21 Retro JDM Cars Every Enthusiast Would Love to Own

Vintage JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars are celebrated for their unique style, performance, and innovation. These classic models have a special allure that makes them highly desirable among car enthusiasts. Here are some of the sickest vintage JDM cars we’d love to own, showcasing their iconic design and legendary status.

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)

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The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), produced from 1989 to 1994, is a legendary JDM car known for its performance and racing heritage. It features a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 276 horsepower, with actual output often higher. The R32’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and impressive handling earned it the nickname “Godzilla” for its dominance in motorsports. True gearheads appreciate the R32 for its balance of power, technology, and iconic status. Prices for well-maintained models range from $50,000 to $100,000.

Toyota Supra (A80)

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The Toyota Supra (A80), produced from 1993 to 2002, is one of the most celebrated JDM cars, known for its robust 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 276 horsepower, with the capability for much more. Its timeless design, impressive handling, and tunability make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Customer reviews often highlight its reliability and performance potential. Prices for the A80 Supra have skyrocketed, with pristine examples fetching over $100,000.

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

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The Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), produced from 1992 to 2002, is renowned for its rotary engine and sleek design. It features a 1.3-liter twin-rotor turbocharged engine producing 276 horsepower. The FD3S is praised for its balanced chassis, lightweight construction, and exceptional handling. Enthusiasts love its unique engine and driving dynamics. Prices for well-maintained models range from $30,000 to $70,000.

Honda NSX (NA1)

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The Honda NSX (NA1), produced from 1990 to 2005, is a mid-engine sports car known for its innovative design and performance. It features a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower. The NSX’s lightweight aluminum body, excellent handling, and reliability make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Customer reviews often highlight its balance of daily drivability and track performance. Prices for the NA1 NSX range from $70,000 to $150,000.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, produced from 1999 to 2001, is a rally-bred performance car known for its turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive system. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 276 horsepower. The Evo VI’s aggressive design, impressive handling, and motorsport success make it highly desirable. Enthusiasts appreciate its performance and tunability. Prices for the Evo VI range from $25,000 to $50,000.

Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)

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The Nissan Fairlady Z (S30), also known as the Datsun 240Z, produced from 1969 to 1978, is a classic JDM sports car known for its timeless design and performance. It features a 2.4-liter inline-six engine producing 151 horsepower. The S30’s sleek design, balanced handling, and affordable performance made it a hit in the 1970s. Enthusiasts love its vintage appeal and driving dynamics. Prices for well-maintained models range from $30,000 to $70,000.

Toyota 2000GT

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The Toyota 2000GT, produced from 1967 to 1970, is a rare and iconic JDM sports car. It features a 2.0-liter inline-six engine producing 150 horsepower. The 2000GT’s stunning design, advanced technology for its time, and limited production of just 351 units make it highly collectible. Enthusiasts and collectors value its beauty and historical significance. Prices for the 2000GT can exceed $1 million.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8)

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The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8), produced from 1992 to 2000, is a rally-inspired performance car known for its turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive system. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 276 horsepower. The GC8’s aggressive styling, impressive handling, and motorsport success make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $20,000 to $40,000.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

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The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA), produced from 1989 to 1997, is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its fun driving dynamics. It features a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter inline-four engine producing up to 133 horsepower. The NA Miata’s simple design, exceptional handling, and reliability make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Nissan Silvia (S13)

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The Nissan Silvia (S13), produced from 1988 to 1994, is a popular JDM car known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and turbocharged power. It features a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 202 horsepower. The S13’s sharp styling, balanced handling, and performance potential make it a favorite among drifting enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $15,000 to $30,000.

Honda Civic SiR (EF9)

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The Honda Civic SiR (EF9), produced from 1989 to 1991, is a high-performance variant of the Civic known for its lightweight design and rev-happy engine. It features a 1.6-liter B16A inline-four engine producing 160 horsepower. The EF9’s nimble handling, reliability, and performance make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

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The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, produced from 1990 to 2001, is a technologically advanced sports car known for its all-wheel-drive system and twin-turbocharged power. It features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 276 horsepower. The 3000GT VR-4’s aggressive design, advanced technology, and strong performance make it highly desirable. Prices for well-maintained models range from $20,000 to $40,000.

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

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The Nissan 300ZX (Z32), produced from 1989 to 2000, is a sports car known for its sleek design and performance. It features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 300 horsepower. The Z32’s advanced technology, balanced handling, and strong performance make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $15,000 to $30,000.

Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST185)

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The Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST185), produced from 1989 to 1993, is a rally-inspired sports car known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged power. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 252 horsepower. The ST185’s aggressive styling, impressive handling, and motorsport success make it highly desirable. Prices for well-maintained models range from $15,000 to $25,000.

Honda Prelude (BA5)

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The Honda Prelude (BA5), produced from 1987 to 1991, is a sporty coupe known for its sleek design and handling. It features a 2.1-liter inline-four engine producing 140 horsepower. The BA5’s pop-up headlights, sharp styling, and reliable performance make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Mazda Cosmo (JC)

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The Mazda Cosmo (JC), produced from 1990 to 1996, is a luxury sports coupe known for its unique rotary engine and advanced technology. It features a 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter twin-turbocharged three-rotor engine producing up to 300 horsepower. The JC Cosmo’s luxurious interior, smooth performance, and rarity make it highly desirable. Prices for well-maintained models range from $20,000 to $40,000.

Toyota MR2 (AW11)

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The Toyota MR2 (AW11), produced from 1984 to 1989, is a mid-engine sports car known for its agile handling and lightweight design. It features a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing up to 145 horsepower. The AW11’s unique design, balanced handling, and reliability make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Nissan Pulsar GTI-R

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The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R, produced from 1990 to 1994, is a hot hatch known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged power. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 227 horsepower. The GTI-R’s aggressive styling, impressive performance, and rally heritage make it highly desirable. Prices for well-maintained models range from $20,000 to $30,000.

Suzuki Cappuccino

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The Suzuki Cappuccino, produced from 1991 to 1997, is a small, lightweight sports car known for its fun driving dynamics and compact design. It features a 0.7-liter turbocharged inline-three engine producing 63 horsepower. The Cappuccino’s unique design, nimble handling, and kei car status make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Toyota Soarer (Z20)

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The Toyota Soarer (Z20), produced from 1986 to 1991, is a luxury sports coupe known for its sleek design and advanced technology. It features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 232 horsepower. The Z20 Soarer’s luxurious interior, smooth performance, and strong performance make it highly desirable. Prices for well-maintained models range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Nissan Silvia (S15)

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The Nissan Silvia (S15), produced from 1999 to 2002, is a rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its sharp design and turbocharged power. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 250 horsepower. The S15’s aggressive styling, impressive handling, and performance potential make it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models range from $20,000 to $40,000.

This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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