JDM cars are well known for being excellent platforms for modifications. Some like the Honda Civic and the Subaru WRX have taken all the glory for themselves as they are capable from the factory and easy to exploit for more significant performance gains. It doesn’t hurt that these cars are widely available and relatively affordable, making them popular amongst tuning and mod enthusiasts.
Though Japan is well known for its fast sports cars that are excellent mod platforms, many other incredible JDM models exist for gearheads to transform into the coolest show cars. A few well-known commuter cars can be transformed into something special. Further, even unexpected models have time to shine if the owner is willing to put the time, love, and money to create a unique piece of car history.
9 Honda Accord
Often overlooked in favor of the Civic, the Honda Accord is slightly bigger and slightly heavier. New models feature a turbocharged four-cylinder, allowing one to save the money and work of installing an aftermarket one. Additionally, some older models were even equipped with a V6 engine!
This mid-size sedan can be made into the coolest show car by installing a body kit, lowering the suspension, and swapping out the headlights. These mods will give the tame look of the Accord a boost in aggressiveness, making it one crazy ride!
8 Honda CR-V
Don’t ever tell someone they can’t do something. They may give you a modded Honda CR-V that actually looks pretty cool. Not to mention, some performance mods can really provide a boost in speed!
Adding a lowered suspension kit, aftermarket turbo, and Catback exhaust system gives the CR-V performance boosts. A body kit and perhaps a wrap would do wonders in making this bland JDM crossover an incredible show car waiting to blow spectators away.
7 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla and the Camry are the most famous sedans as Japanese cars go! That also means they are begging for some aftermarket modifications. The Corolla, for example, benefits from some coil-overs, air intakes, and throttle controllers.
Plus, featuring Apex trims and a hot hatch version, the Corolla can be fantastic right from the factory. However, a few modifications and the practical family sedan can be secretly the coolest show car!
6 Toyota Camry
Like the Corolla, the Toyota Camry is a beautiful show car waiting to happen. And also, like the Corolla, the Camry’s speed gets a boost with air intakes, performance exhaust systems, and an improved suspension kit.
The Camry is slightly longer than the Corolla, but it comes with an option for a V6, making speed an option. Adding just a few excellent body mods also makes the Camry a worthy Japanese show car.
5 Nissan Juke Nismo
Nissans rather odd two-door crossover SUV proves that weird is good. The Nissan Juke Nismo can be modified into anything, such as a crazy snowmobile, proving that you can make any car into something extraordinary.
The Nismo adds a few upgrades, but with some additional mods, the Juke Nismo can be transformed into what it should’ve been all along; a race-inspired crossover! Plus, the Juke is a platform that is in desperate need of some aggressive body kit mods!
4 Nissan Altima
Another practical mid-sized car that is begging to be modded. The Nissan Altima is perfect for tuning. Currently, installed with a 2.5L four-cylinder, but the Altima does feature 3.5L V6 options for those willing to search.
This practical sedan can rival the civic as one of Japan’s coolest show cars! The excellent engine options for the Altima give it a boost out the gate. Still, performance mods, along with some aerodynamic customizations, can unlock the surprise factor for anyone looking to start some trouble.
3 Infinity Q50
The Q50 is subtle. Everything about it, from the body styling to the mods, is subtle, but that doesn’t mean it’s slow. Hiding away is a 400hp engine ready to rip the pavement!
The Infiniti Q50 reaches actual speed demon status when upgraded suspension, performance exhaust, and a tuning chip are installed.
2 Mazda 3
The Mazdaspeed 3 may be dead, but that doesn’t mean the Mazda 3 can’t be molded into one of the coolest show cars! With an optional manual transmission, hatchback variants, and optional AWD, the Mazda 3 is a perfect JDM modification platform.
Despite being overlooked as a hatch, the Mazda 3 could be modded into one of the coolest hot hatches around! Further, performance mods are easy to install and can really boost the wow factor of this Mazda!
1 Toyota Yaris
With the introduction of the GR trim, the decidedly dull Yaris took a huge step forward. Sadly the GR isn't available in the U.S, but the Yaris can still be modified into something truly scary!
A whole engine swap isn’t entirely off the table, and along with body kits, enhanced sport exhaust, and coil-over suspension upgrades, the Toyota Yaris is ready to take on the track, street, or whatever demons possessed one to create such a creation!