Over the years, JDM cars have been best known for their bulletproof reliability and tunability. But they also offer great handling and well-balanced performance than many American and European vehicles. Whether you need a dependable daily driver or a track monster, there's a JDM car for everyone. And the best part is that you don't have to break the bank to get something that's fun to drive.
JDM automakers conquered the world by offering practical, fun-to-drive, reliable, and economy cars, but as of late, many cost a pretty penny, and that's understandable given their quality. That said, if you want a JDM car that gets your heart racing without costing an arm and a leg, keep reading.
10 1990 Mazda RX-7 - $12,600
The RX-7 is one of Mazda’s bestselling rotary vehicles, with over 800,000 units sold before it was discontinued in 2002. The 1990s RX-7s are not only great to look at, but they have also become a tuner's favorite and a cool collector’s item. The base 1990 RX-7 makes up to 160 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
Getting behind the wheel of the Mazda RX-7 lets you take charge of the road, as twists and turns are a breeze for the Japanese car. A 1990 Mazda RX-7 in good spirits goes for roughly $13,000, per Hagerty.
9 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution II - $15,000
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution II gives driving enthusiasts and professional race drivers joy when they get behind the wheel. The 4G63 Inline-4 turbo engine works with a 5-speed manual transmission to put out up to 260 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque.
The 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo facelift sprints to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds and tops out at 111 mph. Since it was made from just 1994 to 1995, the Lancer Evo II is quite tricky to find. But if you do stumble upon one, it sets you back around $15,000.
8 1994 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R - $16,500
While the Nissan Pulsar GTI-R never enjoyed the same level of recognition as the Skyline GTR R32 from the same period, it's a really cool hot hatch that was developed to fulfill homologation requirements at the Group A of the World Rally Championship.
Nicknamed ”Baby Godzilla”, the Pulsar GT-R could hit 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds and max out at 144 mph, which is no mere feat for a ‘90s hot hatch. You can get a US-imported Pulsar GTI-R for less than $20,000 today.
7 1995 Nissan 300ZX (Z32) - $12,000
The 1995 Nissan 300ZX coincidentally marks the 25th anniversary of the Z car line, so it comes with more special features. The 3.0-liter V6 engine was mated with a 5-speed manual transmission to deliver 222 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque.
You can't help but appreciate the raw, but smooth power of the Nissan's 300ZX, with its nimble handling. It keeps you flat and straight, even when the road isn't. As the 300ZX accelerator lifts you, the brakes bring you back down smoothly.
6 1996 Honda Integra Type R DC2 - $29,500
The Integra Type R DC2 is perhaps the most performance-oriented yet luxurious version of the Honda Civic. The 1996 iteration, which is part of the third-generation Integra Type-R, is considered one of the best front-wheel drive cars ever, so finding one for less than $30,000 is a steal.
The reliable performance of the Integra Type-R stems from a highly-tuned B18C engine that works with a 5-speed manual transmission. The ‘96 Integra Type-R covers 60 mph in just over 6.0 seconds and produces up to 200 hp.
5 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder - $9,999
Considering its ride comfort, maneuverability, and stability, the Toyota MR2 is a really underrated sports car. Under the hood lies a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 138 horsepower and pushes the MR2 Spyder to 60 mph in under 7.0 seconds.
When it comes to driving impressions, the Toyota MR2 Spyder offers a smooth ride on rough pavement. It's a fun little car to drive around town, but since it lacks cargo room, you may want to consider something else as your grocery-getter.
4 2005 Toyota Celica - $7,500
The Toyota Celica has been criticized for its slow and overweight nature, but towards the end of its production life, the Celica became a sharp performer with racecar design elements for equally sharp looks. The rev-happy 4-cylinder engine cranks out 140 hp for the base GT and up to 180 horses for the GT-S.
The Celica’s soft suspension absorbs road bumps and offers a more pleasant ride experience. You will experience minimal body roll around curvy roads, and a host of standard safety features gives you more confidence on the road.
3 2006 Honda S2000 - $27,000
If you need to get your pulse pumping, but don't have the money from a Porsche or Ferrari, the Honda S2000 is a pocket-friendly alternative. The Honda S2000 is easy to make around curves, and it doesn't come with a gas-guzzling six- or eight-cylinder. But at 8,900 rpm, the two-seat roadster might require some time to get used to it.
With the 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution of the Honda S2000, it's well-balanced and well-mannered around corners and on long trips. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine spits out 237 hp and routes the power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.
2 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - $14,990
The WRX STI is the highest standard-edition trim of the Subaru Impreza lineup. Subaru actually uses a race-bred version of the WRX STI for its rally events. The Japanese automaker introduced the GD chassis to the Impreza WRX STI to increase torsional stiffness and beam rigidity.
With the new chassis, the Impreza WRX STI is more stable around corners and easier to handle at the limit. The taut and nimble suspension offers a smooth ride, and one-handed driving is a breeze.
1 2015 Honda S660 - $18,000
The Honda S660 is a spiritual successor to the Beat roadster from the ‘90s, and it shares its mid-engine layout. Since the S660 comes with a three-cylinder 660cc engine, it is designated as a Kei car in Japan. Honda was very particular about the 45-55 front-rear weight balance because it wanted to maximize the fun of making turns.
The S660’s open-air cabin space, 350mm steering wheel diameter, and well-positioned accelerator and brake pedals give you the feeling of driving a go-kart. Its sweet-sounding in-line 3-cylinder DOHC turbo engine is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.