The '90s was easily one of the best decades for the car industry and saw the birth of many great cars still revered today. There was so much happening in the auto industry at the time, especially with the rise of the sports car category. Amongst all the popular cars from the '90s, Japanese cars dominated the era. Some gearheads even go as far as calling the '90s the golden era of Japanese cars.
After stigmatization in the west, JDM cars began gaining acceptance in the '80s, and by the late '80s, they peaked. Japanese manufacturers attained a high level of success in the '90s with their sports cars and sedans. Their cars were not only stylish but were also less costly and reliable. Many people wanted these cars, and quite many people also got them. After all these years, some of these popular Japanese cars from the '90s have depreciated. Here are some '90s JDM cars that are now selling for Peanuts.
10 1993 Toyota Celica GT-Four
Toyota started making the Celica model in the 1970s, and when they decided to enter the World Rally Championship, they built a high-performance version – the Celica GT-Four. The 1993 Toyota Celica GT-Four has a 2.2-liter inline-four turbocharged engine with 135 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. That might not seem like much power, but the Celica GT-Four could really perform.
Also, the sports car has a stiff chassis and handles nicely. Toyota's Celica GT-Four was the first Japanese car to participate in the World Rally Championship, which paved the way for other Japanese cars.
9 1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo
The Nissan 300ZX is a stylish luxury car with loads of performance. For the 1991 model, Nissan used a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with a power output of 300 horsepower. Back in the '90s, the Nissan 300ZX Turbo was compared to the Dodge Stealth Turbo because of their similar features and performance figures.
However, the 300ZX can compete against more popular cars like the Chevrolet Corvette. One of the sports car's finest points is its cornering and steering capability. With a budget of $3,000-$8,000, you can get a 1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo today.
8 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Marketed in North America as the 3000GT and as the Mitsubishi GTO in Japan, the sports car is also known as the Dodge Stealth. The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 has an agreeable design with automatically adjustable front and rear spoilers. Models from 1990-1993 used the Z16A V6 engine with a five-speed manual transmission system.
Though the 3000GT VR-4 is AWD, owners outside Japan can modify the car to an FWD. The 1992 3000GT VR-4 has 300 horsepower and comes equipped with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive, and electronically controlled suspension.
7 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
When Subaru started making the Impreza model in 1992, the car looked like any other sedan. Later on, Subaru began building the WRX and WRX STI models, which are high-performance versions of the Impreza. To distinguish these models, the WRX STI models got a stiffer chassis, increased horsepower, and improved design.
The 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI has a sporty design and a powerful engine. With its 2.0-liter power train, the Impreza WRX STI can produce 261 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Today, you can find the 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI selling for less than $10,000.
6 1991 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is arguably one of the most popular Japanese cars ever. Since its introduction in 1976, the Honda Accord has stayed relevant. The model is currently in its 10th generation with no hiatus over the years. Though the carmaker has offered the Honda Accord in different body styles, the model is widely associated with the sedan variant.
The 1991 Honda Accord uses a 2.2-liter inline-four engine with a five-speed manual transmission to deliver 125 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque. Although the 1991 Honda Accord starts at $12,625, you can get a used one for much less.
5 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Any list of Japanese cars from the '90s would be incomplete without the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Mazda introduced the MX-5 Miata in 1989, and the model is still in production. The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight convertible roadster with an exciting design.
There's also an available hard top roof. For the 1990 model, Mazda used a 1.6-liter inline-four DOHC engine that delivers 116 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 100 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. With $5,995, the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata could be in your garage.
4 1990 Lexus LS400
The Lexus LS400 marked Toyota's successful entry into the luxury car market. Toyota was also one of the first Japanese manufacturers to do this. Although the Lexus LX400 was released in 1989, it has been in Toyota's plan for much longer.
Despite its old design, the 1990 Lexus LX400 is reliable as ever. The sedan handles excellently with extra points in maneuvering. Under the hood, the 1990 Lexus LX400 is fitted with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
3 1997 Toyota Camry
Another Japanese car that has stayed relevant today in so many markets is the Camry. Like its current models, the 1997 Toyota Camry has a simple design. The 1997 model has six different trims, so drivers have many options.
On the base model, the 1997 Toyota Camry has a 2.2-liter engine with an output of 133 horsepower, while a higher trim has a 3.0-liter engine with 194 horsepower. Apart from its design simplicity, the Toyota Camry is also easy to drive. The sedan also has much interior cargo, making it the perfect family car.
2 1996 Acura SLX
The Acura SLX is a luxury SUV with a rugged exterior design. Though the SLX looks similar to the Isuzu Trooper and shares mechanical components, both cars are different. When the Acura SLX was released, it competed with other luxury SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover, and the Ford Explorer.
The 1996 Acura SLX was outfitted in comfortable leather seats and faux wood trimmings in the interior. With its 3.2-liter V6 engine, the 1996 SLX can produce 190 horsepower. Interestingly, you can get this luxury SUV for about $3,500.
1 1995 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota did a great job with the 1995 Toyota Tacoma design, and they're still using the same design. What's more, it looks really good. However, outside its design, the Tacoma has gotten big changes over the years.
With trucks being popular in the US market, the Toyota Tacoma was one of the first Japanese trucks to gain acceptance. Like most Toyota cars, the Tacoma is reliable while only needing a few repairs. The 1995 Tacoma uses a 2.4-liter engine with 142 horsepower and 177 lb-ft torque.