Japan’s car culture — from Tokyo streets to touge passes — shaped a lineup of compact, tunable, and often affordable performance cars that still influence enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re browsing shows, forums, or classifieds, the variety and history behind these models make them fun to explore.
There are 30 Best JDM Cars, ranging from Datsun 510 (Bluebird) to Toyota Supra (A80/MK4). Each entry is organized with Years (yr), Engine (L), Power (hp) so you can quickly compare eras, displacement, and output; you’ll find below.
How do I choose which JDM car fits my needs?
Consider intended use first: daily driver, track, or project. Check reliability records, parts availability, and insurance costs in your country; some models are cheap to run, others need frequent upkeep. Prioritize a thorough inspection and service history, and factor in common modifications that affect drivability and cost.
What should I know about importing and sourcing parts?
Import rules, taxes, and emissions standards vary widely, so confirm legality before buying. Popular JDM models have larger support networks and aftermarket parts, making maintenance easier; rarer cars may need specialist suppliers. Join owner groups and local clubs to learn trusted parts sources and workshop recommendations.
Best Jdm Cars
| Name | Years (yr) | Engine (L) | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 2000GT | 1967–1970 | 2.0L I6 | 150 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R (KPGC10/Hakosuka) | 1969–1972 | 2.0L I6 | 160 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) | 1989–1994 | 2.6L I6 | 276 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) | 1999–2002 | 2.6L I6 | 276 |
| Nissan GT‑R (R35) | 2007–present | 3.8L V6 | 480–600 |
| Toyota Supra (A80/MK4) | 1993–2002 | 3.0L I6 | 276 |
| Mazda RX‑7 (FD3S) | 1992–2002 | 1.3L Rotary | 255 |
| Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S) | 1967–1972 | 1.0L Rotary | 110 |
| Nissan Fairlady Z (S30/240Z) | 1969–1978 | 2.4L I6 | 151 |
| Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32/300ZX) | 1989–1996 | 3.0L V6 | 300 |
| Honda NSX (NA) | 1990–2005 | 3.0–3.2L V6 | 270–290 |
| Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2) | 1999–2009 | 2.0/2.2L I4 | 240–247 |
| Honda Civic Type R (EK9) | 1997–2000 | 1.6L I4 | 185 |
| Toyota Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno AE86 | 1983–1987 | 1.6L I4 | 112–130 |
| Nissan Silvia (S15 Spec‑R) | 1999–2002 | 2.0L I4 | 250 |
| Toyota Chaser (JZX100 Tourer V) | 1996–2001 | 2.5L I6 | 280 |
| Subaru Impreza 22B STi | 1998 | 2.2L Flat‑4 | 276 |
| Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8) | 1992–2000 | 2.0L Flat‑4 | 276 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Tommi Mäkinen Edition) | 1999–2001 | 2.0L I4 | 276 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII/IX | 2003–2007 | 2.0L I4 | 276 |
| Toyota Celica GT‑Four (ST205) | 1994–1999 | 2.0L I4 | 255 |
| Nissan Stagea 260RS | 1996–2001 | 2.6L I6 | 276 |
| Datsun 510 (Bluebird) | 1968–1973 | 1.6L I4 | 108 |
| Mazda MX‑5 / Eunos Roadster (NA) | 1989–1997 | 1.6–1.8L I4 | 115–130 |
| Suzuki Cappuccino | 1991–1998 | 0.66L I3 Turbo | 63 |
| Honda Beat | 1991–1996 | 0.66L I3 | 63 |
| Lexus LFA | 2010–2012 | 4.8L V10 | 553 |
| Nissan 180SX (S13) | 1989–1998 | 2.0L I4 | 205 |
| Toyota MR2 (SW20 Turbo) | 1990–1999 | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 245 |
| Mitsubishi GTO (3000GT/GTO Twin Turbo) | 1990–1996 | 3.0L V6 Twin‑Turbo | 300 |
Images and Descriptions
Toyota 2000GT
Japan’s first true grand tourer, the 2000GT is prized for rarity, elegant design and hand-built quality. Find examples at classic auctions and museums; its 2.0L straight-six and limited production make it a top collectible Japanese classic.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (KPGC10/Hakosuka)
The original GT‑R earned legend status through racing success and distinctive styling. Rare in the West, Hakosukas are sought by collectors for the S20 2.0L DOHC straight‑six, motorsport pedigree and high auction values in JDM circles.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
Godzilla redefined performance with the RB26DETT, ATTESA AWD and motorsport dominance. R32 GT‑Rs are JDM icons for tuners and collectors; you find good examples through specialist dealers and Japanese auctions with strong aftermarket support.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
The R34 blends analog engagement with modern tech; prized for the RB26DETT, tight chassis and cultural fame (games/films). JDM examples, especially V‑Spec and Nismo models, command high prices at auctions and specialist resellers.
Nissan GT‑R (R35)
The R35 brought supercar performance to a more usable package with the VR38DETT and advanced AWD systems. JDM-spec and Nismo variants are highly collectible; pricing reflects performance, rarity and continuous development from 2007 onward.
Toyota Supra (A80/MK4)
The MK4 Supra is JDM legend thanks to the 2JZ‑GTE twin‑turbo, huge tuning potential and pop‑culture fame. JDM examples (including SZ and RZ trims) are sought after worldwide; find them at auctions, specialists and enthusiast markets.
Mazda RX‑7 (FD3S)
The FD RX‑7 is adored for its lightweight rotary engine, sharp handling and timeless curves. JDM twin‑turbo 13B‑REW examples are collector favorites; strong aftermarket support and motorsport history keep values high.
Mazda Cosmo Sport (110S)
The Cosmo Sport introduced Mazda’s rotary engine and stands as a rare, pioneering Japanese sports car. Extremely collectible, original examples surface at high-end auctions and are prized for design, historic importance and unique rotary character.
Nissan Fairlady Z (S30/240Z)
The S30 Fairlady Z launched Japan’s sports-car export boom and remains a cornerstone of JDM heritage. Its L‑series straight‑six offers approachable performance; collectors and restomodters prize original examples for classic style and affordability.
Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32/300ZX)
The Z32 Fairlady Z combined tech and performance with the VG30DETT twin‑turbo V6. Iconic in Japan and abroad, the 300ZX is collectible for its engineering, handling and strong presence in the late‑’80s/’90s sports‑car era.
Honda NSX (NA)
The NSX brought supercar engineering and Honda reliability together, featuring an all‑aluminum body and high‑revving V6. JDM examples (NA1/NA2) are valued for pure driving dynamics, rarity and impact on sports‑car philosophy.
Honda S2000 (AP1/AP2)
The S2000 is celebrated for its F‑series high‑revving engine, precise chassis and pure roadster feel. JDM AP1/AP2 variants (including later 2.2L) are highly desirable among enthusiasts and collectors for driving engagement.
Honda Civic Type R (EK9)
The EK9 Civic Type R set the hot‑hatch benchmark with a revvy B16B engine, lightweight focus and track bias. JDM examples are sought by tuners and collectors for authenticity, sharp handling and significant Type R heritage.
Toyota Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno AE86
The AE86 “Hachi‑Roku” is a grassroots icon thanks to rear‑wheel drive, 4A‑GE performance and drifting culture. Affordable, tunable and culturally legendary, AE86s are collectible must‑haves for enthusiasts chasing JDM nostalgia.
Nissan Silvia (S15 Spec‑R)
The S15 Silvia Spec‑R is a pinnacle of the Silvia line with the SR20DET, balanced chassis and drift pedigree. JDM Spec‑R cars are highly prized for handling, tuning potential and cultural impact in motorsport and media.
Toyota Chaser (JZX100 Tourer V)
The JZX100 Chaser Tourer V pairs a comfortable sedan body with the 1JZ‑GTE twin‑turbo straight‑six. Valued in JDM culture for sleeper performance and drifting use, it’s a popular collectible and tuner favorite.
Subaru Impreza 22B STi
The limited‑run 22B is Subaru’s most legendary homologation car: wider track, rally‑bred chassis and a stroked EJ22 for extra torque. Extremely rare and valuable, it remains a blue‑chip JDM collectible with instant appeal to enthusiasts.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8)
Early GC8 STis established Subaru’s rally reputation with all‑wheel drive, a turbocharged EJ20 and motorsport success. JDM WRX STi models from the ’90s are coveted by collectors and rally fans for authenticity and performance history.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Tommi Mäkinen Edition)
The Evo VI TME commemorated Mäkinen’s WRC titles with rally‑tuned chassis upgrades and a 4G63 turbo engine. Highly collectible in JDM circles, it represents OEM rally hardware and limited‑edition appeal.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII/IX
Evo VIII/IX models refined rally tech for road use with active differentials and a strong 4G63 turbo engine. JDM versions and limited MR trims are popular with collectors and tuners for performance and motorsport DNA.
Toyota Celica GT‑Four (ST205)
The ST205 GT‑Four is Toyota’s homologation rally car with a 3S‑GTE turbo engine and AWD. Its rally success, performance hardware and occasional rarity make it a sought JDM classic among collectors and enthusiasts.
Nissan Stagea 260RS
The Stagea 260RS is a rare JDM wagon packing the RB26DETT from the GT‑R, offering performance with practicality. Collectors prize it for Skyline lineage, unique packaging and limited production in Japan.
Datsun 510 (Bluebird)
A sleeper classic, the 510 combined simple engineering, tunability and racing success. Highly regarded by collectors, original JDM Bluebirds are prized for affordability, motorsport history and their role in building Japan’s performance image.
Mazda MX‑5 / Eunos Roadster (NA)
The Eunos Roadster launched the modern lightweight roadster revival with exceptional balance and driving purity. JDM NA examples are adored for simplicity, aftermarket support and affordable collectibility among driving‑focused enthusiasts.
Suzuki Cappuccino
A joyful kei‑sports car, the Cappuccino packs a turbo 660cc engine into a lightweight convertible package. Hugely popular with JDM collectors, it represents quirky, fun Japanese engineering and is often sought for weekend drives and shows.
Honda Beat
The mid‑engine, open‑top Beat is a cult kei‑car that captures early‑’90s Japanese small‑sports charm. Punishingly fun to drive and compact, original JDM examples are collectible for rarity, character and their quirky engineering.
Lexus LFA
Lexus’s halo supercar, the LFA blends exotic engineering, a carbon‑fiber chassis and a screaming V10. Though sold globally, its Japanese heritage, limited run and extraordinary sound make it a modern JDM collectible and investment piece.
Nissan 180SX (S13)
The 180SX is a rear‑wheel‑drive icon of the drift scene, often fitted with the SR20DET for strong tuning potential. JDM examples are beloved for balanced chassis dynamics, cultural influence and affordability relative to other classics.
Toyota MR2 (SW20 Turbo)
The SW20 MR2 Turbo offered exotic mid‑engine handling with the 3S‑GTE twin‑cam turbo engine. JDM turbo examples are prized for raw driving feedback, affordable supercar‑like dynamics and a strong enthusiast following.
Mitsubishi GTO (3000GT/GTO Twin Turbo)
The JDM GTO combined advanced tech (active aero and AWD in some trims) with strong twin‑turbo V6 performance. Collectors value well‑kept examples for their unique blend of tech, comfort and ’90s performance character.
