10 best first jdm cars

If you have an eye for the sports car, you probably know or have at least heard about JDM cars. These automobiles are like Al Pacino of motor industries, iconic and well-respected. If you are just learning about the JDM car world and scratching your head like what it is, don’t fret! We are here for you. In this article, we will explore why JDM cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts, delve into their fascinating history, and highlight some of the best first JDM cars that continue to be adored by fans worldwide.

Please check out : Toyota vs Mazda 

What are JDM Cars?

JDM cars, the abbreviation of ‘Japanese Domestic Market’ cars are the vehicles that are specifically designed and manufactured for the Japanese automotive market with specific laws and regulations. The big names in the car industries such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mitsubishi frequently produce these vehicles. JDM cars are known for their high performance, cutting-edge technology, and distinctive appearance. They often have unique engine variants, performance enhancements, aerodynamic body kits, sportier suspension setups, and distinctive interior features. JDM vehicles are also renowned for their reliability, precision engineering, and meticulous attention to detail.

Here is a specification table of some of the best first JDM cars-

Why are JDM Cars So Popular?

As the market for Japanese performance vehicles has evolved over the past three decades, the industry has considerably changed. Before 1990, the average American needed more knowledge of Japanese domestic market models. In the 1980s, however, the situation began to change with the introduction of fast two-door coupes such as the Honda Prelude. Along with the Nissan 300ZX, the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 240SX, Toyota Supra, and Celica entered U.S. showrooms.

Nevertheless, it was during the 1990s that JDM vehicles truly captured the attention of enthusiasts, with magazines like Sport Compact Car and Super Street leading the charge in showcasing the growing enthusiasm for Japanese "tuner cars" and the emerging enthusiast culture surrounding them. These cars were typically modified with aftermarket parts to improve their performance and appearance.

Another factor that contributed to the popularity of JDM cars was the arrival of Japanese supercars in the US market. The Honda NSX and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 were two of the most popular models, and they helped to raise the profile of JDM cars among mainstream consumers.

By the early 2000s, JDM cars had become a staple of the US automotive market. With the release of the movie "The Fast and the Furious," the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo) became popular among enthusiasts.

JDM cars are popular for their performance, technology, styling, motorsports heritage, and customization options. They are known for their impressive power, advanced features, distinctive designs, and a passionate enthusiastic community. JDM cars have garnered a dedicated following worldwide, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

Best first jdm cars list

There are many best first JDM cars that are still loved and respected by all. Here are our top picks for you-

1. Toyota Supra

Originally derived from the Japanese market Celica, the Toyota Supra made its way to the U.S. market in 1980. By 1994, it evolved into a formidable sports car, equipped with a potent twin-turbocharged 2JZ engine producing over 320 horsepower. While sales in the U.S. ceased in 1998, the Supra remained available in Japan until 2002. In 2020, a new iteration of the Supra was introduced, developed in collaboration with BMW, marking the return of this iconic nameplate to the automotive scene. 

In 2023, the brand new version of Supra emerged with a manual transmission option for the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. The manual transmission is a six-speed unit that Toyota says was developed specifically for the Supra. It is available on both the 3.0 Premium and A91-MT Edition trim levels. The 2023 Toyota Supra starts at $44,640 for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model and $53,600 for the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six model. The manual transmission option is a $2,800 option.

2. Nissan 240SX

From 1989 to 1998, Nissan produced the Nissan 240SX, a sports compact car available as a 2-door coupe or convertible. Powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, the 240SX gained recognition for its impressive handling and performance, attracting both street racers and drifters. According to an article published by Motor Trend, the popularity of the 240SX extended beyond its performance capabilities.

The car became a symbol of the emerging import car culture in the United States during the 1990s. Referred to as the Nissan Silvia in Japan, this rear-wheel-drive coupe offered modest performance in the U.S. market.   However, in Japan and other markets, it came with the SR20DET turbocharged four-cylinder engine. As a popular modification, many owners convert their U.S.-sold 240SX models into Silvias by performing an engine swap with the SR20DET.  Although production ended in 1998, the 240SX remains a beloved choice among enthusiasts making it one of the best first JDM cars.

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible is a lightweight sports car with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Marketed as Mazda Roadster in Japan and Mazda Miata in the US, it has a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sleek design that is inspired by the classic roadsters, comfortable and well-equipped interior, and several standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning the Mazda Miata has it all.

The MX-5 Miata was an instant success when it was introduced in 1989 and the fourth generation came on in 2015, it is still going strong today. It has won numerous awards, including Motor Trend's Car of the Year and Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year. The MX-5 Miata has also been a popular choice for buyers, with over 1 million units sold worldwide. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $27,500. It is available in three trim levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. If you love agile handling and fun driving experience, then Mazda MX-5 Miata is perfect for you!

4. Honda Civic Type R

Honda has been developing and producing a series of high-performance hatchbacks and sedans based on the Civic since September 1997, known as the Honda Civic Type R. This JDM car is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and the engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The Civic Type R is designed for performance driving and it comes with three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and +R.

The Honda Civic Type R has been produced in four generations, with the latest model being released in 2022. It has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) clearly one of the best first JDM cars. The Civic Type R is a limited-production vehicle. Honda only produces a few thousand units each year. The pricing starts for The 2023 Honda Civic Type R at $43,990. If you want a high-performance hatchback that offers a thrilling driving experience, then the Honda Civic Type R is best for you.

5. Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX debuted in 1992, a performance-tuned variant of the Impreza. The 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine packed a punch, generating 227 horsepower. Drivers took notice, and the WRX quickly became a favorite choice for rally racing. Additionally, in 1994, Subaru upped its game with the WRX STI with a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 265 horsepower, a firmer suspension, and a wider body kit.

The WRX is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The WRX has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Moreover, it won three consecutive World Rally Championships (WRC) from 1995 to 1997 and numerous awards from automotive journalists, including Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 2002. The price for the 2023 WRX starts at $30,195. This JDM car is beloved by all making it one of the best first JDM cars with a loyal fanbase.

6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, known as the ‘Evo’, is a sports sedan that was introduced by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors. The JDM car has had 10 variants, all of which have been produced in limited numbers. The first generation Evolution was produced from 1992 to 1995, and the tenth and final generation was produced from 2008 to 2016.  It was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 250 horsepower. The Evolution was available with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed manual transmission and was equipped with many safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, and side airbags.

Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2016. The reason for discontinuation was due to declining sales and the rising cost of emissions regulations. The lancer evolution was a popular choice for enthusiasts and rally drivers. In June 2006, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution emerged as Consumer Search's best Aggressive sports sedan in best Sports Sedans and received six major prizes in 2004-2005 alone, including "Sports Car of the Year" in Scotland and France. Even today we regard The lancer evolution for its powerful engine, excellent handling, and all-wheel drive capability.

7. Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engine legendary sports car that was produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. The MR2 stands for "Midship Runabout 2-seater," indicating its mid-engine layout and two-seat configuration. It was initially introduced in 1984 and went through three generations of production before being discontinued in 2007. The first generation MR2 (W10) was appreciated for its handling and affordability and came with either a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter engine. The second generation MR2 (W20) was more powerful and spacious, with a 2.0-liter naturally fuelled or turbocharged engine option.

The third and last version MR2 (W30) was smaller and lighter than the previous generation, with just a 1.8-liter supercharged engine available. It became well-known for its outstanding handling, well-balanced chassis, and affordably priced price, making it a popular choice for the best first JDM cars. Although manufacturing stopped in 2007, the Toyota MR2 remains a sports car legend, providing an enduring legacy that continues to inspire automotive fans.

8. Nissan Silvia

The Nissan Silvia is a sports coupe that was produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan. It was introduced in 1964 and went through several generations before being discontinued in 2002. It earned a reputation for its nimble agility, responsive rear-wheel drive, and lightweight construction and became a favorite canvas for tuners and enthusiasts, craving even more performance. The Silvia made its mark in its original version with a feisty 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, laying the groundwork for the excitement to come.

Its power got bolder with time, with subsequent versions sporting bigger engines ranging from 2.0 liters to a dominating 2.4 liters. Nissan Silvia was very versatile, with coupe and hatchback body configurations available. Although the production of the Silvia ended in 2002, its legacy lives on, and it remains an iconic symbol of Nissan's commitment to delivering exciting and engaging sports cars.

9. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a two-seater, front-mid engine, open-top sports car that was manufactured by Honda from 1999 to 2009. It was a celebration of Honda's 50th anniversary and a successor to the iconic S-series roadsters of the 1960s. The S2000 was powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine that produced 240 horsepower. This gave it a specific power output of 124 horsepower per liter, which was the highest of any naturally aspirated mass-produced car at the time.

The S2000 was also lightweight, with a curb weight of just 2,800 pounds. This gave it excellent performance and handling. It was available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. The S2000 was praised for its handling and performance, and it won several awards, including Motor Trend Car of the Year. This is one of the most loved best first JDM cars and is now a modern classic and collectible car among enthusiasts.

10. Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car, captivated automotive enthusiasts from 1978 to 2002 across three generations. It was powered by a rotary engine, a type of internal combustion engine that was different from the more common piston engine. The first-generation RX-7, known as the FB, introduced in 1978, featured a 1.1-liter 12A rotary engine and offered both coupé and hatchback body styles. The second-generation RX-7, the FC, debuted in 1985, with a 1.3-liter 13B rotary engine and was available as a coupé or convertible. Then came the third and final generation, the FD, in 1992, boasting a 1.3-liter 13B rotary engine with sequential turbocharging and a coupé body style.

The RX-7's success extended beyond the streets, as it excelled in motorsports, conquering championships like the IMSA Camel GT and the World Sports Prototype Championship. However, declining sales and tightening emissions standards led to its discontinuation in 2002. The Mazda RX-7 is an iconic sports car that is cherished by automotive enthusiasts as one of the best first JDM cars of all time.

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Conclusion

What a thrilling race it was to the universe of JDM cars! These best first JDM cars have carved out a special place for themselves among the hearts of car lovers. So why settle for less when you can flaunt a car that can turn heads everywhere you jaunt through? So, buckle up and embrace the exhilaration with style and passion.