scale interior, curiously frugal but powerful engine in the standard spec, and sporty handling are some of the qualities that have made this car beloved to many in our country.

Alias: End of discussion.

Cons:
The famous Honda legs, auto transmission in the six cylinder engines are failure prone and costly to replace.

Specifications: 2.4l 4cyl

Power: 160hp at 5500rpm.
Torque: 190Nm at 4500rpm.
0 -60mph: 9s
Average fuel economy: 8l/100km.

Market price: 1.7 – 2.2m naira

6. Toyota Camry (2006 – 2011, 6th generation).
Ah, What would life be without a camry. Therefore another camry appears rapidly again in our list. To burtress our point, this car was built about 15 years ago, but look how pristine some examples look on our roads. A car that has almost everything going for it, you can trust a man that buys a camry to generally make wise choices in life. We propose that you cannot be said to be rich as a Nigerian if you have not had this camry at some point. This car has it all: fantastic looks: it was iconic when it first became available to the public back in 2007. Radically different from the preceeding model, this camry’s design had competitiors agitated and struggling to keep up back then. Today, it is still a good looking car. Simple: forget that flamboyant exterior, at heart this is still a very simple car, and even the high end options could be regarded as spartan compared to the more luxurious marques of the era. Engines are relatively frugal, and long lasting just like the transmission. Quite the rugged car, as shown by the many examples still going strong on our roads/deathtraps till today. It is a Toyota, so resale value is encouraging too. So many good things about this car.

Alias: Muscle, Voltron.

Cons:
Unfortunately, it is a theft magnet because of its attractive looks, a ready market, also it is quite easy to break into.
Thinning of the dashboard in tropical countries, a negligible defect but still worth noting. Also the interior trim of this car falls apart easily and does not tolerate abuse, and therefore needs preventive maintenance to keep long lasting.

Specifications: 2.5l 4cyl

Power: 169hp at 6000rpm.
Torque: 226Nm at 4100rpm.
0 -60mph: 8.5s
Average fuel economy: 8l/100km.

Market price: 3 -3.5m naira.

7. Lexus ES300/330(2001 – 2006, 4th generation)
This luxurious sedan from the prime Japanese brand is the senior brother to the Camry. Typical buyers are not risk averse and find the Camry Corolla dichotomy too boring. This car is loved by for its quiet but powerful engine, luxurious standard options, and general ruggedness. Think hard about it, when was the last time you saw a Lexus ES at your mechanic’s, there’s a reason for that.

Cons:
Pricey relatively rare parts, length of chassis may hamper maneuverability in cramped areas.

Specifications: 3l v6cyl

Power: 210hp at 5800rpm.
Torque: 299Nm at 4400rpm.
0 -60mph: 8s
Average fuel economy: 8.5l/100km.

Market price: 2.5 – 3m naira

8. Lexus Rx330 (2003 – 2007, 2nd generation)
When you move to the Lexus Rx, you have moved from being comfortable to the level beyond that. This legendary cross-over UV is pretty, powerful, and durable. Beyond these, the good ground clearance and sturdy shock absorbers make it an excellent vehicle for tackling the hazardous roads spread diligently across the country. No surprises therefore about its large national sales volume.

Cons:
can make you appear a bit richer than you really are. Parts can be pricey, fuel economy may not be so fantastic in city driving.

Specifications: 3.3l v6cyl

Power: 230hp at 5600rpm.
Torque: 328Nm at 3600rpm.
0 -60mph: 8s
Average fuel economy: 10l/100km.

Market price: 4.3 – 4.9m naira.

9. Toyota Sienna (2003 – 2010, 2nd generation)
This athlete robed in a maternity gown is deceptively quick and stable on the highway. Produced with a capable 6 cyl engine, excellent highspeed stability, and 3rd row seating, the Sienna is available with power sliding rear doors and liftgate, and a gamut of luxurious options so much so that it is almost impossible to get a better bargain for the body style. A perennial favorite of mothers(and some fathers even) with small and large families alike, its spacious interior can haul the whole family along quite rapidly and comfortably. Also a favorite of many interstate commercial transporters, some of the quickest and most reckless drivers on our highways drive this Toyota Sienna. This van could be said to be the benchmark for assessing how fast you are going when travelling, if you could manage to keep up with them on the highway.

Cons:
low ground clearance for such a large car, fuel economy may reflect the weight of the chassis as well as the luggage this car is often used for hauling around.

Specifications: 3.3l v6cyl

Power: 230hp at 5600rpm.
Torque: 328Nm at 3600rpm.
0 -60mph: 9s
Average fuel economy: 10l/100km.

Market price: 2.5 – 3m naira.

10. Mercedes w203 c-class (2000 – 2007, 2nd generation).
For obvious reasons, this is a reluctant entry in the list albeit a valid one. I have included this in the list because of its relatively widespread appeal to Nigerians who generally have been previously skeptical about Mercedes products.
This game changer, while lacking the granite hewn quality of older mercs still manages to score important vital points to make our list. Iconic sporty, looks, luxurious though delicate interior, relatively sturdy suspension, and a characteristically wide variety of frugal engines are some of the factors that have made this car endeared to many Nigerians. Add to that; the prestige associated with driving a Mercedes.

Cons:
Delicate interior components, pricey spare parts, low ground clearance, relative scarcity of knowledgeable technicians, and the notorious Mercedes phobia are setbacks associated with ownership of this Mercedes.

Specifications: 2l 4cyl

Power: 129hp at 5300rpm.
Torque: 190Nm at 4000rpm.
0 -60mph: 10s
Average fuel economy: 9.5l/100km.

Market price: 2 – 3m naira.

and last but not least:

Toyota Venza (2008 – 2020).
Sorry to disappoint some of us that had been expecting to see the Highlander, RAV4, or CRV on this list, it is what it is. Unfortunately we have to close the list with this example.
In Nigeria, when you finally manage to arrive, you are unlikely to get a big Merc, BMW, or Audi. Here you buy a Venza. The stately but ambiguous looking Venza has been referred to as a wagon by some and SUV by others. Available in AWD and FWD drivetrains, the Venza is only just in its second generation this year, and is the most luxurious chassis bearing the Toyota nameplate. Options already available in the earlier first generation model discussed on this list include push to start, Bluetooth connectivity, DVD infotainment system, moon roof, power liftgate, 18” wheels and so on. The Venza is spacious inside, has comfortable seats, adequate ground clearance for sub optimal terrain, and can also be had as either 4cyl or 6cyl models.

Cons:
Relatively costly purchase price, and costly spare parts, lack of 3rd row seats, relatively underpowered 4cyl engine for the vehicle’s size.

Specifications: 2.7l 4cyl

Power: 182hp at 5800rpm.
Torque: 247Nm at 4200rpm.
0 -60mph: 9s
Average fuel economy: 8.5l/100km.

Market price: 5.5 – 11m.


And that’s the end of our concise list. Which do you want removed, which do think should be added? Which have you, your friends, and family owned, presently own or wish to own soon? What has been your experience owning these great Nigerian road masters?

Nice write up. Buy venxa was discontinued in 2015. Though this is a plan to reintroduce it as a hybrid later this year I think.

Agree with most of your list,but let's be honest baby boy is supposed to be on that list...de disturb that year with baby boy up and down...let's not even talk about the north it was worst...the list is not bad sha though some cars are missing on your list.

marveangel:
Nice write up. Buy venxa was discontinued in 2015. Though this is a plan to reintroduce it as a hybrid later this year I think.

Thanks, u are correct. Produced for export till 2017. I had to cross check that.

dadabashua1:
Agree with most of your list,but let's be honest baby boy is supposed to be on that list...de disturb that year with baby boy up and down...let's not even talk about the north it was worst...the list is not bad sha though some cars are missing on your list.

Right, baby boy was the juice way back. The Northerners have a particular love for Honda sedans in general.

Honda crv, Honda Civic

OP should replace the 2006-2011 Camry with the 2002-2005 Camry. That big daddy/big for nothing is another car that has become Nigerian Citizen.

seanfer:
OP should replace the 2006-2011 Camry with the 2002-2005 Camry. That big daddy/big for nothing is another car that has become Nigerian Citizen.

I concur

seanfer:
OP should replace the 2006-2011 Camry with the 2002-2005 Camry. That big daddy/big for nothing is another car that has become Nigerian Citizen.

Lol @ Nigerian citizen. Big daddy is a win only set back by its uninspiring looks. It is popular presently due to its relatively affordable price tag.

benzmatic:

Lol @ Nigerian citizen. Big daddy is a win only set back by its uninspiring looks. It is popular presently due to its relatively affordable price tag.

Boss can you review Honda Civic 8th gen as well

☺☺☺ That's a car I'm quite fond of and have first hand experience of.
The 8th generation civic is quite popular with Nigerians even though it couldn't make the list. It was released with radical sporty looks and a futuristic interior that was best in class at the time and is quite impressive even today. A word that may come to mind of a person first encountering the remarkable dash and cluster is "spaceship". The car is also known as i-robot in some circles.
Engine and transmission are typically reliable and fuel economy is competitive for small sedans of the era. Parts are affordable and readily available in many major cities.

It is setback by low ground clearance and a cramped engine bay due to the steep front windscreen design. The engine appears to have been placed into the bay from underneath the chassis at the factory, so technicians have to be quite patient to reach engine components when working in the engine bay. Also the power circuits to the compressor and ECU seem to be interlinked in some way and a short in the compressor circuit can cause a blown ECU.

1.8l 4cyl engine has 140hp @ 6300rpm,
174nm torque @ 4300rpm.
0 - 60: 10s
Average fuel economy: 9l/100km.

Market price: 1.9 - 2.4m naira.

If you start mentioning cars, you'll mention many of them. They're all good in their different and respective ways.

Every car is good but some are more excellent than others. Looks, performance, cost, availability of parts, resale value, Etc. Thats the point of the article really.

benzmatic:
Every car is good but some are more excellent than others. Looks, performance, cost, availability of parts, resale value, Etc. Thats the point of the article really.

What is your take on Honda crv 05 to 06

I enjoyed reading this thread.

dicksonadams:


What is your take on Honda crv 05 to 06

It's a good car too, engines are shared with the accord of the era and so are typically reliable. Parts are quite costly for the age of the car.
Not as popular as the RAV 4 of the era, not as durable too.

Like I've always said,most of our views has mostly to do with location,the southern part of Nigeria generally rates Toyota higher than honda ,while the northern part mostly rate Honda higher,personally from location that CRV was rated higher than the RAV4 in the north,so much views has to do with mainly location,always know that Honda and Peugeot in those days were rated higher.its from 2007 rav 4 that mostly people from the north rate high,but that particular model 05 and 06 of RAv 4 was not patronize that much in the north.

My dream car is a legit 22 to 24 rims sitting on 4x4 sporty suspension. Too rugged.

You forgot to mention Avalon. That car full everywhere.

Lol ground clearance

dadabashua1:
Like I've always said,most of our views has mostly to do with location,the southern part of Nigeria generally rates Toyota higher than honda ,while the northern part mostly rate Honda higher,personally from location that CRV was rated higher than the RAV4 in the north,so much views has to do with mainly location,always know that Honda and Peugeot in those days were rated higher.its from 2007 rav 4 that mostly people from the north rate high,but that particular model 05 and 06 of RAv 4 was not patronize that much in the north.

True location determines popularity but some things are still as constant as day and night: Toyota simplicity and accompanying reliability, Toyota resale value.

Peppermintflav:
You forgot to mention Avalon. That car full everywhere.

Avalon is a great car but I'll give you a simple assignment. On Monday morning, go to the nearest busiest road and write down the number of Avalon you see for every ten Corolla, return here with your results.