Japan is the only Asian carmaker to have maintained its presence in occidental markets for over four decades. There are several reasons why every gearhead should buy a Japanese car. The main reason is the fact that these cars are extremely modular and durable. Moreover, some Japanese-made cars are as incredible as German or American-made ones.
Though cars such as the F3DS RX-7 and Supra MK4 are known worldwide for being valuable, tons of great Japanese ended up depreciating tremendously. That being said, these Japanese cars will put European sports cars to shame when modified. While they can become M5 and C63 killers, these cars can be absolutely dirt cheap.
10 1990 Nissan 240SX
Nissan is well-known for producing cars that are only second to Toyota. The Maxima and the Frontier were never as amazing and popular as the Camry and the Tacoma. With that being said, Nissan inherited a truly valuable carmaker. Datsun had already come up with the Skyline and the Z-Series, which are some of Nissan's most incredible vehicles today.
The 240SX is the sort of Japanese sports car that looks better with a bodykit. In fact, the S13 is known for being one of the best Nissan cars to modify. Though the 2.4L four-cylinder engine produces only 140 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque, it can be tuned to produce an insane amount of power. An S13 can go for as low as $5,000.
9 1991 Toyota Supra MK3
Toyota is one of those Japanese brands that is mainly known for its family-friendly vehicles. From the Camry to the Highlander, Toyota has manufactured some of America's most popular vehicles. In fact, these Japanese vehicles are actually American-made. Older and more classic vehicles such as the Supra were always Japanese-made until recently.
The Toyota Supra is MK3 is the very first Supra that is not a Corolla. Its very retro look and outstanding turbocharged 3.0L 7M-GTE inline-six engine have been attracting an increasing amount of gearheads looking for a classic Japanese car. Though its value ranges between $7,000 and $16,000, it is quite affordable for a car of that caliber.
8 1991 Nissan 300ZX
There is a myriad of overlooked Japanese vehicles. From the Mitsubishi Galant VR4 to the Subaru Legacy GT, several Japanese cars' stunning qualities were only recognized by connoisseurs. Though some cars such as the 300ZX were more publicized, they surprisingly did not sell as well as they should have.
Also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, the 300ZX is quite a phenomenal vehicle. At best, the 300ZX Z32 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 that cranks out 300 hp to the wheels at 6,400 rpm. The value of the 300ZX ranges $3,500 and $14,650.
7 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
When thinking about Japanese sports sedans, two vehicles logically come to mind: the Subaru Impreza and the Mitsubishi Lancer. For the past three decades, the two sedans have been duking it out both on the track and on the road. Most gearheads tend to forget that these two amazing cars started from very humble beginnings.
This edition of the Lancer Evo is the type of cheap Japanese sports car that is actually incredibly fast. Using the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine of the Galant, the very first Lancer Evo boasts 244 hp at 6,000 rpm and 228 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. A 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR was for sale on BaT for $14,896. That is chump change given the car's status and pedigree.
6 1993 Toyota MR2
The Audi RS3 is far more popular in Europe than it is in the US. Similarly, the Dodge Stealth was far more popular in the US than it was in Europe. The same principle applies to the Toyota MR2. In the US, the car is known for being a below-average Toyota two-door car. In Japan, the MR2 is a legend.
The second generation of the Toyota MR2 is quite special. It was hardly considered amazing in the US, but it is quite a legendary vehicle in Japan. At best, the MR2 comes with a turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE inline-four engine that cranks out 200 hp at 6,000 rpm. As far as the MR2's value is concerned, non-turbo cars in need of some tlc can be had for a couple of thousand dollars while mint-condition turbo models will fetch 10s of thousands.
5 1994 Mazda Miata
Mazda is not the sort of carmaker that manufactures one amazing car after the other. Throughout its existence, the carmaker released two genuinely outstanding cars, namely the RX-7 and the Miata. To put it in perspective, BMW came up with the Z-Series only to rival the Miata.
The Miata is by far the most popular roadster made in Japan. Thanks to its modularity, the Mazda conquered the hearts of gearheads worldwide. The original engine is known to be quite decent, but it can easily be replaced by an LS or 2JZ-GTE engine. A '94 Miata in terrific condition will set you back less than $4,000.
4 1994 Subaru Impreza WRX
When the Mustang was created, it is unsure whether Ford was expecting to create such an emblematic car. Similarly, when Datsun came up with the Skyline, it is unclear whether they knew they had created one of the most iconic Japanese cars. Subaru did know it was creating a truly amazing affordable sports sedan, but it sure did not know it was setting the stage for one of the most intense car rivalries of all times.
The first generation of Impreza WRX sure is nothing like the latest versions. Rome was not built in a day after all. The very first WRX still produced 236 hp, which is not bad for a car that size. With a current value of about $5,000, the Impreza WRX is a car every gearhead should have in their driveway.
3 1996 Toyota Celica GT-Four
Any uneducated gearhead will tell you the only respectable Toyota is the Supra MK4. Poor soul. They must have been fed the Fast And Furious Kool Aid. True gearheads know that Toyota has created several amazing vehicles, including the AE86 and the Celica GT. It is fair to say that these vehicles did not receive the exposure they truly deserve.
The Toyota Celica was one of Toyota's most impressive sports cars. The Supra stems from the Celica after all. Despite its legacy, the car was discontinued. The last Celica was nothing but a disappointment. The '96 Celica GT ST205 is quite an amazing vehicle. The turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE inline-four cranks out up to 258 hp (Japanese version). In terrific condition, this emblematic sports car can cost up to $20,000.
2 2001 Acura Integra Type R
The early 2000s were a very awkward era. Phones were stupidly tiny, and the effects of Fast And Furious were noticeable. Most Japanese cars were turned into flashy and loud trash bins on wheels. Your next-door neighbor suddenly became a street racer thanks to a bunch of stickers placed on his windshield.
The Acura Integra is known for being among the worst Acura's ever made. The only reason behind this is the fact that people turned this decent car into a rice rocket. The Integra Type-R, however, is quite an amazing car. The 1.8L four-cylinder engine develops 195 hp, which is quite good for a car that age. The Integra Type-R is shooting up in value, however, it is possible to find one in average condition for about $10,000.
1 2002 Honda Accord Type R
Most Honda cars are looked upon as cheap and poorly-powered vehicles. When looking at the base Civic or CRX, it is fair to say that they do fall in the "trash" category. However, Honda does have some die-hard fans. These fans have often asked for Honda cars that pack a meaner punch. The Accord Type-R is one of these cars.
Dubbed the "Euro R," the Accord Type-R must be the most underrated Honda in the world. Under the hood sits a solid 2.2L VTEC engine that cranks out 217 hp. Not bad for a 20-year-old Honda. Given the fact that only 1980 units were ever produced, the car costs upward to $30,000. It is not cheap, but it is also not much for such a collectible.