No matter how eternal they may seem, not all car nameplates can go on forever. Discontinuing cars can happen due to various reasons such as decreasing sales, increased model issues, or high production costs. If the models are not living up to the required profits, the brands have to make the call to remove them from the lineup to save the bottom line.
The same applies to these iconic JDM cars. Though some of these models were quite popular within the domestic market due to their speed, comfort, or aesthetic features, they have all since been discontinued. Their renown, however, has led to a significant number of them being pristinely kept by their owners. But as recent comeback models like the Bronco or the Defender prove, it's never too late for a second chance, and we're convinced these ten Japanese cars deserve it more than any other.
10 Honda S2000
The S2000 is one of the best roadsters that came from Honda between 1999 and 2009. It was a convertible two-seater with a long hood to accentuate its sporty nature. The powertrain also entailed a 2.0 naturally aspirated four-cylinder that was good for 240 horsepower. And considering its 2855-lb curb weight, this power gave it a power-to-weight ratio unseen in its segment.
Interestingly the car had to be stationary for the roof to be operated. Even though the earlier versions did not have traction control, the drive was very exciting due to the well-balanced and stiff chassis.
9 Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 represented the automaker's peak performance, considering the naturally aspirated engine replaced the turbochargers in the RX-7. The 1.3-liter rotary offers a decent output of 210 horsepower.
Its lack of forced induction did rub some of the buyers the wrong way as it resulted in less power and made the RX-8 seem like a disappointment compared to its predecessor. Should Mazda bring back the RX series, they would be to solve the notorious Wankel engine issues or abandon that powertrain for the RX series altogether. It would have to abide by the stricter emissions regulations as well.
8 Nissan 240SX
The 240SX needs no introduction, being the poster car for drifting when the JDM culture started to catch on. The second generation had a 2.4-liter KA24DE I4 yielding 140 horsepower. It was not the fastest car, of course, but the handling was sublime, and its modification potential made it a favorite of the car enthusiast community.
The interior was quite spartan, considering it was discontinued before technology packages took center stage. A remake would probably resemble what the Toyota did with the GT 86 and include better comfort, infotainment, and safety.
7 Honda Integra Type-R
The second Honda on the list had a high-revving VTEC engine that entailed a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder producing 220 horsepower. It was a proper front wheel sports can that had a limited-slip differential.
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The car also had significant aesthetic appeal and great interior accents, which provide the potential for luxury if it were to be remade. A comeback of the Integra is apparently already scheduled in 2022 in China as a twin model for the Civic sedan.
6 Mitsubishi Evo
Mitsubishi's epic rally offering captivated the globe from the early '90s up until two decades later. It was made as an aggressive response to the Subaru Impreza on the WRC though several were made as production cars. They were not only fast but had incredible handling.
It was also the only proper response to the WRX. A return of the turbocharged Evo would appeal to several car enthusiasts should the carmaker decide to bring it back. Even up to the final generation, the model showed an ability to evolve in terms of performance, technology, and comfort.
5 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Eclipse was produced between 1989 and 2011 as the classic sedan sports car. Its success was due to the aesthetic style and the performance. The Eclipse had the GS and GSX variants had turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve 4G63 engine producing 195 horsepower.
It was the same as the engine in the Evo, which shows why the Eclipse was so quick. It was underrated then and probably would be at present as being fast, styling, and fuel-efficient.
4 Toyota MR2
Considering Toyota had success reviving the Supra, they may have the same bringing back the mid-engine MR2. It was a sporty convertible that resembled the typical European sports cars from Porsche, Ferrari, and Fiat.
Its low weight was complemented by a 1.8-liter VVTI engine that produced 138 horsepower. The fact it's a mid-engine car made it a lot of fun to drive because of the handling. It was also very affordable, so it would be a hit with the young sports car enthusiasts.
3 Subaru SVX
The SVX is a sporty two-door coupe that was introduced to the market when Japanese luxury cars started to challenge the European segment. The SVX did go out of production because of recurring transmission issues, but it was a popular sports car.
The engine was a 3.3-liter variant of the EJ22, rated at 231 horsepower. If the automaker were to bring back the model, it would probably include a hybrid setup and mend the gearbox issues. The interior and technology may also do with some improvement.
2 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Also known as the Mitsubishi GTO, the 3000GT was a performance car favorite of the 90s. The engine was a capable 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 300 horsepower, which is more than what most Japanese sports cars produced at the time.
Though it was technologically advanced, the 3000GT was economical, meaning it would be a fan favorite if restored. The new model would have significant aesthetic potential to build on as the discontinued series was very pretty.
1 Toyota Celica
The Celica was also a popular JDM car from the 90s and early 2000s. It inherited performance pedigree from the rally car that was a significant contender after the Group B days. It was reputed to be a great car to drive at any speed due to its intuitive handling.
The powertrain included a 1.8-liter supercharged, four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower. It was not the most powerful car, but the styling and handling would be much appreciated if returned to production.