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Originally Posted by SHAD0W
Is there some sort of ettiquette about being a passenger in a car in Japan? My Japanese friends always want to sit in the back of my car, even if it's only me and them and no other passengers?
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This is true and it comes from the tradition and concept of 「上座＆下座」= upper seat vs. lower seat. You do not take the upper seat unless you are asked to because you are a good, humble person. Same thing at a dinner party or wedding party. More important guests get to sit at the "better" seats, closer to the host (or the car owner).
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Is there anything else I should know about?
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Nothing as the driver. When you are the passenger, however, do not open the glove compartment or touch the radio, A/C, etc. without the car owner's permission. I say this because I have seen Americans do these things in the cars I used to own and it bothered me a lot. When you invite them to your home, they open your fridge before you say anything and complain: "Haven't you got anything besides Japanese tea?"