What Are the Most Popular JDM Cars?

Many rare, notable, and powerful cars have come from the Japanese Domestic Market, many are classics now.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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JDM Honda NSX
It is no secret that
Japanese carmakers
have produced some of the most iconic cars in the industry. JDM cars are particularly appreciated by auto enthusiasts because of their forward-thinking use of design and technology.
JDM refers to the Japanese Domestic Market, a term used to describe cars that were once only sold in Japan. Now, these
pop-culture favorites
are available internationally and are rising in value, especially in the United States. Here are a few of the most popular JDM cars.

The Skyline GT-R leads the pack in JDM popularity

Just the mention of the
Nissan Skyline
gets true gearheads buzzing. 
The much sought-after Japanese powerhouse was produced from 1972 to 2002. Skyline's appearance as the lead car in the Fast and Furious film series gave it cult status, according to
Hypebeast
. Several video games also feature the car. 
The Skyline R32, known as the "Godzilla" because of its Japanese origin, is difficult to find in the used car market. The R33 and R34 models are rare too, which drives up the price. The 25-year threshold for importing JDM cars into the United States edged prices up to $100,000 on the Skyline. And that's if you can even find one.

The Mazda RX-7 is a JDM with a timeless design drivers love

The stylish Mazda RX-7 earned a huge following for its lightweight construction and sportscar-like pop-up headlights. Fans of the Japanese Initial D street racing
anime series
took notice of Ryosuke Takahashi's White Mazda RX-7 FC. The car was built from 1992 to 2002 with a timeless design that still impresses today.
One of the RX-7's most unique features is its compact turbocharged rotary engine found behind the front axle. It is something seldom seen in other cars and much appreciated by drivers who want a smoother ride.
Motorist
notes that the rare FC2S and the FC3S models can sell for well over $100,000 on some used car websites.

Is the Honda NSX Japan’s best supercar?

The Honda NSX  might be one of Japan's most underappreciated supercars. Also known as the
Acura NSX
in North America, it was the first mass-produced car featuring an aluminum body. 
Japanese automakers hoped the NSX would compete with iconic sports cars like the Ferrari. It turns out their "everyday supercar" managed to do just that.
The NSX is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine and was produced and sold between 1992 and 2005. Its VTEC high-performance system and exceptional handling, along with its affordability, gave drivers exactly what they wanted. 
Only 18,000 models were ever sold around the world according to Honda. Expect to pay a hefty price if you are lucky enough to come across one of these automotive beauties.

The Toyota Supra might be one of the coolest JDM cars ever made 

Fast and Furious fans might remember when Paul Walker wrecked the Toyota Supra MK IV, much to the chagrin of moviegoers. 
Its legendary status endures and it is one of the most
sought-after JDM cars
on the aftermarket scene. The twin-turbocharged 2JZ engine is able to rev up to an incredible 800 hp at its tip-top best.
But drivers love the Supra most for its reliability. It is considered to be one of the finest JDM cars ever produced. Collectors will need to dig deep into their wallets to buy this exorbitantly priced icon in the second-hand marketplace. 

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Japanese car manufacturers can certainly be credited for introducing the world to superior automotive excellence. Though JDM cars were built initially for the Japanese market, the international driving community is now reaping the benefits. 
Getting the best insurance for your JDM car is as smart as it is cost-saving.
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