20 Best JDM Cars Of All Time

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JDM cars have made a lasting impact on automotive history. They are admired for their performance, innovation, and design. Japan's auto industry is renowned for its high-performance vehicles, cherished by fans worldwide.

When it comes to these cars, they are much more than just a mode of transportation. Their innovative engineering, stunning design, and thrilling driving experiences have made them legends among enthusiasts worldwide. Here, we showcase the best of JDM automotive excellence, featuring the cars that have captured the hearts and imaginations of car lovers everywhere.


1. Toyota AE86 Corolla (1983-1987)

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The Toyota AE86 Corolla (1983-1987) is a beloved car among enthusiasts. While its price varies from $15000 to over $40000 depending on the condition and rarity, well-maintained models can be pretty valuable among collectors.

Equipped with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, it boasts around 112 to 130 horsepower, depending on the specific variant. The AE86 is renowned for its lightweight and agile chassis, making it a favorite for drifting and motorsports. Its standout features are its rear-wheel-drive setup and balanced handling characteristics.

2. Mazda RX-7 (1978-2002)

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The Mazda RX-7, produced from 1978 to 2002, is a beloved sports car to many enthusiasts. The average price of a RX-7 is $26,652 One of its most unique features is its rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine, which offers smooth power delivery and high-revving capabilities.

The RX-7 is available in various generations and trims, with horsepower ranging from approximately 100 to 276, depending on the model. Typically, the RX-7 has a 2-passenger or 2+2 seating arrangement, and later turbocharged versions can be pretty fast.

3. Honda NSX (1990-2005)

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The Honda NSX (1990-2005) is a sports car ranging from affordable to high-end. The Honda NSX is available from $397,210 to $456,610. Its horsepower ranges from approximately 270 to 290 in its various iterations, featuring a mid-mounted V6 engine.

Fuel efficiency is not its primary focus, as is typical for sports cars. However, the NSX is celebrated for its superb balance, precise handling, and reliability, often considered a benchmark for sports car engineering. Typically a 2-passenger vehicle, it's known for its excellent speed and acceleration, making it a favorite among sports car enthusiasts.

4. Nissan Skyline GT-R (1969-2002)

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The Nissan Skyline GT-R (1969-2002) is legendary in sports car history and has a dedicated global fan base. The base price of a 2021 Nissan (Skyline) GT-R Premium trim is $113,540. Equipped with a range of inline-six and V6 engines, the GT-R's horsepower ranges from approximately 160 to 580+, depending on the generation and modifications.

The GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its speed, power, and all-wheel-drive traction. While 4-passenger vehicles' mileage varies, many owners still cherish and maintain them well. It's also featured in various racing video games.

5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (1992-2016)

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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (1992-2016) is a beloved choice for rally and sports car enthusiasts. Prices for a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution range from $21,900 to $44,988. It typically features a turbocharged inline-four engine and all-wheel drive, with horsepower ranging from approximately 240 to 300+, depending on the generation and trim. 

The Lancer Evolution is known for its rally-inspired performance, impressive all-wheel-drive system, and turbocharged engine. It has a dedicated following among car enthusiasts and has even been featured in various racing video games.

6. Toyota Supra (1978-2002)

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The Toyota Supra is a highly sought-after two-door sports car renowned for its powerful engine, sleek design, and rear-wheel-drive layout. Its price ranges widely from $10,000 to $100,000.

Its horsepower varies across different trims and generations, with the most powerful being the 2JZ-GTE turbocharged inline-six engine that produced around 320 to 326 horsepower. The Supra gained immense popularity due to its appearance in "The Fast and the Furious" movie franchise.

7. Honda Civic Type R (1997-present)

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The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance compact hatchback in production since 1997. Its price varies depending on generation and market demand, with newer models ranging from $30,000 to $40,000. 

The Civic Type R has a turbocharged inline-four engine that produces around 306 horsepower. It's fuel-efficient for a high-performance car and has exceptional handling. With seating for up to five people, it's practical and sporty. The dedicated fanbase of this hot hatch enjoys its top speed of over 150 mph (241 km/h) and appearance in popular racing games.

8. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (1994-present)

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The Subaru Impreza WRX STI has been produced since 1994 and remains a popular choice for motorsports enthusiasts. Although the price varies depending on the model year and condition, newer models can range from $40,000 to $50,000

The WRX STI is a compact sedan or hatchback with an all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged flat-four engine producing up to 315 horsepower. It has a strong following in the rally and sports car communities and a top speed exceeding 155 mph. The car has been featured in various racing games and simulators.

9. Nissan 300ZX (1983-2000)

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The Nissan 300ZX, produced from 1983 to 2000, is popular among car enthusiasts. Its price on the used market varies depending on the condition and specific model year, typically ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The 300ZX is known for its V6 engine, with the Z32 generation featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces around 300 horsepower. 

The 300ZX is a classic sports car known for its sleek design, powerful engine, and balance of performance and comfort. Its mileage varies based on individual history and maintenance. It typically has a two-seater or 2+2 configuration with a top speed of around 155 mph (250 km/h) in stock form.

10. Toyota Celica GT-Four (1986-1999)

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The Toyota Celica GT-Four was produced from 1986 to 1999. It has a wide price range depending on its condition and specific model year. Prices can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

The Celica GT-Four is a legendary rally car known for its turbocharged inline-four engine, all-wheel drive system, and a top speed that exceeds 140 mph. It typically has seating for four in a compact configuration. Its horsepower output varies but ranges from 190 to 255.

11. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (1995-1996)

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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (1995-1996) is a compact sedan that seats up to five people. It has a price range of $10,000 to $30,000, depending on condition and rarity.

The Lancer Evolution III has a powerful turbocharged inline-four engine, producing around 270 horsepower, and is known for its rally-inspired handling and all-wheel drive system. Despite varying mileage, these cars are a favorite among enthusiasts for their performance capabilities, with a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h) in stock form.

12. Honda S2000 (1999-2009)

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The 1999-2009 Honda S2000 convertible is renowned for its high-revving engine, precise handling, and engaging driving experience. The price varies based on the generation and condition, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000

Equipped with a naturally aspirated inline-four engine, such as the F20C or F22C engine, it produces around 240 to 250 horsepower and has a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h) in stock form.

13. Nissan Silvia S15 (1999-2002)

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The Nissan Silvia S15 (1999-2002) is a compact two-door coupe that can seat up to four people. Its price varies depending on its condition and modifications, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.

The S15 is known for its lightweight design and typically features a turbocharged inline-four engine. With around 200 to 250 horsepower, it can reach a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h) in stock form. The Silvia S15 is popular in the drifting scene due to its lightweight chassis and agile handling. It's often featured in drifting games and media.

14. Mazda RX-7 FD (1992-2002)

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The Mazda RX-7 FD (1992-2002) is a beloved sports car with a wide range of prices depending on condition, mileage, and modifications, typically ranging from $20,000 to $70,000 or more for well-maintained models. It features a twin-turbocharged rotary engine, such as the 13B-REW, producing around 255 to 276 horsepower depending on the trim and generation. 

The RX-7 FD is a lightweight sports car with a unique rotary engine, known for its timeless design and exhilarating driving experience. It can reach speeds over 150 mph (241 km/h) and is popular in racing games.

15. Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

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The Toyota 2000GT is one of the most collectible JDM cars. Prices for well-preserved models can range from $500,000 to over $1 million. Equipped with a naturally aspirated inline-six engine producing around 150 horsepower, it is known for its smooth and refined performance. Due to its age and collectible status, mileage can vary significantly. 

The 2000GT is a highly collectible Japanese sports car known for its stunning design, luxurious interior, and international acclaim. The 2000GT is legendary and has appeared in various films, including the James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice."

16. Datsun 240Z (1969-1978)

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The Datsun 240Z was a famous Japanese sports car in the US from 1969 to 1978, known for its sleek design and affordable price. Datsun 240Z prices vary based on condition and modifications, ranging from $15,000 to $40,000+.

It features a naturally aspirated inline-six engine with around 150 to 170 horsepower and has a top speed of about 120 mph (193 km/h) in stock form. Mileage varies, but these cars are often well-kept by enthusiasts. It's typically a two-seat sports coupe and offers a fun and engaging driving experience.

17. Nissan Fairlady Z (1969-present)

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The Nissan Fairlady Z has been produced since 1969 and remains popular today. Prices can vary greatly depending on the generation and condition of the vehicle, with newer models ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

In terms of speed, modern versions can exceed 155 mph (250 km/h) in stock form. The Fairlady Z has been featured in various media and racing games, cementing its status as a beloved sports car.

18. Honda NSX Type R (2002)

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The Honda NSX Type R is a highly sought-after and collectible two-seat sports car, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 or more for well-maintained examples. 

It features a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces around 290 to 300 horsepower, and due to its collectible status, mileage tends to be relatively low on well-preserved models.

19. Subaru Impreza 22B STi (1998)

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The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is a rare and sought-after limited edition with a rally-inspired design and impressive performance. Price can range from $100,000 to $200,000.

It's a compact sports sedan or coupe with a turbocharged flat-four (boxer) engine, producing around 280 horsepower. Due to its collectible status, mileage tends to be relatively low on well-preserved models.

20. Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno (1983-1987)

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The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno was produced from 1983 to 1987 and has a varying price range depending on its condition and rarity. Typically, well-maintained examples can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.

The AE86 Sprinter Trueno is a lightweight coupe/hatchback with a rear-wheel-drive layout and superb handling characteristics. Its naturally aspirated inline-four engine produces 112-128 horsepower, depending on the trim and market, and has a top speed of around 120-130 mph.

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