Japan has produced some of the most iconic and sought-after cars in automotive history. Thanks to the 25-Year Import Rule, American enthusiasts can now legally import Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles that were previously unavailable in the U.S. Whether you’re into tuner cars, classic sports cars, or rugged off-roaders, there’s a JDM model to suit every taste.
Here’s a look at the most popular JDM cars being imported into the USA and why they’re so highly coveted.
1. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34) – The Legendary Godzilla
Years Available for U.S. Import:
R32 (1989-1994) – Already fully legal
R33 (1995-1998) – Already fully legal
R34 (1999-2002) – (Some models already legal)
Why It’s Popular:
The RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six engine is a tuner’s dream.
Advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system.
Dominated motorsports, earning the nickname “Godzilla.”
Market Price (2024):
R32 GT-R: 30,000–30,000–60,000+
R34 GT-R: 100,000–100,000–250,000+ (high demand)
2. Toyota Supra (Mk IV – JZA80) – The 90s JDM Icon
Years Available for U.S. Import:
1993-2002 (Some models already legal)
Why It’s Popular:
The legendary 2JZ-GTE engine is nearly indestructible and highly tunable.
Featured in The Fast and the Furious, boosting its cult status.
Rare RHD models are prized by collectors.
Market Price (2024):
50,000–50,000–120,000+ (depending on condition and rarity)
3. Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) – The Rotary Revolution
Years Available for U.S. Import:
1993-2002 (Some models now legal)
Why It’s Popular:
The 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary engine is lightweight and high-revving.
Timeless pop-up headlight design.
A favorite among drifters and tuners.
Market Price (2024):
25,000–25,000–70,000+ (clean, low-mileage examples command premiums)
4. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8, GD) – Rally-Bred AWD Monster
Years Available for U.S. Import:
GC8 (1992-2000) – Already legal
GD (2001-2007) – Becoming legal
Why It’s Popular:
Rally heritage with Symmetrical AWD and turbocharged power.
EJ20/EJ25 engines are highly tunable.
Rare 22B STI (wide-body) models are ultra-collectible.
Market Price (2024):
15,000–15,000–50,000+ (22B models can exceed $100,000)
5. Honda NSX (NA1/NA2) – Japan’s Ferrari
Years Available for U.S. Import:
1990-2005 (Most now legal)
Why It’s Popular:
Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a VTEC V6.
Lightweight aluminum chassis co-developed with Ferrari engineers.
A rare JDM NSX Type R is a holy grail for collectors.
Market Price (2024):
60,000–60,000–150,000+ (Type R models can fetch over $200K)
6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (I-VI) – The Rally Legend
Years Available for U.S. Import:
Evo I-III (1992-1996) – Already legal
Evo IV-VI (1996-2001) – (Some models already legal)
Why It’s Popular:
Turbocharged 4G63 engine with rally-proven AWD.
Aggressive styling and rally pedigree.
The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition is especially desirable.
Market Price (2024):
20,000–20,000–80,000+ (depending on model and condition)
7. Toyota Land Cruiser (70 Series) – The Unstoppable Off-Roader
Years Available for U.S. Import:
1984-1999 – Already legal
Why It’s Popular:
Legendary diesel (1HZ, 1HD-T) and petrol engines.
Rugged, go-anywhere capability.
Rare JDM models with factory turbo diesels are in high demand.
Market Price (2024):
20,000–20,000–60,000+ (clean diesel models fetch top dollar)
8. Nissan Silvia (S13, S14, S15) – The Drift King
Years Available for U.S. Import:
S13 (1988-1994) – Already legal
S14 (1994-1999) – Already legal
S15 (1999-2002) – (Some models already legal)
Why It’s Popular:
Lightweight, RWD chassis perfect for drifting.
SR20DET turbo engine is a tuner favorite.
The S15 Spec-R is one of the most sought-after drift cars.
Market Price (2024):
15,000–15,000–50,000+ (S15 prices are rising fast)
Which JDM Car Should You Import?
For Performance: Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra
For Drifting: Nissan Silvia, Mazda RX-7
For Rally Heritage: Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Evo
For Luxury & Exclusivity: Honda NSX
For Off-Roading: Toyota Land Cruiser
Final Thoughts
The U.S. JDM import scene is booming, with prices rising as more cars become legal. If you’re considering an import, act fast—clean, low-mileage examples are becoming harder to find. Whether you want a tuner, a rally legend, or a rare collector’s item, there’s a JDM car that fits the bill.
