10 Gorgeous Classic JDM Cars For Collectors On A Budget

10 1990 Toyota MR2

Starting Used Price: $4,535

In 1990, Toyota introduced a redesigned version of the first-generation MR2 after its successful five-year run from 1985 to 1989. The new Toyota MR2 came with a sportier and more substantial appearance compared to its predecessor. Base models were equipped with a 130-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine borrowed from Toyota’s Celica GT/GT-S. And thus, the 1990 MR2 model was the last true JDM variant. From 1991 onwards, the MR2 was shipped out to the U.S. as well.

For those seeking more power, the 1991 Toyota MR2, the non-JDM variant, offered a turbocharged version with a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, aptly named the MR2 Turbo. Notably, the supercharged engine from the 1989 model was not carried over to the new generation cars. Transmission options included a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic for non-turbo models.

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The 1991 MR2 came with a T-bar roof option, and a pop-up or removable moonroof was also available. Inside, the MR2 provided more room, thanks to a 3.2-inch larger wheelbase and an overall length increase of 9.3 inches compared to the previous generation. Additionally, anti-lock braking became a new optional feature, and a driver’s airbag was standard, emphasizing safety and modernization in this new iteration.

9 1994 Mazda Eunos Roadster

Average Used Price:$7,736

Right from the start, Mazda’s Miata demonstrated that you don’t need mind-boggling performance figures to have a blast behind the wheel. The first-generation Mazda MX-5 (often called the Miata) was equipped with a modest 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, which was later upgraded to a 1.8-liter engine producing a humble 128 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Mazda was so committed to crafting the Miata as a driver’s car that they strategically placed the battery and spare tire in the trunk to optimize weight distribution. In fact, Mazda proudly claimed that the MX-5 boasted a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight balance.

8 1991 Honda Beat

Average Used Price:$8,407

One of Japan’s most celebrated Kei cars is undoubtedly the Honda Beat. It made its debut in 1991 and stayed in production until 1996. Interestingly, it had a spiritual successor in 2015 with the introduction of the Honda S660. Despite its sporty appearance, the Honda Beat’s powertrain is not overly aggressive. It’s powered by a modest 656cc, 63-horsepower three-cylinder engine positioned just behind the seats. The higher trim engine boasts Honda’s MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) system, which incorporates three separate throttle bodies, one for each cylinder. This setup is designed to extract as much power as possible from the engine.

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The only available drivetrain option is a five-speed manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. This ensures that all of the car’s 44 pound-feet of torque effectively reaches the ground, contributing to its sporty handling.

7 1992 Suzuki Cappuccino

Starting Used Price: $10,167

In the world of JDM pocket rockets, the Suzuki Cappuccino takes on the Honda Beat and Autozam AZ-1. Where it stands out in the kei car category is with its nifty three-cylinder turbocharged engine and its knack for delivering precise handling.

This little beast falls into the Kei car category, so it’s equipped with a petite 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine that cranks out 63 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque. Sure, these numbers don’t sound so sweet, but it doesn’t put on many pounds. Thanks to its feather-light curb weight of just 1,598 lbs, the Suzuki Cappuccino is surprisingly quick and agile on its feet.

6 Subaru Impreza STi Type RA

Starting Used Price: $13,000

The Subaru Impreza has a solid track record in the JDM car scene, and its third generation introduced a special edition Type RA package. This version packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine delivering a punchy 280 horsepower. Thanks to this power boost, the STI Type RA can go from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.4 seconds, making it quite a competitive choice in its price range.

If you’re eyeing this cousin of the famous Subaru Impreza WRX STi, you’ll be pleased to know that it starts at just $12,800 on the used market, as per Classic.com. That’s a pretty sweet deal for a JDM car equipped with rally-tech under the hood.

5 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four

Starting Used Price: $17,000

If you’re looking for a timeless classic that’s bound to turn heads and also pump out some gut-wrenching power, the Celica GT-4 is your best bet. It’s a hidden gem from the Japanese domestic market and a bit of a sleeper in the world of rally cars. While it might not have the same spotlight as some of its rally rivals, that’s part of what makes it so cool.

Peer under the hood, and you’ll be greeted with a sweet 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 252 hp. This gives it a 0 to 60 mph time of around 6.3 seconds, but some folks say it can even go faster in the right conditions.

4 1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

Average Used Price: $13,000

Mitsubishi is often overlooked these days, but they made some mean-looking cars back in the ’90s and the 1991 Gallant VR-4 delivered on that front. It boasted a mean muscly look with some superb performance under the hood.

The 1991 Gallant VR4 was a torquey power plant, which featured a DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produced a gut-punching 195 hp with 203 lb-ft of twist. It’s still a joy to drive around. And the best part is that the Gallant VR-4 is an absolute bargain. With an aggressive look that steals the show, the Gallant VR-4 is one of the few times Mitsubishi did something right. Sadly, production of the Gallant ended in 2012.

3 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo

Average Used Price: $13,700

The Eunos Cosmo might not ring a bell for those who haven’t played the original Gran Turismo game. It was one of the initial cars you could get your hands on in the game. While it may not have been the absolute fastest car, it certainly packed a respectable punch. Interestingly, when ranking the fastest cars ever produced by Mazda, some enthusiasts will notice that a few of these vehicles never made it to the United States; they were only accessible in the realm of video games.

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Under the hood of the Cosmo, you’d find rotary engines, which is a logical choice considering Mazda’s affinity for these unique powerplants. Produced from 1990 to 1995, the Cosmo came with two different versions of Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine: the 13B-RE and the 20B-REW. These engines, equipped with a twin-turbocharged system, generated 235 horsepower and 300 horsepower, respectively.

2 1997 Toyota Century V12

Average Used Price: $25,000

The Toyota Century, based on the platform of the Toyota Crown and notably the first Japanese car to feature a V8 engine, made its debut in the fall of 1967. This introduction came nearly two years after Nissan had unveiled its ultra-luxury flagship, the President. While the Century didn’t pioneer the full-size luxury car market in Japan, it certainly played a defining role in shaping it.

Fast-forward to April 1997, and the second-generation Century made its entrance. Visually, it maintained a similar appearance to its predecessor. However, the significant change lay under the hood of this Japanese automotive titan.

The new Century was now powered by the revolutionary 1GZ-FE engine, making it the first and only front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V12 car to be manufactured in Japan—a distinction it holds to this day. Under a Gentleman’s Agreement, the Century was officially rated at 276 horsepower in Japan. However, the export model told a different tale, boasting an output of up to 295 horsepower. Additionally, the Century delivered a substantial 340 lb-ft of torque and was renowned for having one of the finest V12 engine notes of its era.

1 1995 Honda Integra Type R

Average Used Price: $43,000

The Honda Integra Type R was built on a strong foundation, and it was part of the third-generation Integra lineup, known as the DC2. Interestingly, the origins of the Type R can be traced back to Honda’s remarkable NSX sports car, which aimed to rival Ferrari. While the regular NSX was an outstanding all-around performer, the 1992 NSX-R, available exclusively in Japan, was a highly focused and single-minded beast designed for the racetrack.

Under the hood, the engine could rev up to an impressive 8400 rpm and produce 190 horsepower at 8000 rpm, a significant increase of 20 horsepower over the standard Integra engine. It featured Honda’s groundbreaking VTEC technology, which seamlessly combined slow and fast cam profiles on the same camshafts for optimal performance.

Unlike many other Honda VTEC engines of that era, the B18C engine, a variant of the B16 engine found in modern fast Civics, delivered a satisfying level of torque. While the peak torque of 131 lb-ft arrived at a high 7300 rpm, there was already a substantial 125 lb-ft available at 3000 rpm.