Japan has over the years introduced the world to affordable, reliable, versatile, and adaptable cars. Japan’s style of small-engine cars brought the American market to an almost standstill in the 1970s.

Japanese manufacturers infiltrated the American market at a time when America was at its most vulnerable. The early 1970s marked the introduction of rules and regulations governing emission. These rules and regulations saw the American motor industry almost crumble.

This was not made easier with the oil crisis that hit the country in 1973. As a result of all these factors, the American market turns to Japanese cars to fill the void. These cars were classics and are today marked as legends. Let us take a look at ten of the most stunning Japanese cars ever made.

9 Datsun 510

Via: Classic Cars

After the Datsun Roadster had cemented its reputation in America, it opened up the doors to other Japanese cars. In 1968, a new Japanese player joined the game – the Datsun 510. This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Japanese cars in the world.

Via: Hagerty

This classic ride introduced the world to the trademark-box design, which was a style only seen in European cars. The Datsun 510 was a favorite among the middle class because of its tuning capabilities and decent gas consumption. The Datsun 510 was powered by a 1.6-liter L-Series inline-four engine that pushed 96 horsepower.

8 Acura NSX

Honda NSX
via Pinterest

The Acura NSX or as it is known in other parts of the world, the Honda NSX, is a perfect blend of power and elegance. The NSX was unveiled in 1990 and was in production for 15 years before it was discontinued in 2005. In 2016, Honda revived the Acura NSX. And this time, they promised it was going to be better than it was ever before.

Honda NSX
via Pinterest

The Acura NSX has survived through the trials and tribulations of the market by maintaining performance without compromising on aesthetics.

7 Datsun 240Z

Via: Road and Track

The Datsun 240Z was the first successful Japanese sports car in the United States when it debuted in America in 1970.

RELATED: 10 Little Known Facts About Nissan’s Z Cars

Via: Vehicle Storage Bribane

This Japanese classic was a combination of modern engineering, great performance, sleek body design, and decent gas consumption. The Z was powered by a 2.4-liter L24 inline-six engine. This engine had a power output of 151 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, enough to give it a top speed of 126 mph.

6 Nissan GT-R

Via: Motor Authority

When it comes to performance cars, the Nissan GT-R is a beast. The GT-R, or Godzilla, as it is known in motoring circles, has for the past couple of years dominated on wall posters as well as on the track.

Via: Autoweek

This ride boasts of a 3.8-liter V6 turbo engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine pushes 565 horsepower. The GT-R accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Nissan managed to package all this power under a properly designed body. This Nissan GT-R is one of the most beautiful and most powerful Japanese cars in the market.

5 Mazda RX-2

Via: Classic Cars

The Mazda RX-2 was one of the first cars to feature a Wankel rotary engine. This car was sold as the Mazda RX-2, the Mazda 616, and later the Mazda 618 in America. It was sold as the Mazda Capella in the Japanese Domestic Market.

Via: HiConsumption

This car was the first non-sport car that was powered by a UB inline-four SU2A engine that pushed 130 horsepower. During the two years this car was in production, it was sold in America, New Zealand, South Africa, as well as parts of Britain and Germany.

RELATED: JDM Cars We Wish Were Sold In The States

4 Toyota Celica Liftback

Via: Newsday

Since the Celica’s debut in 1970, it opened up the doors to more Toyota sports cars in the American market. The Toyota Celica Liftback was a refinement of its predecessor. This ride was more aesthetically pleasing and a real threat to the American muscle car industry, especially the Mustang.

The Celica Liftback was powered by a 2.2-liter SOHC inline-four engine that was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This engine had a maximum output of 96 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque.

3 Mazda RX-7

Via: Hargert

Mazda gained notoriety when it used the Wankel rotary engine in the Mazda RX-2 in 1970. This was the first time a Wankel rotary engine was used in a car. This achievement propelled them to the top as the go-to Japanese company for invention and innovation.

Via: Hagerty

In 1992, Mazda unveiled yet another revolutionary car, the Mazda RX-7. The RX-7 was a beautiful sports hatchback that was powered by a 1.3-liter 13B-REW engine that pushed 255 horsepower. The starting price for the Mazda RX-7 in 1992 was $32,000. Today you can get this beautiful classic Japanese sports car for $21,000.

2 Toyota Supra

Via: Car Gurus

Toyota has always been on the front line of building some of the cheapest, most affordable, and most adaptable sports cars in the market. While cheap compared to establish sports car brands, the Supra was expensive for a Toyota.

RELATED: The Truth Behind The Engine Hiding In The 2021 Toyota Supra

Via: Pinterst

The Supra was in production for four generations before it was first discontinued. Recently, Toyota brought back the Supra, and this new generation classic car is living up to its predecessors’ footsteps.

1 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-RI

Via: Pinterest

When it comes to off-roading vehicles Japanese car manufacturers have always been on their toes. Mitsubishi has for the longest time been able to balance power and aesthetics without compromising on comfort and style.

Via: Wikipedia Commons

The Mitsubishi Starion ESI-RI was built to succeed the 1982 Sapporo. This hardtop four-seater rally beast featured a 2.0-liter inline-four 4G63 engine that pushed 150 horsepower. The Starion ESI-ERI was a blend of all the classic Japanese cars that made it big in America. These cars included the Mazda RX-2, Datsun 280ZX, and the Toyota Celica.

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