Affordable True JDM Cars You Can Buy Today

Summary

• JDM models are highly sought-after in the U.S., with the Nissan Skyline R34 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI standing out.
• JDM cars like the Honda S2000 and Subaru Impreza WRX STI have strong performance and tuner-friendly reputations.
• Historic models like the Mazda RX-7, and Nissan Silvia Type R are discontinued but remain popular and beloved by car enthusiasts.

In the storied history of JDM vehicles, there have been a few that people outside their intended market pine over. These models include sports cars, off-roaders, and sleek cruisers. While some of the coveted JDM models are available for purchase or export in North America, many are not.

This has birthed a thriving community in the U.S., as well as many other parts of the world, that holds these vehicles in high regard, checking days off their calendar until their favorite JDM model becomes available for purchase in their country. That said, there are a plethora of iconic vehicles that are able to journey to North America, with more becoming available each year, including the legendary Nissan Skyline R34 and the classic Honda S2000 AP1.

Many JDM models are respected for their performance and have made a name for themselves in the competitive field. Not to mention, many JDM models are notoriously tuner-friendly and reliable, making them a sought-after choice for gearheads. Let’s take a look at a few historical models that you can legally buy. While some of these models may reach a high price tag at times on the classic car market, there are plenty of affordable ones if you look enough.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including CLASSIC.com, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Fastestlaps.com, and Zero60times.com.

10 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)

Average Used Price Range: $34,000 – $135,000

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a high-performance sports car produced by Nissan at the turn of the century. It is part of the Skyline GT-R series, known for its powerful engines and advanced racing technology. The R34 model featured a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, all-wheel drive, and a sophisticated suspension system, which allowed it both girthy power and superb handling.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan, and Fastestlaps.com)

While it gained popularity worldwide due to its appearance in various films and video games, the R34 GT-R is also recognized for its exceptional performance on the racetrack, winning several championships the world over. Sadly, production of the Skyline GT-R series was discontinued in 2002, making the R34 the last of its kind. Today, the R34 GT-R is highly sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors for its iconic design, impressive performance, and flat-out badassery.

9 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

Average Used Price Range: $23,000 – $40,000

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as the Evo, is a high-performance sports sedan produced by the venerated Mitsubishi Motors. It was first introduced in 1992 with the Evo VI quickly becoming a popular choice among car enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their ride. As of 2024, the VI can be legally imported. The Evo is known for its powerful turbocharged engine, advanced all-wheel drive system, and aggressive styling, and has, like the Skyline, found its way onto many motorsport circuits.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mitsubishi, and Fastestlaps.com)

It has a long history of success in motorsports, particularly in rally racing, where it has achieved numerous victories. The Evo has undergone several generations of updates and improvements, with each iteration offering more power and performance. However, in 2015, Mitsubishi announced that the Lancer Evolution would be discontinued, marking the end of an era for this iconic sports car. Despite its discontinuation, the Evo continues to have a dedicated fan base and remains highly sought after in the used car market.

8 Honda S2000 (AP1)

Average Used Price Range: $15,000 – $27,000

The Honda S2000 is a two-seater sports car that was produced by the praised Japanese automaker, Honda, in the early 2000s. It was initially introduced as a celebration of Honda’s 50th anniversary and was known for its high-revving engine and agile handling. The S2000 featured a rear-wheel-drive layout and a convertible soft top, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda, and Fastestlaps.com)

It was powered by a 2.0-liter or later a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, capable of producing up to 247 horsepower, making it one of the highest-output naturally aspirated engines per liter. The car had a six-speed manual transmission and was praised for its precise shifting and responsive steering. Despite its small size, the S2000 had a well-designed interior with supportive seats and modern features. It became popular among car enthusiasts and received positive reviews for its driving dynamics and performance. The production of the Honda S2000 ended in 2009, but it remains a sought-after model for its unique design and driving experience.

7 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type RA

Average Used Price Range: $17,000 – $33,000

The Impreza WRX STI is a model synonymous with rally racing. Known for putting Subaru on the motorsport circuit, the Impreza WRX STI was specifically designed and produced to compete in the World Rally Championships. Sporting an aggressive, sporty appearance, and an even more aggressive powertrain, the Impreza immediately caught the eyes of the performance community and became a runaway hit among enthusiasts. This led to the various iterations seen throughout the years, with the most rare coming from the first generation.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Subaru, and Fastestlaps.com)

The Impreza WRX STI Type RA was Subaru’s attempt to dethrone the high-dollar exotic competition. In fact, the RA in its name stands for “Record Attempt”, which is exactly what it fought for at the Nürburgring. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type RA actually achieved this record, though it was short-lived. Regardless, the Impreza WRX STI Type RA stands as an impressive achievement in automotive history, and lives on today through modern media and pop culture.

6 Mazda RX-7 (FD)

Average Used Price Range: $32,000 – $50,000

The Mazda RX-7 was a sports car produced by Mazda for nearly two and a half decades. It featured a unique rotary engine and a sleek design, both contributing factors to its performance and legacy. The first generation RX-7, known as the SA22C, was a success and helped establish Mazda’s reputation for sports cars. The second generation, FC3S, introduced in 1985, featured improved performance and styling. The third generation, FD3S, released in 1991, became the most iconic and successful model, known for its twin-turbocharged rotary engine and timeless design.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mazda, and Fastestlaps.com)

The RX-7 gained popularity in racing and was successful in various motorsport competitions as well as in modern pop culture thanks to Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift. It received praise for its handling and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. However, due to stricter emission regulations and declining sales, production of the RX-7 ceased in 2002. Despite its discontinuation, the Mazda RX-7 remains a highly regarded sports car known for its unique powertrain and its contribution to Mazda’s sports car legacy.

5 Nissan Silvia Spec R Auto (S15)

Average Used Price Range: $25,000 – $40,000

The Nissan Silvia is a sports car produced by the legendary Japanese automaker Nissan from 1964 to 2002. It was initially introduced as a compact car but evolved into a performance-oriented vehicle over the years and has just recently become available for import. The Silvia gained popularity for its sleek design, rear-wheel drive, and powerful engines, and became a platform for motorsport enthusiasts and was particularly successful in drifting competitions.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan, and Fastestlaps.com)

The Nissan Silvia went through seven generations, each offering improved performance and technology. However, due to changing market demands and stricter emissions regulations, Nissan discontinued the Silvia in 2002. Despite its discontinuation, the Silvia remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.

4 Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST165)

Average Used Price Range: $16,000 – $27,000

The Toyota Celica GT-Four was a high-performance sports car produced by Toyota from 1986 to 1999. It was based on the regular Celica but featured advanced technology and enhancements for improved performance and handling. The GT-Four was known for its powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive system, and rally-inspired design.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota, and Fastestlaps.com)

It achieved success in the World Rally Championship, winning multiple championships and gaining a reputation for its reliability and performance. The GT-Four went through several generations, with each model receiving upgrades and improvements. However, it was eventually discontinued in 1999 due to changing market demands and Toyota’s shift towards other models. Nonetheless, the Celica GT-Four remains a highly sought-after car among enthusiasts and collectors.

3 Nissan Fairlady Z (240Z)

Average Used Price Range: $23,000 – $30,000

The Nissan Fairlady Z, also known as the Datsun 240Z, is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan. It is part of Nissan’s Z-car line, whose rich history dates back to 1969 with the introduction of the Datsun 240Z. The Fairlady Z is a two-door coupe or convertible that offers a powerful performance and sleek design and is equipped with a V6 engine. The Fairlady also offers various trims and options to suit different preferences, making it more versatile in the market.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan, and Fastestlaps.com)

The Fairlady Z has gained popularity among car enthusiasts for its impressive handling, acceleration, and overall driving experience, and has undergone several updates and redesigns over the years to improve its performance and keep up with modern standards. Despite that, it has become an iconic sports car and continues to be a favorite choice for those seeking a thrilling and stylish driving experience, and has gained considerable pop culture appeal in recent decades. The Fairlady nameplate is still relevant in today’s motorsport scene, with both the classic 240Z and the new Fairlady Z making waves in multiple disciplines.

2 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series

Average Used Price Range: $25,000 – $50,000

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (J70) is a line of off-road vehicles produced by Toyota since 1984. It is known for its durability and reliability, making it popular for various applications, including military and commercial use. The 70 Series comes in different body styles, such as a pickup truck, SUV, and wagon, and is equipped with powerful engines and advanced features to handle tough terrain.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota Global and, Carguides.au)

The vehicle has gained a reputation for its robustness and ability to withstand extreme conditions without complaining, which is why it’s most popular in rural regions. Still, the Land Cruiser 70 Series has undergone several updates and improvements over the years while maintaining its ruggedness and iconic design, and continues to be a sought-after choice for those seeking a capable and dependable off-road vehicle, with Toyota reintroducing it to the modern age as we speak.

1 Honorable Mention: Subaru Legacy GT-B

Average Used Price Range: $11,000 – $20,000

The Legacy GT-B is a mid-size car produced by the iconic Subaru. It was first introduced in 1989 as a compact car, and over the years, it has evolved into a larger, more spacious vehicle. The Legacy is known for its all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling in various weather conditions. It comes in both sedan and wagon body styles, offering practicality and versatility. The Subaru Legacy can be seen selling for under $13,000 at auction.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Subaru, Fastestlaps.com, and Zero60times.com)

The Legacy has undergone several generations and facelifts, with each iteration bringing new features and improvements, and has gained a reputation for reliability, safety, and durability along the way. The latest models offer modern amenities, advanced safety technologies, and efficient engines, making the Legacy popular among drivers who enjoy its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and capable performance. It continues to be a strong competitor in the mid-size car segment.