Whether it be that the model wasn't offered, or the car simply never was available, there are many different reasons why we can't have these JDM legends.
Car culture is largely based on imports in the U.S where you will see even at shows and events, the large majority of vehicles are imported. The one thing about cars made in Japan is that most of the makers in the 1990s created some of the most powerful, best handling, and most reliable sports cars in the world.
To think that some of the best-made sports cars in the world never have been available for U.S buyers seems a bit taboo, but that is what this list is comprised of, JDM Legends which we can't have in the U.S.
We've got cars from major brands; Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. These were the primary brands which created these iconic cars and made them unavailable for purchase in that trim in the U.S.
The 1990s and 2000s were the golden era of most sports cars from Japan which is why this generation of cars is highly sought after. Luckily for many of the cars that aren't listed, there is the 25-year rule for importing vehicles, but these are 25 JDM Legends we can't have in the U.S.
25 Honda NSX-R
By far the most legendary Honda NSX ever created was the Honda NSX-R.
This was Honda's effort at creating a Type R version of the NSX which at the time, was already considered in the supercar territory. While Honda created the NSX to compete in circuit racing, they once again stepped up with their NSX-R version.
Not only did it receive an extra boost in power, but upgraded handling, brakes and a few aesthetic changes gave the NSX-R a newer look. This car reigned superior over the slower US spec NSX.
24 Nissan Silvia Kouki
Much like its younger brother the S15, the Kouki version of the S14 Silvia is another rare version that we can't quite get our hands on in the US.
Similarly, the Kouki version features an SR20DET, around 189 hp and a very aggressive face-lift in the front end of the car.
You might see these cars quite frequently if you catch Formula D or D1GP in Japan. Also, in efforts to create this rare version of the S14, enthusiasts similarly swap the front end onto U.S-based cars to have their own.
23 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR
Now here is one of the gems in the JDM car world. Quite frankly the most legendary JDM car that we can't get in the U.S, the Nissan Skyline R34 GTR.
This car has been seen in markets around the world, and even in films such as the Fast and the Furious, but it has evaded U.S markets.
Not originally offered by Nissan in the U.S (like all Skyline Models), this car quickly gained fame since the induction of the car in Hollywood movies.
22 Subaru 22b STi RA
The Subaru WRX of the 1990s became of the most famous cars in the world due to it's backing in the World Rally Stage.
However, in the U.S we did receive a similar Subaru in the WRX trim. But this JDM Legend is the 22B STi which sported the custom BBS wheels, STi handling upgrades, bigger brakes, and the legendary STi wing.
The 22b STi was only offered in the legendary World Rally by Subaru through the years of its production.
21 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R
Now the Mazda RX-7 is a car that speaks for itself. The rotary powered machine paired with Twin Turbos was one of the fastest Sports cars in the Early to Late 90s.
The Spirit R was a Japan-only trim that never hit the U.S market. This model sported Special Edition wheels, better brakes, More active aero, and better cooling for improved performance on the track.
This paired with some minor interior changes, made this special edition one that we didn't get our hands on in the U.S, and won't be able to for a number of years to come.
20 Mitsubishi Evolution Wagon
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a JDM Legend that we all know and love. But one thing is a bit different about this one, it is a wagon!
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Wagon was never offered in the US, and we won't see it any time soon.
Mitsubishi equipped the Evolution Wagon with nearly every aspect of the normal Lancer Evolution, including the legendary 4G63 engine which powers this all-wheel-drive monster of a wagon. Along with Brembo brakes, stiff suspension, and the power plant, this wagon is nothing to sleep on, in fact, it might just be one of the most iconic JDM Sleeper.
19 Toyota JZX100
The Toyota JZX100 is a JDM Legend. But why?
Well, the JZX100 is another car similar to the Laurel that is a more luxury car, that is also a front engine, rear wheel drive, and awesome for drifting.
The JZX100 was available with the legendary 1JZGTE engine, which also was never offered in the US, giving this luxury sedan drift missile the ultimate capability as a family sports car. Also known as the Cressida, the JZX100 is a car that to this day, we cannot get in the U.S, even under the 25-year rule that allows for imports over 25 years old.
18 Honda S660
Arguably the newest car on the list is the Honda S660. The S660 is considered to be a modern successor to the S2000. This car does fall under the Kei car category in Japan.
Don't let the small size fool you, the Honda S660 is really nimble, even in the Japan mountain roads, and it has already been track tested like most of Honda's cars.
Unfortunately, don't look to have this one in the U.S any time soon, as the S660 doesn't seem to have any intention of hitting U.S markets.
17 Toyota Aristo JZS140
The Toyota Aristo historically has never been available in the US. We've always received similar renditions under the Lexus branding.
Since Lexus doesn't exist in Japan, here you have the Aristo JZS140. What is unique about this JDM Legend you ask?
Well, this JZS140 comes equipped with the even more renowned 2JZ GTE engine, which you might recognize from the Toyota Supra of the similar era. This helps to make this Toyota Aristo JZS140 a legend in itself, simply due to the fact that it contains the heart of a legend.
16 Nissan Stagea 260RS
The Nissan Stagea is one of the cars that never was sold in the US, under any trim or alias. Not only does the Stagea contain a very similar body line as the Skyline R34, it shares a similar drivetrain as well. Sporting a four-wheel drive system, the legendary RB26DETT, Brembo brakes, and even a limited slip differential.
Take notes, believe it or not, the Stagea front end is commonly swapped with the R34 GTR front end, to make in essence, an R34 GTR Wagon!
15 Nissan Silvia S15
Another JDM Legend that was never offered in the US is the Nissan Silvia S15. Besides the actual "Silvia" deemed vehicles never hit the showroom floor (Sold as the 240sx), the S15 is considered to be one of the biggest unicorns in the JDM world.
Not only does it pair the SR20DET engine, cranking out over 200 hp, but it also offers some of the cleanest body lines ever in the JDM world.
This car is so sought after that enthusiasts even go as far as importing the front headlights, bumper, hood, and fenders to swap onto the U.S-based 240sx.
14 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR
Not as popular as the R34, but equally as legendary is the Nissan Skyline R33 GTR. The R33 was the successor to the R32 "Godzilla" which changed the circuit racing world for years to come.
The R33 GTR was one of the only Skyline vehicles to be taken and actually given the LMR treatment, which is rarer than most cars you can find, as it is a full race spec R33 from the factory.
Equally as powerful the R33 GTR sported the RB26DETT engine, which all GTR Skyline models were equipped with.
13 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R
The Pulsar was another Nissan vehicle that never hit the showroom floor of U.S-based dealerships, and that was tragic.
However, the Pulsar created its own legacy as the "Baby Godzilla." The GTi-R was paired with a similar all-wheel-drive ATESSA system as the Skyline GTR, paired with the Legendary SR20DET engine and weighing in at around 2,600 lbs.
This car was no joke, and this trim never made it to the US. The Pulsar gained popularity as it raced in the Group A Rally Series.
12 Nissan Laurel C35
The Laurel isn't as popular as some of the other Nissan cars that were mentioned above, but nonetheless, it is a JDM legend we can't have in the U.S.
The C35 Laurel is a luxury front engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan that has none other than the RB25DET engine from the GTS-T Skyline series.
In Japan, these cars are extremely popular as they offer a luxurious take on a drift car, and they are reliable, so they can continue drifting run after run, along with the drive home.
11 Nissan Gloria Y33
The Nissan Gloria is another car that never made it to the US markets, especially the Y33 version which is next up on our list.
The Nissan Gloria Y33 is the top of the line luxury sedan that Nissan offered during the last 90s and early 2000s. This model was given a few different trim specs including the front engine, rear-wheel drive model that is paired with the RB25DET engine.
Again, this is a tribute to the "VIP" style drift cars in Japan that are becoming more popular in the US as we speak. The Nissan Gloria Y33 is the grail of those cars, with style and performance to match.
10 Subaru WRX RA
The Subaru WRX has always been one of the most reputable cars in the JDM world. This is by far one of the most unique trim levels that were never made available in the U.S in the GC8 Subaru WRX.
The Subaru WRX RA is a special edition that combines the styling of the WRX, with the performance of the STi model of the legendary Subaru. Each of these comes with an upgraded engine, special edition wheels, brakes and more.
Unfortunately, like the 22B STi, the Subaru WRX RA was never made available in any sort of US spec car.
9 Subaru Forester STi
The Subaru Forester is one of those cars that is available in the U.S, however, the U.S and most of the world never received the STi trim.
Known for their dominance of rally racing in the world stage, Subaru has created some of the best and fastest sports cars and rally cars alike.
The Subaru Forester STi was given the facelift and performance boost that you'd expect of any Subaru WRX. The flat 4 Boxer turbo engine with the performance all-wheel-drive system, bigger brakes, and better suspension gives Forester owners in the U.S a ton of jealousy.
8 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 MR Ralliart
Following up with another legendary rendition of the Evolution, the Lancer Evolution 8 MR Ralliart was a trim that is just as rare as the car itself.
The Ralliart is a limited production line that Ralliart, Mitsubishi's Rally Program, has given the car Special Edition wheels, aero (front lip, side skirts, etc.) plus interior trim.
This car was given a special edition color to match as well. The Lancer Evolution 8 MR Ralliart was only made in a limited amount, available in Japan and very few other locations in the world.
7 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6
The Predecessor to the first Lancer Evolution to come to the States (The Evolution 7), comes the Lancer Evolution 6.
This car was never offered in the states and is by far one of the JDM Legends we can't get. Mitsubishi gave this car a treatment that seems to come straight from the Rally stages that they competed in.
Also, paired with the 4G63 Engine, the Evo 6 is no slouch in power either. From the aggressive, function aero, to the massive fog lights up front, this car screams rally.
Unfortunately, the Evo 6 will not be available in the states. This gives the car more value, rarity, and mystique, as the car is a JDM Legend.
6 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 3
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 3 was another one of the mysterious rally based cars that never came to the US market. Not only can we not get this car, but we are missing out on a beast inside and out.
Again with the Flagship 4G63 engine, this Lancer Evolution 3 was given a rally spec anti-lag system to ensure that the turbo never falls out of boost.
From a Rally standpoint, the car was the ultimate contender, then when Mitsubishi released the car into production, it became the ultimate back road mountain shredding machine.