8 Underrated JDM Cars Worth Checking Out in 2024
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Although the Japanese are known for producing some of the best-selling cars and SUVs in the market, they’re not exactly known for their speed records. However, that doesn’t mean that Japan doesn’t have track-ready sports cars – on the contrary, they have iconic sports cars such as the Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra. This is why many gearheads and enthusiasts gravitate towards JDM cars.
JDM means “Japanese Domestic Market” and is a vehicle only available in Japan. Over time, the term evolved to include made-in-Japan cars that are exported to other countries. Today, some JDM cars are only available in Japan, while some were tweaked for importation.
Today, we’re highlighting some of the most underrated JDM cars. In no particular order, these lesser-known or obscure JDM vehicles deserve more credit than they received and certainly warrant your attention in 2024.
1. Mitsubishi FTO
The Mitsubishi FTO is one of the top underrated JDM cars with a somewhat quirky design, but that’s certainly the selling point. This compact sports car was produced in Japan from 1994-2000 and never reached US shores. However, the FTO was available in the UK and Australia at some point.
The Mitsubishi FTO is a little two-door coupe with plenty of personality. It was meant to fill the void between the 3000GT and Eclipse within the automaker’s lineup. The FTO had a base 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 123 hp. Meanwhile, the fastest FTO configuration boasts a V6 engine capable of 197 horsepower.
Not exactly blazing fast by today’s standards, but the FTO is a fun and quirky drive.
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2. Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS (WC34)
Everyone’s familiar with the Skyline, and you’re probably confused just by looking at the Stagea. It’s effectively the station wagon version of the iconic Nissan Skyline. The original Nissan Stagea WC34 series was made in 1996 with an estate car profile and came with performance specs.
The Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS includes a 5-speed manual transmission paired with an AWD. This Autech version also received numerous upgrades like an improved suspension, body strengthening, a unique rear stabilizer, etc. The cabin also benefited from improvements such as the GTR-style gauges, a racing steering wheel, and a parking brake handle.
At 276 hp, the Stagea is essentially a Skyline with the practicality of a station wagon.
3. Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 went under most people’s radar because of the arguably more famous, Supra. However, aside from being more affordable than the Supra, the 86 delivers the goods that will please most car people. If you prefer underrated JDM cars that you can readily purchase in the market, the Toyota 86 is a solid choice.
The Toyota 86 has a rear-wheel-drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a high-revving naturally-aspirated motor. It can only crank out 205 hp, so don’t go expecting breaking speed records. Plus, thanks to its lightweight and agile profile, it handles like a dream.
4. Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude was produced starting in the late 70s and was only discontinued in 2001. While the Prelude was quite famous in the 80s, it faded into obscurity. But over the years, this classic JDM car became a hit among enthusiasts, and for good reasons.
The Prelude just screams classic Japanese cars. A 4-cylinder engine powers the front wheels producing an output of 200+ hp. Not very fast, but you could feel that the whole thing was assembled with precision and care.
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5. Suzuki Cappuccino
The Suzuki Cappuccino was manufactured to take on the Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5 Miata. This tiny two-seater is a convertible with a removable T-top. In addition to its tiny stature, the Cappuccino houses a small engine with comparably small power output. Meanwhile, its 42 mpg rating will undoubtedly please most potential buyers.
Ranging from 60-90 mph, the Suzuki Cappuccino isn’t exactly something you’ll want for power. However, despite being underpowered, especially with today’s standards, the Cappuccino is a budget-friendly bundle of fun, despite its relative rarity.
6. Toyota Chaser JZX100
Toyota went wild with its sports cars with the likes of Supra, GT-R, and Type-R. However, with all the news about import bans, some models have slipped through the cracks – including the Toyota Chaser JZX100. While it’s not as popular as the Supras and GT-Rs, the Chaser JZX100 became a hot item for gearheads and enthusiasts.
The Toyota Chaser JZX100 only became available as an import back in September 2021. Most people don’t know that the Chaser and Supra share several engines, most notably the 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GT engines. Overall, the Chaser JZX100 is a fun-to-drive and well-balanced sports car. Plus, it actually has four doors, making it a more practical option for many people.
7. Isuzu VehiCROSS
One look at the Isuzu VehiCROSS, and you know that it’s making a statement – most of it is that “I’m quirky and unique.” Admittedly, the style is probably not for everyone, but it’s hard to deny that this two-door SUV was way ahead of its time, design-wise. It’s an aggressive-looking off-road SUV with plenty of performance chops.
The Isuzu VehiCROSS may not appeal to everyone but boasts a distinctive look. Interestingly, the VehiCROSS can switch between AWD and 4WD using a computer system, making it a capable compact crossover. Moreover, this SUV comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that’s capable of 215 hp.
8. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is one of the best underrated JDM cars and is highly recommended if you want pure unadulterated driving pleasure. The Mazda RX-7 rose to popularity when people craved a performance car without spending too much on expensive sports vehicles. The Mazda RX-7 is genuinely a product of its time and is now more critical than ever when cheap sports cars are becoming a rarity.
In its prime, the RX-7 packs a 1.3-Liter rotary engine with an output of 135 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. Again, it’s hardly the fastest car out there, considering the standards of sports cars now. However, the Mazda RX-7 more than makes up for its lack of power with agile, balanced, and fun-to-drive quality.
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